Effective methods for unscrewing a rusty bolt or nut at home
Corrosion is the enemy of many metal products. Nuts and bolts are no exception. Due to rust, fasteners can turn into a monolith that cannot be disassembled.
To solve this problem, a variety of mechanical and chemical methods are used. They help break down the strong oxide layer or dissolve it.
Let's find out how you can unscrew a rusty bolt or nut that won't come off at home.
Content
Unscrewing tools
Plumbers and car service technicians offer simple and effective methods for unscrewing rusty bolts and nuts. They have been tested in practice and will help in cases where a wrench does not cope with the task.
Lever arm
A popular and simple method that is used first. First, the joint is cleaned with a wire brush.
Next, a pipe is put on the wrench, which will act as a lever. For work, it is advisable to take a spanner wrench, since an open-end wrench can slide off the bolt head.
The part is turned by gently pressing the lever. It is important to control the pressure and speed of movements.
To make a stuck nut easier to turn, it is recommended to lubricate the joint with turpentine or oleic acid.
Chisel
This mechanical technique is used to pull a rusty bolt out of its “socket” with one blow.The method is fast, but technically complex. Therefore, only masters who know how to measure the force and direction of the blow can perform it.
To prevent the impact tool from slipping, it is advisable to choose a chisel with a wide striker part. As a result of a sharp, strong blow, the bolt can be torn off.
Tapping
This method is accessible due to its simplicity. It is often used as a preparation for further processing of the oxidized compound.
Tapping allows you to crush the rust layer and make it easier to unscrew. The stuck product is hit with a hammer using a non-ferrous metal attachment.
After tapping, loosening can be applied. To do this, they first try to tighten the part more tightly and then relax it. This adjustment of the threaded connection helps achieve the result.
Heating
The thermal method is considered effective, especially if it is used in combination with other mechanical techniques. As a result of heating, the “sticking” oxides become more brittle and the part can be turned.
To heat up the fastening joint use:
- soldering iron,
- gas burner,
- candle,
- lighter.
A heat source is brought to the problem area and heated. Then, without waiting for it to cool down, they try to unscrew the nut or bolt.
The video will show you how to unscrew a rusty bolt or nut by heating:
Petrol
Petroleum products, including gasoline and diesel fuel, help soften compounds clogged with oxides and dirt. The attachment point is generously moistened with liquid and waited for a quarter of an hour..
After gasoline penetrates into the inter-threaded space, the part is tightened in the standard way using a wrench. The method helps if the corrosion process has begun recently and the layer of rust is still insignificant.
WD-40
A universal product often used in workshops, also helps to unscrew a rusty bolt or nut.
The complex of active ingredients WD-40, which includes white spirit, ensures the destruction of rusty deposits in threads.
The method is popular and simple if this liquid is on hand. Spray WD-40 onto the problematic fastener and wait 15-20 minutes. After this, the part is unscrewed in the usual way.
Kerosene
The effect of this substance is similar to gasoline. Kerosene not only loosens the rusty layer, but also dissolves the dirt that has gotten into the threads. The method is effective if the bolt or nut is locked for a short time.
For heavily rusted fasteners, a combination of methods must be used. For example, first treating with kerosene, and then unscrewing using a lever. The attachment point is moistened with kerosene, covered with a rag that has been previously soaked in the same liquid and left for 15-20 minutes.
Brake fluid
This substance has good penetrating properties. It softens rust and lubricates threads. Thanks to these processes, a stuck bolt or nut can be unscrewed faster. Both new and used brake fluid are suitable for use.
Converter
This category of products includes chemical solutions that react with iron oxides and convert them into safe compounds. The latter form a sticky layer on the surface of the metal and thereby protect it from repeated corrosion.
The converters include:
- organic and inorganic acids,
- corrosion inhibitors,
- metal passivators.
Liquid, gel and aerosol converters can be used for work, which use according to instructions:
- Rust Treatment No-Rust.
- ASTROhim Antiruster.
- Lavr.
- RUNWAY.
- FENOM.
Vinegar
Low concentration table vinegar can dissolve metal oxide. The effect is based on the chemical reaction of acetic acid with iron oxides and hydroxides. Vinegar treatment is popular in cleaning rust from metal surfaces due to its effectiveness.
Fixtures that cannot be unscrewed are poured with vinegar and covered with a rag soaked in it.. The holding time depends on the degree of thread damage. On average it ranges from 30 minutes to several hours. Periodically, during the soaking process, use a wrench to check the compliance of the fastening.
He will tell you how to use vinegar to fight rust. this article.
Soda
Sodium bicarbonate is often used to remove rust from exposed surfaces. We can also use this method for stuck-on threaded fasteners, however its effectiveness is significantly lower compared to other methods.
Coca Cola
Carbonated drinks made using phosphoric acid are widely used in everyday life and workshops.
With the help of cola, pepsi, forfeit it is possible to dissolve the rusty coating and thereby make it easier to unscrew the bolts and nuts.
The blocked fastening is poured with Coca-Cola and covered with a rag, which is generously soaked in the drink. After 20-30 minutes they begin to check the result of the reaction. If the screw does not budge, continue soaking.
You can learn how to use Coca-Cola in the fight against rust Here.
Lemon juice
Natural citrus juice contains citric acid, which interacts with oxides, turning them into salts. Lemon juice can be replaced with crystalline citric acid.
To prepare the reagent, add a little water to the powder to form a concentrated solution. Next, the liquid is applied to the rusty bolt and rags. Cover the mount with soaked cloth and leave for 2-3 hours. If the product cannot be unscrewed, continue soaking.
You can learn how to use citric acid against rust here.
Sulfuric acid and zinc
This method is based on the creation of a galvanic cell. The method is effective, but requires the availability of the necessary reagents and careful handling.
A low plasticine or wax edge is made around the blocked connection.
A small plate of zinc is placed in an improvised cup and sulfuric acid is poured, which reacts with oxides and reduces the oxidized metal.
Zinc, as a more active element, serves as the basis for the reaction, due to this, destruction of the nut itself is not observed.Depending on the thickness of the rust, it takes 12 to 24 hours to react.
Sulfuric acid requires careful use. It is important to follow safety precautions so that the liquid does not get on the skin.
Special compounds to remove corrosion
In addition to converters, you can find special compounds in stores designed to remove rust. They also help make it easier to remove bolts and nuts that have become corroded.
The most popular universal products are:
- A liquid containing citric acid. Available in spray form.
- Rust destroyer B-52 Vershina. The gel removes rust from the surface of iron, copper, and alloys.
- Neomid Anti-rust. A concentrated composition that not only destroys rust, but also creates a protective coating.
- Anti-Rust Brulex. It has excellent penetrating ability even into old layers of rust.
Penetrating fluid test in video:
Prohibited methods
To unscrew a rusty screw, you should weigh the pros and cons. This will allow you to choose the optimal solution to the problem. Although mechanical methods are appropriate in some situations, it is not recommended to use excessive force.
Additional Tips
To ensure that the procedure for unscrewing the nut gives a positive result, it is useful to consider additional recommendations. They concern not only the destruction of the rusty layer inside the fasteners, but also the screwing of the bolt itself.Often the problem is aggravated due to the fact that the screw was initially tightened in violation of the technology.
It is important to remember that:
Do not use dirty or rusty parts, and do not use excessive force when tightening.- Before screwing, it is useful to treat the bolts with silicone, grease or graphite grease.
- Before using any anti-corrosion agent, it is recommended to clean the outside of the fasteners with a wire brush.
- If one method does not produce results, it is repeated or an alternative method is used.
Conclusion
Rust-covered threaded parts can be unscrewed using special tools and methods. This may be a mechanical effect on a bolt or nut, a folk remedy, or a special chemical composition.
The method is chosen based on the degree of blocking of the connection, the availability of funds, as well as plumbing experience.
