How to Remove a Rusted Steel Nut

Rusted nuts and bolts can be difficult to remove. The rust corrosion acts like a super glue of sorts. If you try to force a rusted nut that just won't move, you risk breaking the bolt or stripping the nut. If you strip the nut you will have no other choice but to break the bolt just to get it off. Then you have the tedious task of trying to figure out how to get a rusted bolt out of the hole. It is much easier for you and safer for the bolt if you try the steps that follow.

Things You'll Need

• Penetrating rust lubricant Locking pliers Wire brush

Instructions

1. Clean as much of the nut that you can using the wire brush. You will see that some rust-colored dust will come off.

2. Spray the nut with the penetrating rust lubricant. Make sure that you are saturating it completely and spraying the bolt above and below the nut. Penetrating rust lubricant are products such as WD40 and Evapo-Rust. You can find a comparison of these types of products at the website under the additional resources.

3. Scrub the nut again with the wire brush. You should also tap the nut and the bolt so that some of the penetrating rust lubricant works in the grooves of the nut and bolt.

4. Allow the lubricant to soak for about 5 minutes without doing anything.

5. Test the nut using your locking pliers. If a short turn provides no results, or the nut only turns a little, you will need to apply more lubricant and let it sit for about 10 minutes longer.

6. Try to unscrew the nut again, using your locking pliers. It should start to come free, but you may need to spray more lubricant on it as you are turning it so it releases easier.

References

• Rust Products and Help