How to Remove a Galled Stainless Steel Bolt

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Things You'll Need

  • Propane torch

  • PB Blaster Penetrating Oil

When stainless steel bolts are over-tightened using a cheat bar or other tightening apparatus, combine it with the lack of an anti-seize compound and you've got a bolt that will gall over time. When galling occurs under these circumstances, the nut and bolt are essentially welded together, making removal difficult.

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Step 1

Clear the area surrounding the nut and bolt of anything that can be damaged by heat.

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Step 2

Heat the bolt for approximately one minute.

Step 3

Immediately after heating, apply PB Blaster Penetrating Oil to the nut and bolt.

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Step 4

While the nut and bolt are still hot, use a wrench to begin to unscrew the bolt. As the nut and bolt cool at different rates, there will be a point at which they will unscrew easily for a few moments.

Step 5

Once the nut and bolt stop unscrewing again, reheat them for about 45 seconds.

Step 6

Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the nut and bolt have been separated.

Tip

Don't use too much force when removing the bolt. An even, steady force will work well enough. Remember that when the nut and bolt are heated, they expand. Since they will cool at different rates, you will only be unscrewing them when you have maximum clearance, at which time it shouldn't take much force.

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