How To Remove Nuts & Bolts That Have Rusted & Seized Up

When you are trying to take something apart, and you have nuts and bolts that are rusted and will not move, there are things you can do to help get them moving. With some persuasion, you can get them moving again to unloosen them without damaging them. No matter what the nuts and bolts are holding together and their condition, using suitable products will help you get them undone so you can remove them. You can see some advice below to help you get started, so you can remove rusted nuts and bolts and ensure they do not get damaged in the process.

What Makes Nuts & Bolts Freeze?

When nuts and bolts are manufactured, the metal is stabilised to help prevent the exposed metal from rusting. However, when the nuts and bolts are tightened, their anti-corrosive surface layer can get removed due to friction as they are tightened with a spanner. As such, it is easier for the oxidisation process to start, and rust will build up on them and make them difficult to remove. Exposure to the elements can also cause this, whether the anti-corrosive layer is intact or not.

Clean The Area Around The Nuts & Bolts

You will want to start by cleaning the area around the nuts and bolts and ensuring that it is free from debris. If there is rust in the area, you can use cleaning products to help remove this and ensure the area is clean before you start tackling the rusted and frozen nuts and bolts. Before you try removing them, you will want to get some penetrating oils from aptcommercialchemicals.co.uk, which will help remove the nuts and bolts and mean you will need to use less physical force.

What Is Penetrating Fluid

Penetrating fluids or oils comprise two primary ingredients, which are a solvent and a lubricant. The low-viscosity oils and fluids are designed to help lubricate and loosen fasteners that have seized, and they work quickly once applied to the rusted surface. The solvent in the fluid makes the lubricant thinner, allowing it to penetrate areas much easier. The solvent will dissolve the dirt and rust, with the lubricant making it easier to move the rusted nuts and bolts. Once applied, the penetrating fluids will form a layer on the nuts and bolts that repels moisture and help prevent further rusting.

Using Penetrating Oils & Fluids

With the area around the rusted nuts and bolts now clean, you can apply the penetrating fluid to the affected area, and you will need to use it generously. You will need to give it a few minutes to work and allow it to get as deep as possible before you start trying to undo the nuts and bolts. Once you have given it a few minutes, you can remove the nuts and bolts, which you should find is much easier than before. You can repeat this process for all the rusted nuts and bolts you need to remove, and remember, when putting things back together, ensure they are covered in penetrating fluid to help prevent rust from forming on them again.