That old timer in Buffalo told me to quit using a cheater bar on the flange bolts

I used to think a cheater bar was the only way to break those stubborn flange bolts on a 10-inch header, but a guy named Walt with 30 years in the trade convinced me to try a good penetrating oil and a 4-pound sledge instead. After 6 months of trying his method on every tough bolt I found, I haven't snapped a single one, plus my wrists don't ache like they used to. Got any tricks for stuck bolts on old carbon steel drums that won't budge?

3 comments

3 Comments

jamieb801mo ago

Walt's onto something, try a 50/50 acetone and ATF mix instead of penetrating oil.

kaigibson1mo agoMost Upvoted

Walt's onto something" huh? How long do you let that acetone/ATF mix sit before you figure it's worth a try? I've heard guys swear by it but also heard it eats up any rubber or plastic it touches if you're not careful.

amy_craig281mo ago

Mate you don't let it sit, you shake it up and use it immediately. It'll eat rubber seals if you leave it on too long so spray it, wait 5-10 minutes, then hit it again.