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Author Topic: Removing rusted screws and wingnuts  (Read 4829 times)

landgraftj

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Removing rusted screws and wingnuts
« on: April 21, 2013, 10:49:27 AM »
Any suggestions? I've WD-40'd them 4 times in the past 24 hours and they will not come off. I want to replace the legs on the red SJ I picked up from Troy. Even used Easy-Off to remove the grill crust and its still a no go.
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Heyjude

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Re: Removing rusted screws and wingnuts
« Reply #1 on: April 21, 2013, 11:14:38 AM »
Its a hopeless case. Send me that red SJ and I will put it out of its misery.

Those SJ's are brutal. Just how bad did it rust? Did it become part of the bowl?
Any pictures for us to look at? I can give advice, but it depends on how bad it is and how good your skills are.  To start, I suggest to let the WD soak and respray it for a few days.  8)
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1buckie

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Re: Removing rusted screws and wingnuts
« Reply #2 on: April 21, 2013, 11:32:28 AM »

 There's a product called "ScrewLoose" that I've had much better luck with than WD 40.....

     http://www.crcindustries.com/ei/product_detail.aspx?id=03060
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pbe gummi bear

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Re: Removing rusted screws and wingnuts
« Reply #3 on: April 21, 2013, 11:53:17 AM »
Liquid wrench works better than wd-40 for rust penetration. If that fails, you can torch it, and the rust will break down as the metal expands. Be careful with the flame, as prolonged exposure to the porcelain will "blue" the finish. You can also try weakening the nut with dremel cuts and hope you get a clean break from the thread when it snaps. I would bet that the threads on the legs are done for though, but you can always try to clean up the remaining threads with a die. Good luck!
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landgraftj

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Re: Removing rusted screws and wingnuts
« Reply #4 on: April 21, 2013, 02:01:05 PM »
Thanks guys...used PB Blaster and one finally came loose, not so much for the other. I'll give it one more blast and then use the Dremel to fix it if I have to.
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DoppelBock

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Re: Removing rusted screws and wingnuts
« Reply #5 on: April 21, 2013, 02:13:35 PM »
I pretty much use the Dremel when ever I encounter the rusted screw/bolt/nuts that won't come loose.

zavod44

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Re: Removing rusted screws and wingnuts
« Reply #6 on: April 21, 2013, 03:22:07 PM »
I was gonna say PB Blaster is the best stuff there is....I cracked loose 40 year old rusty bolts on my Texan,  I got every bolt loose and broke none.  I think that stuff is great...
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ROB_STANG2000

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Re: Removing rusted screws and wingnuts
« Reply #7 on: April 22, 2013, 06:55:29 AM »
PB Blaster works great hit it a few times and let it set for a day then hit it again.   Heat will also help sometimes.  I use a propane torch to get it cherry red and try to remove it. 
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landgraftj

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Re: Removing rusted screws and wingnuts
« Reply #8 on: April 22, 2013, 08:35:47 AM »
PB blaster fixed one, dremel fixed the other.
Not everyone deserves to know the real you. Let them criticize who they think you are.