How to Loosen Rusty Nuts, Bolts and Screws

Have a rusted nut, bolt or screw that you just can't get loose? There are a couple methods I have used that have worked and I hope will help you as well!

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Liquid spray can of "rust buster", penetrating oil, type product. (Available at auto parts stores).
• Propane torch (Hand Held Size you can purchase at most Hardware Stores)
• Tools to loosen your particular nut, bolt or screw
• Pair of work gloves

1. First try spraying the rusted on part with a liquid rust buster type product. Spray directly on the threaded areas you are working on with the object being to get the liquid to seep "into" the rusted area. Wait a few minutes and then try to loosen it. If still stuck, wait maybe thirty minutes or so this time after spraying more rust buster. If still stuck, you can try to leave soaking overnight. If this doesn't work you will need something more!

2. Typical Penetrating Oil and Propane Torch.

   Please only try this next step if you are in an environment where you can use a hand held propane torch.
   If it is a screw you are trying to loosen, you want the tip of the torch flame hitting the top of the screw head moving the flame around slightly to heat the entire head. Usually 30 seconds or less of heat time is enough for a screw. Put your gloves on since the head of the screw will be very hot and you don't want to touch it by accident and burn yourself. Now try to loosen the screw with your screwdriver while the screw head is still hot. Always remember to turn the torch off when you are not using it.

3. If it is a nut and/or bolt that is frozen then you would heat up the nut and bolt where it meets together along with the entire nut. You may have to heat this area a minute or so, depending on the size of the nut or bolt, to insure that it is hot enough and the heat has had enough time to penetrate the entire connection.
   Put your gloves on and try to loosen the nut or bolt with the correct wrenches.

4. If after the heat you are still having a problem, you may try again with more heat from the torch, with the thought being to really weaken the frozen connection.

5. If all of the above fails, then I'm afraid the final alternative would be to cut it free. This would entail the use of special power tools meant to cut through steel or a professional grade cutting torch.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes if it is a screw you are trying to get out and the above steps fail you can try drilling through the center of the head of the screw to drive the screw out from the other end, if this is an option.

• Before using the torch, think your moves through and be positive that the flame will only go directly where you want it to be and not shoot behind your work area and burn something else or cause a fire. Especially be careful you are never near the fuel tank or lines of a car when you are using a torch.