DAE argue over heat vs. cold for stubborn bolt removal?

Had a seized bolt on a pressure valve flange last week. The young guys were all for torching it, but I've seen that warp things. I soaked it in penetrant overnight and it came right off. Now some say heat is always faster, but I worry about messing up the threads. What's your go-to method for this?

3 comments

3 Comments

perry.fiona2mo ago

Actually, heat cycling (heating then tapping to cool) breaks rust bonds without warping, if you're careful. But your penetrant method is totally solid too, both can work.

the_jennifer2mo ago

It's funny how often we forget there are multiple paths to the same goal... whether it's loosening a bolt or handling daily problems, the right tool changes with the situation. Staying open to different approaches usually works out better.

jennifer_jenkins2mo agoOG Member

Wait, are we doing metallurgy or just trying to loosen a bolt? I mean, heating and tapping sounds like a whole project. For most stuff in my garage, I'm just gonna hit it with some penetrant and a big wrench. Seems like overthinking a simple problem.