How to Remove Rusted Bolts
If you ask any professional about which metal item is the most affected by corrosion and rust, their unanimous answer will always be nuts and bolts. The damage caused by rust can cause nuts to become melded to their accompanying bolts. This will make it almost impossible for them to be removed. Nuts and bolts exposed to moisture or humid weather for long periods of time are likely to rust quite quickly as a result. Consequently, this is why knowing how to remove rusted bolts is so important!
How can we help?
So, what can you do to avoid this? If you’re looking for an easy way to remove rusted bolts, you’re in the right place! Follow the simple steps below and avoid the usual trouble of removing rusted bolts, with a little help from WD-40®.
Things you will need
A Hammer
Clamps and a bolt cutter (if you need to cut the bolt off)
Heat lamp
Step 1
Step 1: Lubricate your Fasteners
You may find that your fasteners are stuck in place from the rust formations. To loosen these, an ideal solution for this is to use WD-40® Penetrant Spray.
Simply apply the Penetrant Spray over the affected nuts and bolts, then tap them lightly using a hammer. This will help the product seep into the nuts and bolts’ fittings, allowing you remove the stuck fasteners. Always ensure you wipe away any excess product and wash your hands carefully after use.
Step 2
Step 2: Cut Away the Fasteners’ Head
You may find that your fastener has become so severely rusted that there is no way to salvage it. If this is the case, you will consequently need to need to cut it out. Doing this will make these nuts and bolts unusable, so make sure you have a replacement on hand!
Use the clamps to grip the fasteners head; then begin twisting firmly until they are freed from their position. Job done.
Step 3
Step 3: Use A Heat Lamp to Remove Rusted Bolts
Another method to remove rusted bolts would be to use a heat lamp to moderately heat them. This will cause the rusted nuts and bolts to expand and loosen.
WARNING: Be very careful whilst using a heat torch, as many lubricant products are flammable and will ignite if exposed to a flame. Make sure to take precautions whilst using this method, by additionally wearing protective gloves and goggles.
Step 4
Step 4: Protect Your Nuts And Bolts to Avoid Rusting
In order to avoid further rust on your nuts and bolts, we recommend you keep them clean and lubricated. To ensure the bolts don’t become stuck again over time, clean them regularly, and finish with a spray of WD-40® Multi-Use Product!
The product leaves an invisible protective layer over the nuts and bolts, to help to protect them especially from future corrosion or rust. For the best results, re-apply the product regularly after each clean.
So, there you have it!
If you found this handy guide useful, and would like to find out how else WD-40® can help you in your day-to-day life, why not check out our other blogs here? You will be amazed at all the other uses WD-40® has from helping around the house, to fixing cars and helping with bikes!
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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