Serious question, how do you deal with seized bolts on vintage stoves?

Tbh, I can't get this one bolt loose no matter what I try.

3 comments

3 Comments

You have been at it for three weeks? That is some serious dedication to one bolt. At that point, I would stop trying to force it and start applying real heat. A small propane torch is the only thing that ever worked for me when PB Blaster failed. You have to get the bolt itself hot enough to break the rust bond, not just the area around it.

lilyc294d ago

Wait, when you use the torch, how long are you heating it? Like do you go until it's cherry red or just hot to the touch? I've heard you gotta be careful not to wreck the surrounding metal.

simon_ramirez944d ago

Honestly, cherry red every time. You need that heat to really break the rust loose. Just getting it hot to the touch won't do much for a seized bolt. The trick is to focus the flame right on the bolt head and let it soak in. If you see the area around it glowing, you've gone too far and might weaken the part. It's a balance, but once it's cherry red, hit it with the wrench and it should turn.