How to deal with sour threaded connections

It is not uncommon for a nut to stick to the bolt so strongly that it is almost impossible to move it from its place without stripping the thread. The main reason for this misfortune is the notorious metal corrosion. Over time, especially in humid environments, oxidation of the threaded joint occurs. The second common reason is that a lot of dirt has accumulated on the threads, as a result - the same trouble.

Whatever the reason, the nut will not unscrew itself. You need to invent something. And what exactly - this will be discussed in the article.

Required tools

In general, you can use a hammer, chisel and / or pliers, and with the help of this simple set and someone's mother, convince the nut to move. But it's better to follow the path of least resistance and use the following tools:

• spanner wrenches of the appropriate size;
• socket wrench;
• a mechanical wrench and a set of sockets with a knob.

Anyone who is not familiar with the above list, I strongly recommend that you get acquainted.

Precautionary measures

So that the process does not end with an ambulance call, or at least bandaging, adhere to these simple rules:

• use only serviceable tools in your work;
• I remind you - the right-hand thread is unscrewed counterclockwise;
• make sure that the tool is securely fixed to the nut so that it does not break off at the most appropriate moment;
• do not hesitate to use at least cloth gloves in your work.

And of course, do not catch crows while you work - be careful and careful.

Unscrewing methods

There are three main ways to unscrew a stuck nut:

• dissolving rust and dirt;
• heating the nut;
• mechanical damage to the nut.

Let's deal with each of them in turn.

How to dissolve rust

The essence of the technique is a chemical effect on a rusted thread and, as a result, a decrease in the friction force when unscrewing. For these purposes, it may fit vinegar, alcohol, iodine, kerosene or gasoline. But it is best to use a composition called WD-40, which is specially designed for such purposes.

I will describe the technique in detail:

• The nut is thoroughly moistened with the above-described substance and let it stand for 15-20 minutes. Then they try to unscrew it. If it does not work out, wrap it with a rag soaked in the composition used, or with a napkin. They wait a while again.
• Most likely, everything will work out, and success can be consolidated by knocking on the nut with a hammer. Just do not hit the thread of the bolt, otherwise it will greatly complicate your task. I recommend lengthening the wrench by cutting a pipe of a suitable diameter - the lever will be much stronger. It will be easier to remove the nut from its place if you put on the wrench securely and make a sharp jerk. Just don't jerk clockwise!
• With a small thread diameter, it is very convenient to unscrew the swing nut, that is, working with a key back and forth.

Heating process

Under the influence of high temperatures, the metal tends to expand. As a result of this deformation, the rust simply "looses its grip", and the unscrewing process is greatly simplified. Suitable as a heating element construction hair dryer, gas torch, blowtorch - anything that gives a high heating temperature. Do not be afraid - you are unlikely to succeed in melting the metal from which the fasteners are made.

How to proceed:

• Warm up the connection thoroughly, then try to get the process off the ground with a spanner key.
• Sometimes it happens that the edges of the nut are lapped, then the key is useless here. In such cases, a socket head is welded to it, the entire structure is heated, and then unscrewed with a knob.

Attention! Be careful when working - it is quite possible to get a thermal burn, do not forget about gloves!

Mechanical impact

This method is resorted to if the previous two did not help, or when there is no task to keep the connection intact. For work, you can use hammer and chisel, grinder or hacksaw for metal.

The essence of the technique is as follows:

• You can use a hacksaw or a grinder to cut the nut along the axis of the bolt, and then it will not be difficult to remove it.
• There is another radical method - with a hammer and chisel. By driving it deeper, you can knock off the thread and increase the inner diameter of the nut. But this is absolutely, as they say, from despair.

But the best way to combat compound acidification is to prevent it through timely applying lubricant. In this case, the service life of the fasteners will at least double.