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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: SirPeale on May 25, 2008, 11:37:43 pm

Title: Tips for removing a stuck bolt
Post by: SirPeale on May 25, 2008, 11:37:43 pm
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.
Title: Re: Tips for removing a stuck bolt
Post by: boogieman on May 25, 2008, 11:47:36 pm
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!
Title: Re: Tips for removing a stuck bolt
Post by: ringram on May 26, 2008, 10:48:41 am
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.
Title: Re: Tips for removing a stuck bolt
Post by: Ginsu Victim on May 26, 2008, 10:58:14 am

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.  ;D
Title: Re: Tips for removing a stuck bolt
Post by: boogieman on May 26, 2008, 11:37:49 am
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.
Title: Re: Tips for removing a stuck bolt
Post by: SirPeale on May 26, 2008, 04:02:27 pm
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.
Title: Re: Tips for removing a stuck bolt
Post by: TheShanMan on May 26, 2008, 05:33:28 pm
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.
Title: Re: Tips for removing a stuck bolt
Post by: SirPeale on May 26, 2008, 07:07:33 pm
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.