Tips for removing a stuck bolt

[SirPeale]

One of the games I'm restoring has a really rusted leg leveler mounting plate.  The original leveler is really frozen in there.

Tips for removing it without hurting the mounting plate?  I've taken a torch to it (propane, not welding), WD-40, 3-in-1 oil, and just plain brute force.

[boogieman]

I don't know what the part looks like (pics?) but I know a lot of times if you strike the bolt on the end it will break loose the rust.  Just give it a solid hit with a hammer.

If that doesn't work, take some computer duster, turn it upside down and squirt that on it.  It will shoot out liquid/frozen co2 which can break the rust bond.

Hope this helps!

[ringram]

WD-40 isn't a good penetrating fluid. At least use liquid wrench. There are many products available that are much better than WD-40.

Spray the threads of the bolt and the nut. Let it soak. Spray it again, let it soak.

A propane torch may work, but won't give enough heat fast enough.

I've removed many stuck bolts from old engines, etc. I've also broken many as well.

Patience is the key.

[Ginsu Victim]

A propane torch may work, but won't give enough heat fast enough.

But enough heat might let the bolt expand, breaking the hold of the rust. Just don't spray WD-40 on it before you heat it. 

[boogieman]

Just thought of something... If you do use the computer duster, that stuff is flammable, so don't do it right after using a propane torch... probably wouldn't do anything but just to be safe.

[SirPeale]

Well, it's moot now anyway.  I tried drilling it out, and got nowhere.  *shrug*

I'll just put on a new plate.  I just wanted to use the old one.

[TheShanMan]

If you're drilling it out then it sounds like you're aware of those tools where you drill a hole in the bolt and then crank the tool in counter-clockwise, and once it grabs, it will start removing the bolt? Not sure if that even helps though because that's more for when a bolt head snaps off, and your problem is that the bolt is frozen. I just wanted to make sure I mention it just in case, since you're at the point of giving up.

[SirPeale]

I gave up.  It was a leg leveler plate on a Galaxian cab.  I've dealt with a bunch of them, and they all seem to have the same problem - the levelers fuse to the plates.  Darn shame, I like the originals much more than what I replaced it with.