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How to remove a rusty bolt or screw
Rusted bolts, screws and nuts can be a nuisance at times. It’s good to know how to remove a rusty bolt without wasting precious time and nerves.
How to remove a rusty bolt
Methods for removing a rusty screw
One glance is enough to determine if there is a problem. Usually, rust covers the entire bolt, so it is worthwhile to arm yourself with means of dealing with it beforehand. What can help:
- Usually, to loosen the bolt, it is enough to moisten it with penetrating liquid. Gasoline, kerosene, WD-40 are suitable. If there is a lot of rust, it must first be wiped off with a metal brush, this will make it easier for the liquid to access the threads. When everything is well lubricated, the bolt or screw will easily slide along the thread.
- A good helper is regular table vinegar. They need to moisten the bolt and leave for half an hour. If time is running out, then it is better to wrap the problem area with a rag dipped in vinegar. After a few hours, you can easily unscrew the bolt.
- Sometimes brute force is justified. It is important to understand where exactly the bolt is located and how likely it is to ruin the entire product. If there is no threat, then you can safely take up the hammer and apply light blows to the wrench. If the bolt starts to move, further unscrewing will not be difficult.
- Loosening is based on the same principle. Usually, long manipulations with the screw still lead to microscopic displacement. To consolidate the success, you must try to twist it all the way, and then try to unscrew it again. Gradually the screw will give in.
- Archimedes promised to turn the world upside down with a lever. You can try to do the same with a firmly seated bolt. A piece of pipe put on the handle of a wrench will cope with the role of a lever. If the process does not go on, you can combine this method with the previous ones.
- It helps to unscrew the rusty screw by heating it. You can use any available means: a gas burner, a lighter, even set fire to rags soaked in gasoline. As long as the screw head is hot, it will be easier to turn it.
As you can see, there are many ways, it remains to choose the appropriate one.
How to prevent the problem
Avoiding a problem is much easier than solving it. To prevent rust from appearing on bolts and screws, most often it is enough to purchase high-quality products from trusted manufacturers.
Bolts used in places prone to rust can be treated with a slightly alkaline lubricant or ordinary petroleum jelly with the addition of graphite powder before screwing in.
Moving a stubborn bolt is easy if you resist irritation and control the situation.