When you’re ready to do a little #weekendDIY, you need the right tools. And there’s no better place to get tools in NH from the top brands than Aubin Ace Hardware. This week, we’re looking at a problem many of us have encountered: stripped bolts. Dealing with a stripped bolt can be pretty frustrating, especially if it’s the only thing keeping you from moving on with or completing your project. Depending on how the bolt is stripped, there are different methods for removing it.
In this article, we’re going to walk you through removing a rusted bolt. We’ll cover the tools you need and the steps to take.
Things to Try Before You Start
Before you break out the toolset and really get to work, there are a couple of things to try. First, use penetrating oil on the bolt. Penetrating oil is different than lubricating oil. Penetrating oil loosens stuck and rusted hardware and helps prevent rust. There are several common brands of penetrating oil, or you can make it yourself. The easiest formulas are 1:1 acetone and automatic transmission fluid and 10:1 vegetable oil and acetone.
You can also heat the bolt with a propane torch if you have one. However, this may not be an option for safety reasons. Always take proper precautions and wear safety gear when using flames or toxic substances.
Equipment to Remove a Rusted Bolt
All right, now we’re ready to get down to business. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Wire brush
- Closed-end or socket wrench set
- Hammer
- Penetrating oil
Steps to Remove the Bolt
Start with the wire brush. Scrape off all the rust, paint, and gunk that you can off the bolt head. You’ll get a firmer grip on the bolt and allow the penetrating oil to reach the threads. Use a hex closed-end wrench or socket wrench to attempt to remove the bolt. If it won’t move, try tapping the head of the bolt with a flat-faced or ball-peen hammer to loosen it. Don’t hit it too hard, or you will bend the bolt and make it even more difficult to remove. Next, apply either penetrating oil or heat. If you use oil, completely cover the bolt and then let it sit for 20 minutes. If you use heat, light the torch and heat the bolt for about 30 seconds. Never use both penetrating oil and heat. Penetrating oils have a low flashpoint of 150ºF and can easily catch fire.
After you have applied either oil or heat, use your wrench again to remove the bolt. It may take a few tries to loosen the bolt and then finally remove it.
