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If you have ever come across a nut and bolt such as Heavy Hex Bolts that are completely stuck you know how frustrating it can be.  When Building Fasteners such as Hex Cap Screws or Tek Screws get corroded they can be very difficult to remove but it can be done.  It just takes a […]

If you have ever come across a nut and bolt such as Heavy Hex Bolts that are completely stuck you know how frustrating it can be.  When Building Fasteners such as Hex Cap Screws or Tek Screws get corroded they can be very difficult to remove but it can be done.  It just takes a little know how.  Sometimes when the threads become stripped it can be very hard to remove as well but there are techniques that will help you get it out.
One of the things you can do is use penetrating oil and allow it to site for up to 30 minutes.  WD-40 is a type of penetrating oil that is often used successfully.  After you have let it sit, give it a light tap with a hammer and use a wrench, vise grips, or a socket to remove it.  You may need to add a little more penetrating oil a second time.  Remember that heat should not be used as penetrating oil is flammable.  You will still need to work on it to get it out.  Sometimes it will start to show signs of progress but then will get stuck again.  If this happens turn it back in and then try to remove it once more.  You may have to do this several times but with the combination of the penetrating oil and the turning back and forth you should be able to work it loose.
When the threads are stripped it can be difficult to remove a fastener as well.  You can use a tap or a die to clean up the threads and then reinstall the fastener.  Wood or fiberglass that has stripped hole can be patched with a wood filler or a gel coat or toothpicks or small pieces of wood can be glued into the hole.  Then you just need to re-drill and install the fastener again.  If the fastener that you are fixing is outside you should use silicone to prevent it from filling with water.  Finally, you can also use a heli-coil kit, which gives you the ability to drill the out further and use a heli-coil insert.  This will allow you to use the same sized fastener again.
http://fastenertips.fastenfinder.com/fasteners/what-is-corrosion-and-how-can-you-fight-against-it/

About the Author

Larry Melone
By Larry Melone
President

Started my career in the fastener world in 1969 at, Parker Kalon Corp. a NJ based screw manufacturer located in Clifton, NJ working in inventory control, scheduling secondary production and concluding there in purchasing. In 1971 I accepted a sales position at Star Stainless Screw Co., Totowa, NJ working in inside sales and later as an outside salesman, having a successful career at Star I had the desire with a friend to start our own fastener distribution company in 1980 named: Divspec, Kenilworth, NJ. This was a successful adventure but ended in 1985 with me starting Melfast in August 1985 and have stayed competitive and successful to date. Melfast serves the OEM market with approximately 400 accounts nationally.

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