Removing stubborn bolts

[circmand]

I am trying to install a trailer hitch. I need to remove the bolts holding the tow hooks. I do not want to break them off. I have been applying penetrating oil (seafoam) for several days for all the good it does. I am only using a ratchet but am considering a breaker bar this afternoon. Given the bolts are going up I am not sure the penetrating oil can get to the threads. Any advice?

[handeeman]

Consider this a till one of our more Knowledgable wrenches can help ya. I wouldn't think the penetrating oil is gonna do much good. Got any buddies with an impact wrench? swing by and let them loosen the bolts for ya.

[circmand]

from autozone on their free tool loan program but how do they work? If it is just force I can use a breaker bar. Or are they air powered? I would need a compressor.

[circmand]

Has anyone tried an electric impact wrench. AZ does not loan the air impact wrench but is trying to sell me an electric one

[handeeman]

Yes you would need a pretty good compressor. I'm not the best one on how they work. I've just watched the real mechanics loosen up stubborn bolts with them. Again hang on till one of site wrenches answers your question.

[Triathlete]

A breaker bar will work just fine. Just make sure you are using good quality ratchet and sockets. If they are of the cheap nature they will end up rounding the bolt or breaking.

[nfpgasmask]

Yeah, my breaker bar was like one of the best tool investments EVER. I use it all the time, especially at Pick & Pull. The leverage you get makes it seem so easy! I would try some PB Blaster too. I'm not sure Seafoam will do the trick...are they making Seafoam in a spray bottle now?

Bart

[rowhard]

you can also use a cheater bar with ratchet (but be careful) cheater bar, a pipe you slip over the end of the ratchet handle to give you more leverage. You can also use a box end wrench over the ratchet handle, but again, be careful and only if you have plenty of room.

[circmand]

Yeah, my breaker bar was like one of the best tool investments EVER. I use it all the time, especially at Pick & Pull. The leverage you get makes it seem so easy! I would try some PB Blaster too. I'm not sure Seafoam will do the trick...are they making Seafoam in a spray bottle now?

Bart

An aerosol can with plastic straw like WD40

As for plenty of room yeah I know the knuckle busters

[psychos2]

HEAT will help. shawn

[Grif]

HEAT will help. shawn

HEAT as in the "white gas" fuel additive, or heating the area around the bolt with a heat gun or torch?

Seems like heating the area may cause it to expand, but when it cools off, the resulting contraction of previously expanded threads might help.

[circmand]

I got the 1 bolt side off and the 1st 2 bolts on the other side. Only cost me 1 ratchet. Any suggestions on the right tool to access that third bolt way up top without removing the cladding?

[psychos2]

HEAT as in the "white gas" fuel additive, or heating the area around the bolt with a heat gun or torch?

Seems like heating the area may cause it to expand, but when it cools off, the resulting contraction of previously expanded threads might help.

Heat as in with a torch . Works well on the really hard to get out bolts.

[tom4bren]

"Any suggestions on the right tool to access that third bolt way up top without removing the cladding?"

email etlsport. I'm pretty sure he's had his off.

[Ascinder]

Apply heat to the area and press a crayon into the thread area. It's an old wheeling trick and it works better than wd-40 or liquid wrench.