How on Earth Do I Remove This Demon Bolt?
The age-old problem of stuck bolts has plagued DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike for centuries. And when that bolt is a particularly stubborn one, it can seem like an insurmountable task. But fear not, dear reader, for we have some tried-and-true methods to help you remove even the most recalcitrant demon bolt.
Assess the Situation
Before attempting to remove the bolt, take a step back and assess the situation. Ask yourself:
- What type of bolt is it? (e.g., steel, aluminum, rusted)
- How long has it been stuck?
- Is it a threaded or non-threaded bolt?
- Are there any rust or corrosion issues?
This information will help you determine the best approach to removal.
Method 1: Penetrating Oil and Patience
- Apply a penetrating oil, such as WD-40 or Liquid Wrench, to the bolt head and surrounding area.
- Let it sit for several hours or overnight, allowing the oil to seep into the threads and loosen any corrosion.
- Use a wrench or pliers to gently loosen the bolt. If it still won’t budge, repeat the process.
Method 2: Heat and Cold
- Apply heat to the bolt using a hair dryer, heat gun, or flame (be cautious not to apply too much heat).
- Allow the bolt to cool slightly, then apply penetrating oil.
- Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the bolt. The heat and oil combination can help expand the metal, making it easier to remove.
Method 3: Chemical Stripper
- Apply a chemical stripper, such as CLR or Lime Remover, to the bolt head and surrounding area.
- Let it sit for the recommended time, then rinse with water and dry.
- Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the bolt.
Method 4: Impact Driver and Bit
- If the above methods don’t work, it may be time to bring out the big guns – an impact driver and bit.
- Apply penetrating oil to the bolt head and surrounding area.
- Use the impact driver to apply controlled force to the bolt, working slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the surrounding material.
Method 5: Professional Help
If all else fails, it may be time to call in a professional. A plumber, mechanic, or carpenter may have the specialized tools and expertise to remove the bolt.
Tips and Tricks
- When using penetrating oil, be sure to apply it liberally and evenly to avoid creating a mess.
- Avoid using excessive force, as this can damage surrounding material or strip the bolt head.
- Consider applying a rust-inhibiting coating to the bolt head and surrounding area after removal to prevent future corrosion.
In conclusion, removing a stubborn bolt can be a frustrating experience, but with patience, persistence, and the right techniques, even the most recalcitrant demon bolt can be banished from your DIY projects. Remember to assess the situation, choose the best method for the job, and take your time – and you’ll be saying goodbye to that pesky bolt in no time.
Hey there, new (to me) home owner here.. I’m trying to remove part of a deck so I’m trying to be mindful of certain structures without completely sawing/ripping them apart.
The demon bolt I’m trying to remove is securing the lengthwise beam to the 4×4 post. That being said, the bolt is rusted to death and seems to strip/round out when I put a socket on it.
Any clue how to remove it? Any advice would be such a help. Thanks in advance!
I’d say just put a pry bar under that wood, looks like it would just pop off around the bolt. If the post beneath is worth saving, it will be fine. If it crumbles then it had to go anyway
Hit it with your purse
Maybe using metric on a standard (or vice versa) where you can’t match and the socket slips
Anyway, if you have the right size, get some PB blaster and use it a few times and let it set for a while and then come back with a big ass breaker bar.
If the bolt head is truly rounded (photo makes it look ok still), you’ll have to get an extractor bit, drill a lead hole and set the extractor bit. Then put a wrench on the bit and use the breaker on that.
OR scorched earth and take a 2 ” hole saw to the side piece and pull it off.
What’s the other side look like?
I got a locking adjustable wrench only about 2 years ago. I would love to try it on that.
Can’t tell if it’s sunk into the wood or if it has a rusted washer, first things first remove all the debris around the area (IE rust,paint ,wood chips, etc). After that hit it with some PB blaster to be safe. At this point you should be able to find the right size wrench, and as you try to unscrew the bolt with said wrench take a small ball peen hammer and tap on the head of the bolt it should loosen up without much force. And believe me you don’t want to use force on a rusted bolt for it will almost certainly sheer off…
Call a priest
Channel locks, locking pliers, pipe wrench, or cut the head off
Try and get the paint off first get a good socket wrench better go slow until you have no resistance. If that doesn’t work throw you tv at it!
You need to drill a hole in the middle and unscrew it with the hole
Lock some vice grips on it tight as you can. Tight enough that you need to use pliers to close the vice grips, then use a pipe about 18-24 inches long to slide over the vice grips, then turn. Now you’re going to either break the bolt or loosen it. If it breaks, use a sawzall to cut it away from the 4×4. Good luck!!
I’d knock the paint off the top and then see if a 12 point shallow socket would seat, and completely fucking round the fastener instantly with some impact driver. Probably a Ryobi.
Again highlighting with the unnecessary rusty circle.
Sawzall if you can’t get a socket to bite.
Or slam a prybar in there and rip it apart.
Sawzall.
Bolt extractor:
[https://www.amazon.com/Irwin-394001-Piece-Bolt-Extractor/dp/B014S9M0WE/](https://www.amazon.com/Irwin-394001-Piece-Bolt-Extractor/dp/B014S9M0WE/)
Why have I seen “use PB Blaster”. PB Blaster is used to dissolve rust and other junk between two metal surfaces. This is a lag bolt in wood. Use a 6 point socket with a breaker bar. If need be put a longer pipe over the breaker bar handle.
Anyone else see a cute lion