How to Use an Air Impact Wrench to a Remove Seized Bolt

When making repairs to your lawn equipment or automobile, you often need to remove parts. At times, the bolts securing the parts are tight and difficult to remove with just a wrench or socket. An effective way to remove a seized bolt is to use an air impact wrench. Unlike a hand tool, the impact wrench shocks the bolt as it is being turned. This combination is often enough to loosen even the most stubborn seized bolt. The key is to operate the impact wrench in quick bursts instead of holding the reverse trigger down.

Things You'll Need

• Stiff wire brush
• Spray penetrating lubricant
• Sockets

Instructions

1. Brush the bolt head with a stiff wire brush to remove rust between the bolt and the surface. Spray the area between the bolt and the surface with penetrating lubricant. Allow the lubricant to sit for one hour.

2. Turn on the air compressor and allow it to fill with air. Attach the proper-size socket to the end of the air impact wrench.

3. Connect the air impact wrench to the air compressor hose. Some air impact wrenches have an air regulator knob on the bottom of the handle. Turn the air regulator knob toward the "H" mark to increase the power to the tool. Adjust the knob toward the "L" to decrease the power.

4. Flip the directional lever on your impact wrench so the socket turns counterclockwise. Place the socket securely over the bolt head. Hold the impact wrench firmly.

5. Squeeze and release the trigger on the impact wrench to shock the bolt. This usually is enough to release the hold that rust and sediment has on the bolt. Squeeze the trigger just enough to turn the bolt counterclockwise.

6. Reverse the socket with the directional lever on the impact wrench if the bolt does not turn with light pressure on the trigger. Squeeze and release the power trigger. Turn the directional lever back to the reverse direction. Squeeze and release several times until the bolt begins to turn.

Tips & Warnings

• If necessary, heat the bolt with a portable propane torch until the head is slightly red. Remove the bolt with the impact wrench.

• Do not squeeze and hold the trigger when removing the bolt initially. This can twist the bolt head off, leaving the threaded shaft of the bolt in the material.

• Use proper safety precautions when using a portable propane torch to avoid injury.

References

• Classic-Car-Magazine: How to Remove Seized Nuts and Bolts
• Northern Industrial Air Tools: Air Impact Wrench Owner's Manual