How To Loosen And Remove Rusted Bolts
You’re about to start a new project, but there’s a dreaded rusted bolt that needs loosening and removing. It’s stuck. I know what you’re thinking- what a nightmare! You’ve twisted, you’ve pulled, but it won’t budge. Now what? You need to try and remove the rusted bolts.
If a bolt is exposed to moisture and humid weather for long periods of time, it will, unfortunately, start to rust quite quickly. Moreover, the corrosion can compromise the metal bolt, making it unusable. Due to this, it’s important to know how to prevent this from happening, because it really is simple.
You may be thinking it’s hard work, but it doesn’t have to be! Follow this handy guide for a step- by step on how to loosen and remove rusted bolts, and you’ll never have to fear them again!
Things you will need
Step 1
Scrape Away
Firstly, begin by taking a sturdy wire brush and have a go at removing as much rust from the bolt as you can. Scraping away the excess rust will give you a better grip, and make it easier for you to loosen the bolt. Target the head of the bolt and the threading.
Step 2
Apply the lubricant spray
Then, take your WD-40 Specialist Penetrant Spray. This product specifically targets corroded and rusted components, and helps to loosen them easily. Additionally, it also comes with a Spray2Ways technology, allowing you to decide between using the wide spray nozzle, or the precise straw applicator.
Choose your way, and then spray directly on to the rusted bolt. Be sure to spray under the bolt head and around the nut.
Step 3
Tap away!
Next, grab a hammer, and use this to lightly tap the bolt. This step might sound odd, however doing so will allow the fast acting formula to penetrate the fitting and loosen the bolt. So, it’d make it easier to remove.
Then, make sure to wipe any excess product away with a paper towel, and wash your hands carefully.
Step 4
Clamp
Now that your bolt has been sanded, lubricated and loosened, it’s time to work on the removal. Take a pair of pliers, and use this to grip onto the fasteners head, and twist it firmly. Continue to twist until the bolt is freed.
Make sure you have replacement bolts, as this bolt will now be unusable.
Step 5
Protect The Bolt
At last, your bolt should be freed!
We recommend that you keep on top of protecting your bolts to prevent future rusting. Therefore, you can use WD-40 Multi- Use Product, which will provide an invisible and protective layer over the bolt. Make sure you keep your bolts clean, and re-apply this product after every clean.
Job Done!
There you have it. You can now loosen and remove a rusted bolt without a problem.
If you found this step-by-step useful, check out our similar guides to find out more ways that WD-40 can help you, such as finding out: How To Maintain Your Chainsaw and How to Maintain Your Tools
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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