Sunday, December 15, 2013
Impact Tools for Rusted Bolts
A rusted bolt is the result of iron or steel which has been exposed to water and air and has oxidized. When a bolt cannot be removed by using standard hand tools, the entire bolt is probably rusted. Heating a bolt will sometimes loosen it, but if heat is not an option for safety reasons, then impact or pneumatic tools may be the best and easiest way to remove the stubborn bolt.
Impact Wrench and Socket
An impact wrench can be manually operated or powered by electricity or compressed air. When powered by compressed air, the impact wrench is called a pneumatic wrench. To use a manual impact wrench, place the impact socket over the head of the rusted bolt. Hit the other end of the wrench with a hammer while holding down the wrench. The wrench is designed to transform the downward force into a turning motion which will slowly loosen the bolt. Spraying the rusted bolt with penetrating oil and letting it sit for 24 hours may help the process. Electrical or air-powered impact wrenches work the same way but use a trigger to supply the rotary motion. If the threads of the bolt are very rusted, the force of the electrical or air-powered impact wrench may break off the head of the bolt.
Pneumatic Cut-Off Tool
A pneumatic cut-off tool can be used to cut through a small-to-medium size rusted nut or cut off the head of the bolt. The pneumatic cut-off tool is air-powered and has an abrasive disk that rotates at a speed of up to 20,000 rpm. Be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses, as the cut-off tool will create a shower of sparks.
Pneumatic Hammer
A pneumatic hammer and a cold chisel attachment will shear off large bolt heads and nuts. A pneumatic hammer is an air-powered device with a metal piston that mimics the movement of a hammer. The chisel attachment will quickly pound off the head of the bolt or break the rusted nut. Be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses.
Pneumatic Needle Scaler
A pneumatic needle scaler or needle gun can be used to remove rust from around the bolt. A pneumatic needle scaler is an air-powered, hand-held tool that uses little chisels or needles spinning at high speed to remove paint and rust from hard metal. You can use a needle scaler in conjunction with penetrating oil and the impact wrench and socket.
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