Seized bolt - how to get it off?!?

davey_browning

I've got a seized, rusted bolt that I can't get off, any ideas?

I've put WD40 on it and not joy. I've managed to rouind the corners of it so it's not looking too healthy. I've put monkey grips on it but it's still not turning. Any thoughts?

D

nelly_2

Hammer and chisel or screw driver.

smack it round.............. anti clock wise ??? I think

ormus

heat or a grinder. if you can get access to it?
a good cold chisel usually works too.

Inactive

WD-40 will not free a rusted bolt, you need penetrating oil, apply and leave for 12 hours.

If that doesn't work, if it is safe, apply some heat to the bolt.

Also try tightening the bolt, and then try undoing it.

As a last resort drill it out.;)

Hitch

Give it a knock with a cold chisel (anti-clockwise) then if its rounded, a pair of vice grips.
What is it on/in? may have other options.

HugoSP

You can get a nut splitter.

It works by tightening a blade onto the side of the bolt whilst clamping the other side.

Have a look in a tool or car accessory shop. I don't know if you've got room to use it though. I always carry one with me but TBH I can't remember the last time I used one - poss on a car some time ago I think.

One practice I've seen in workshops is to weld a bar onto it then try and lever it.

Other ideas that come to mind:

Plumbers wrench - different to monkey wrench
Stilsons
grind a couple of parallel flats on the bolt head and then use a spanner, maybe an adjustable, or that monkey wrench
Cut then drill using an undersized bit, then drive a large flat head screwdriver in to twist out the remains, thus preserving your thread.
Apply a monkey wrench as before but rock it then try to undo it.

Also - are you turning it the right way and are you sure it's not a left hand thread?

tomstickland

A small book could be written on this subject.

Two things that seized components hate are:
-heat
-impact

So a blow torch session might help, as would several sharp blows on the head of the bolt with a large hammer.

A large set of Meole Grips or a plumber's Stilson spanner is your next choice. The latter digs itself in harder as you pull on it harder.

More WD40 is good too.

After that you'll have to get to work with hammer and chisel, trying to shock it undone.

Eventually, if all else fails, you can drill out the centre and dismantle it with hammer and punch/chisel.

epz_2

when i was working on my old motorbike 2 things worked grate, a vice i had which let me twist with maximum force till it either gave way or the head snaped, then if the latter a series of small drills to core out the hole till you could dig the remnants of the screw out.

ailuro2

Rustola...if you can get a hold of some, I only use it at work, it's magic on siezed parts.:D

made by a company called Holts, so Hotls Rustola Pentrating oil/fluid




http://www.carpartfactors.com/acatalog/maintenance.html about halfway down the page.

davey_browning

Evenually got it off with a cold chisel!

Thanks for all the info

Dave