stuck nuts. Please help

[lewisjenkins]

Hello. Right, big annoyance.

I've split my radiator in my old escort, and have managed to get a nice scrap one. I'm trying to replace it myself, as I've done a few bits under the bonnet before, but I'm finding it impossible to loosen some nuts holding a bracket which is supporting the radiator unit. It's a 10mm nut which i can't get to the other side of. Using a blow-torch is out of the question because there's various pipes/hoses all around. I've tried wd40, but this hasn't worked, and it's so awkward to get any tools in other than a straight socket set type thing. I've a couple of options which I'll try tomorrow if nothing else works.

a) buy a nice new spanner set
b) there's an ametuer-type mechanic guy in the yellow pages who lives in the town that my brother have used who might have the right tools to undo it.


Both costs, and was just wondering whether there is any other alternatives before shelling out a whole £5 or more.

P.S-I obviously have no transport to get anywhere to garages etc. Thank you for any help

[Keith]

Blow torch is my first choice, followed by a good soaking of plusgas.

Also get a socket which grabs the flats of the nut, which you may find helps, as the others which grab the points end up rounding the nut.

Aldi had ratchet spanners in a few weeks back which work like a socket. The best tool is one which fits on the nut correctly, as the slip of the tool will damage the nut.

If you are like me, you can just stick a nut cracker on it and replace the nut :)

[lewisjenkins]

Blow torch is my first choice, followed by a good soaking of plusgas.

Also get a socket which grabs the flats of the nut, which you may find helps, as the others which grab the points end up rounding the nut.

Aldi had ratchet spanners in a few weeks back which work like a socket. The best tool is one which fits on the nut correctly, as the slip of the tool will damage the nut.

If you are like me, you can just stick a nut cracker on it and replace the nut :)


I don't think trhere is a fear of rounding the thing, because there's no movement whatsoever. I think it's because it's been there so long, it's just set. If i do crack the nut, will it be a problem that I can't get to the other side. I've got no idea what is the other side, whether it's a nolt or what. What's one of these sockets that grab the stright sides look like then?
Cheers

[Keith]

It's like this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/10MM-IMPACT-SOCKET-1-2DR-PKD/dp/B0002BUPEI/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=diy&qid=1237838617&sr=8-13

You can see that it actually grabs the flat edges of the nut rather than the points.


The issue with not seeing the otherside will be if the bolt turns whilst you try and undo the nut.

[steveo3002]

a 10mm nut will shear off fairly easy

if you can give the head of the bolt a good sharp blow with a hammer, it will looosen any rust

then get the best fitting socket or spanner you have and give it some grunt , a short length of tube over the handle will increase the leverage but be carefull not to let the spanner/socket slip off the head of the bolt

[lewisjenkins]

a 10mm nut will shear off fairly easy

if you can give the head of the bolt a good sharp blow with a hammer, it will looosen any rust

then get the best fitting socket or spanner you have and give it some grunt , a short length of tube over the handle will increase the leverage but be carefull not to let the spanner/socket slip off the head of the bolt

OK, a hammer will be joining the team in the morning, cheers. The socket thing has a T-shaped end, so unfortunately can't pop a bar/pole on the end. also, the handle is plastic, so even tryin malgrips (??) over the end was just bending the plastic. As you can tell, I probably need more/better tools. And believe me, some grunt was given. Grunt and cursing!

[McKneff]

Have you tried giving it a good soaking with WD40, its worked for us in the past.

[lewisjenkins]

Have you tried giving it a good soaking with WD40, its worked for us in the past.


Yup, been tried. Got it everywhere (eyes, nose, hands, etc). I gave it about 5mins before giving it another go. Absolutely no give on all 4 nuts. :(

[steveo3002]

is the socket the only 10mm you have?

if you have a spanner you can sometimes hook another over the end for extra leverage

hit it with the hammy , then wd40...and so on , the fact you are jarring it might allow a little wd40 to soak in

[lewisjenkins]

is the socket the only 10mm you have?

if you have a spanner you can sometimes hook another over the end for extra leverage

hit it with the hammy , then wd40...and so on , the fact you are jarring it might allow a little wd40 to soak in

Got a couple of other sockets and spanners - ratchet, adjustable and regualr, but i can't get in from the side, it has to be head on, because of the confined space. So i don't thing a regular spanner will work, you know

[mikey72]

I had a bolt on my 106 radiator that wouldn't move.
Hacksaw blade bent into a near U shape, and probably an hours work.
And cutting through the bracket from the radiator as well as the bolt.

[anewman]

If the location allows these would get the nut off http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Hand+Tools/Mechanics+Tools/Nut+Splitter+Set+2+Piece/d10/sd180/p80007

Use plusgas rather than WD40. Also tightening is sometimes a good way to help loosen rusted nuts before undoing them.

All else fails bring the drill out and fix the new one with a thick cable tie (if the location/design is suitable for this and it would hold the radiator properly.)

[Inactive]

Use plusgas rather than WD40. Also tightening is sometimes a good way to help loosen rusted nuts before undoing them.


Good advice, leave to soak overnight..;)

[jazzy]

If you can access the threads, use a rotary wire brush with an electric drill to clean the threads up. Use plus gas it's much better than WD40. If it does start to free slacken just a little, and tighten again, apply more plus gas and slacken further again. By doing it in steps it reduces the chance of shearing the bolt.
Good Luck!