One of the worst things that could happen to a bolt is rust. Heck, it could possibly be the worst thing that could happen to a bolt. Especially if it gets stuck and even more especially if you need to replace that bolt, because it’s a part of an important machine. What can you do to get this bolt off? Is there a way to get it without breaking your back pulling at it? Absolutely there is and we’ll show you how.
Where you would find a lot of rusty bolts
Rusty bolts are common throughout a lot of industrial and commercial businesses, so looking for one in specific is hard to come by. However, there are a lot who run into it more than others, especially if your business spends a lot of time around moisture. The following professions may run into it more often than others, however the list is more than just these couple industries.
- People who work in older buildings
Steps to taking out a rusted bolt
Let’s keep this simple: once you’ve found your rusted bolt, you’re going to have to take it out. Keep in mind, these steps probably won’t work if you have a lot of rusted nails, or you determine in step one that the bolt or nut is far too rusted to try and do on your own. If any of these issues are present, skip to Step 5. However if not, let’s explore one way of removing an old, rusty bolt.
- Determine that the bolt is rusted and won’t come out. This step seems pretty self-explanatory, but it is integral to the process of loosening a stuck bolt. Just ask yourself a couple simple questions before diving into this endeavor:
- Is this bolt really stuck, or does it have a locking mechanism? In the industrial and commercial sectors, some machines merely have locking mechanisms and can be unlocked another way besides breaking off the bolt.
- Is the bolt worth saving? More often than not, the answer to this would be “no” and you can go ahead and break it off. However, if you have the opportunity to save some money on a single bolt, why wouldn’t you?
- Remove as much rust as possible. There are many ways to remove rust from a bolt, but this should be done ONLY if you’ve deemed that the bolt is worth saving. Use a wire brush and scrape away until it feels like you can’t possibly scrape anymore. Remove rust from the root of the tread to the end to prevent the nut or bolt from seizing.
- Choose your tool wisely. There are a million different wrenches, sockets and other tools for this job. Find one that not only best suits the bolt or nut you’re trying to remove, but also one that fits comfortably in your hand. Just so that you can avoid any unneeded stress.
- Remember your lefts and rights. Remember the old adage: “Lefty loosey righty tighty”, to get your nut and/or bolt free. Then, use all your might to try and get it free.
- Liquid thread looseners. Using your big, strong muscles didn’t work? Try a liquid thread loosener. These can grease up your nut/bolt so that it’s easier to free from the clutches of it’s resting place. But is there a liquid thread loosener that stands out above the rest? In short, yes and there are in fact two:
Turn: Heavy duty nut and bolt loosener
The Turn, Heavy duty nut and bolt loosener, does exactly what the name implies: helps you turn those nuts and bolts that have been frozen or have corroded to a point where they are unturnable. This stuff creeps into the rusted parts of bolts and loosens them so that you can remove the offending nut and/or bolt. Here are some other stats Turn boasts:
- 38,000 Volt Dielectric Strength
- Non-flammable & Non-conductive
- Protects against damage from rust, moisture & corrosion
- Fast penetrating action
- Does not damage parts, paint or rubber
For use on nuts and bolts, gears, shafts, sliding and rotating parts, and bearings.
5 in 1 – All-purpose mechanical and electrical moisture preventative spray
How about we explore 5 in 1. While it’s billed as something for your electrical equipment, this stuff is great for displacing and removing rust, making those pesky stuck bolts way easier to remove. It lubes and moisturizes the area around the bolt, making it easier to turn. It also boasts the following stats about it:
- Demoisturizes and creates a waterproof film to inhibit corrosion and electrical discharge.
- Protect parts against atmospheric and chemical corrosion by creating a non-drying film
- 38,000 volt dielectric strength allows it to be sprayed on live equipment
- Eliminates moisture, the cause of equipment failure saving production downtime & costs
- Non flammable non chlorinated
- Provides long lasting lubrication reducing friction and will not become dry or brittle
- Safe on plastic, rubber and paint
- Protects without attracting dust
- Meets Military Spec.C-23411
For use on: Motors, Frozen nuts & bolts, Squeaky Door Hinges, Screws, Rusty Clamps, Car Engines, Boat motors, Rust Prevention, Engine Parts, Bearings, Gears, Relays, Starter Motors, Generators, Marine Equipment and may others.
It’s super easy to use, too. Just spray this liquid thread loosener to loosen bolts and the penetrating oil becomes the best nut or bolt loosener. But that’s not all 5 in 1 will do, in fact it’s a great rust inhibitor. Instead of just removing rust from your nails, this stuff will prevent future rust if used properly. So next time you have a rusty bolt, make sure to think Brodi. We can make sure those bolts become unhinged and so does your productivity.