Best way to remove rusty bolts/studs

36truck · Post by **36truck** » June 12, 2009, 12:25 pm

After reading the exhaust leak thread I thought about the best way to get rusty nuts & bolts off. Heat the nut or bolt to red hot then cool it with a candle. The wax will wick into the threads to help it come apart.

ezernut9mm · Post by **ezernut9mm** » June 12, 2009, 8:43 pm

that sound like a great idea. i have no shortage of candles. i guess now all i need is a torch rig. boy, i could do a lot of damage with one. i really, really want one too.

ICEMAN6166 · Post by **ICEMAN6166** » June 13, 2009, 12:17 am

ezernut9mm wrote:that sound like a great idea. i have no shortage of candles. i guess now all i need is a torch rig. boy, i could do a lot of damage with one. i really, really want one too.

i like my torch but really impressed with the plasma cutters.

the wax thing is good, works on brake bleeders too,but be careful where you heat or you will cook the rubber in the wheel cylinder.

huskilvr · Post by **huskilvr** » June 17, 2009, 1:12 am

Thanks for the tip! I'm learning as I go, can you use a small torch? I'm unfortunately not at all experienced with any welding.

36truck · Post by **36truck** » June 17, 2009, 7:39 am

The small hand propane torch will work on small bolts & nuts does not have to get red hot to work.

Max · Post by **Max** » June 17, 2009, 8:50 am

Now I find out about this... Will a torch and candle will fix all of my scuffed knuckles?

huskilvr · Post by **huskilvr** » June 17, 2009, 10:35 am

Awesome! Thanks again for the great tip!

jamon8 · Post by **jamon8** » June 1, 2010, 8:25 am

what about a grinder

shift_when? · Post by **shift_when?** » June 13, 2010, 8:58 pm

How would you suggest getting out the body bolts that go into the clips? I feel like the clips break loose before the bolt does and they just spin in place? We used a grinder on some, a set of needle nose on others, but we are at a loss for the clips that hold the front fascia taht goes behind the bumper on my '66. The spinning clips are inside of a boxed in frame...

olliesshop · Post by **olliesshop** » June 22, 2010, 6:43 am

I had the same problem. I ended up using my Sawsall to cut them off, by slipping the blade in between the grille and the stone guard. Which is part of the reason (along with the significant rust) I'll need to get a new Radiator support.

firerod63 · Post by **firerod63** » June 22, 2010, 5:25 pm

You mean my trusty Snap-On impact gun capable of 750 ft lbs of torque isn't the best way to remove rusted nuts? Man I really have been goin about this all wrong...lol