How to Loosen Rusted Bolts & Parts
A bolt or similar part that has rusted may be difficult to loosen. The rust that has formed on the threading causes the bolt to adhere to the material in which it was installed. You need to break the seal between the rust and the material. You also want to be sure you don't break the bolt, which compounds your problem considerably. There are different approaches you can follow to loosen a rusted part. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Wire brush
- Cola drink or lemon juice
- Wrench
- Penetrating oil
- Naval gel rust remover
- Disposable cloths
Instructions
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1
Clean the bolt with a wire brush. Scrub the top of the bolt and around it with the brush, getting as close to the edges of the bolt as possible.
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2
Apply a small amount of cola drink or lemon juice to the bolt. Pour approximately a teaspoon over the bolt and allow the liquid to sit for three to five minutes.
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3
Use an appropriate sized wrench to turn and loosen the bolt. If the liquid has done the job and dissolved the rust, the part should come out.
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4
Apply extra torque. If the bolt does not loosen, use a longer handled wrench. The extra torque may apply enough pressure to loosen the bolt.
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5
Tap the bolt with a small hammer or chisel. Do not hit the bolt too hard. The tap should be just enough to break the seal between the rust and the material. Use the right sized wrench to loosen the bolt.
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6
Use a penetrating oil to loosen the bolt. The acidic liquid may not be enough to dissolve the rust. If so, try a penetrating oil such as WD-40. Apply the oil on and around the bolt and allow to sit for at least 10 minutes. If possible, allow the oil to sit overnight before using a wrench to remove the part.
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7
Use a chemical rust removing gel if the other methods have failed. Rust removing gels, such as naval gel, require certain safety precautions.
Put on safety glasses and rubber gloves before handling the gel. Apply the gel to the bolt with a disposable cloth and allow the gel to sit for 15 minutes. The gel should turn from pink to black.
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8
Use a wire brush to scrub on and around the rusted bolt. Wipe the gel from the surface and the bolt with a dampened disposable cloth. Use an appropriate sized wrench to loosen the screw.
Apply a second application of the gel if the bolt still won't loosen. Repeat the process until you are able to loosen the bolt.
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Tips & Warnings
Always use the proper size wrench for the bolt. Using a larger one to accommodate for the rust may result in stripping the bolt head.
Heating the bolt with a propane torch may hasten the method using penetrating oil. If the material is flammable, however, do not use a torch.
