How to Remove Seized Nuts or Bolts

How to Remove Seized Nuts or Bolts

Oil & gas, Petrochemical and other industries that require the use of chemicals or corrosive liquids often encounter rust or corrosion on their joints and surfaces. This results in nuts and bolts getting stuck or cold welding on the joints. Depending on the scenario in which these seized nuts and bolts may have to be removed, there are several techniques that can be used.


Removing Rusted Bolts, Seized Screws & Nuts

Humidity and corrosive liquids or gases in the environment can deteriorate the nuts and screws and make them worthless as time passes. It becomes hard for a wrench or any other tool to grip and remove them by force. It is because the metal gets affected by the rust making it hard to remove out of its place. Things being what they are, how would you free a rusted or stuck bolt?

1.       Bolting tools

Bolting tools are usually used to tighten nuts and bolts at a specified torque value desired by the application as per instructions from the design and engineering consultant of a plant. As an industry standard, applying 1.5-3 times of the initially applied torque when closing a joint should be enough to breakaway the seized nuts and loosen them. Due to constant pressure and flow of corrosive material in the flange, sometimes, using a bolting tool may not release the seized nut/ bolt and alternate methods may be required.

  1. Gas Cutting

The easiest method to remove the rusted nut or bolt is to use a gas cutter which can heat the bolt or nut on a moderate level. The heat will make the nuts and bolts expand and eventually after some time, they can easily be removed. But it is not that easy as explained and you always need to make sure to check whether any flammable material is rusted on the nuts or not. If there is any, then it can lead to ignition and can cause injury. In a running plant setting, that is under shutdown, use of flammable sources is forbidden. You may have to look for an alternate solution that can minimize the risk of fire.

3.       Nut splitting

Nut splitting is the safest method of removing nuts using a special device that is mounted on the seized nut. The tool has a blade that slowly pierces through the nut cutting it all the way through. Nut splitter creates minimum spark and is one of the most preferred methods of braking seized nuts in a flammable environment. The blades of the nut splitter are reusable and cause minimum to no damage to the surface of the application. Since it applies high amount of hydraulic pressure, one may need to change the stud/ bolt once the nut has been removed.

Loosening Rusted Bolts, Nuts & Screws

  1. Lubrication

Trying a nut or bolt loosening spray like WD-40 Penetrant Spray may help release the joint in case where the rust or corrosion in minor in nature. This particular spray will intensely lubricate the nuts or bolts with the help of oil present in the spray. This spray is specifically made and used only for loosening the corroded stuck metals quickly and easily. There are many other metal loosening sprays available also like Spray2Ways technology which is good for the wide spray nozzle or the precise straw applicator for perfection. The basic process for loosening and removing a rusted bolt is to use the lubricant spray on the nut and then tap it with the hammer.

2.       Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide is a great way to remove the rust fixated on the nuts and bolts. The best way to do that is to put some Hydrogen Peroxide on the nuts and bolts and then leave them for some time. After that, with the help of a wire brush, try removing the rust with the bristles and you will easily be able to remove all the unwanted rust.

  1. Sanding

Once you have removed most of the rust with the Hydrogen Peroxide method but you will see that there is still some rust which you will find on the fastener. It is advisable to use a sanding method to remove the remaining rust. In the sanding method, you have to rub the fastener with sandpaper to remove the remaining rust. It is a time-consuming process, but worth a try.

Conclusion

Little things always create bigger problems and the same goes with the rusted nuts and bolts. Always assess the onsite scenario and choose the best suitable option. It is necessary to take proper caution like wear safety coveralls, helmet, suitable gloves and protect your eyes with safety glasses.


Content Sources :- ABSGroup

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