Restoring antique plow - need to remove rusted nuts/bolts - how much heat?

[Jstpssng]

Mapp gas also burns a bit hotter than propane, yet will work in the same torch. How old is it? I've been surprised at how easily pre-1960ish, nonrecycled steel nuts still loosen.

 

[fried1765]

Mapp gas also burns a bit hotter than propane, yet will work in the same torch. How old is it? I've been surprised at how easily pre-1960ish, nonrecycled steel nuts still loosen.

MAPP gas is NOT recommended for use in many propane torches (the cheaper ones).

 

[ray66v]

Definitely load them all up with "penetrating" oil.

I used to work next to a veteran tool repairer, who did this all day. Meanwhile, I just started off with the heat. I saved his company the cost of the oil, and our lungs the toxin filled smoke. As a bonus, I got the job done faster not wasting time wishing, and hoping they will come off without heat.

 

[fried1765]

For heating bolts, consider getting a Bolt Buster. It's an induction heater that provides isolated and concentrated heating of the bolt or nut, and doesn't damage the surrounding surfaces. I bought one for a project this summer and don't think I'll ever heat a bolt with a torch again. I absolutely love it. A bit pricey, but very worth it.

Wa....yyy too expensive for my taste!

 

[CalG]

"Soaking with Kroil".... takes just the right amount of time,.... if the rusted nut is near a flammable liquid like gasoline, or a gasoline hose!

gas hose? On an antique PLOW? OK, fine, that's some plow you are thinking of.

 

[metalbender]

Do you have a buzz box welder at your disposal? Many old Forney welders came with a carbon arc torch. Very efficient, without flame when used properly. It will heat the nut in seconds at a low amp setting.

 

[Doughknob]

Definitely load them all up with "penetrating" oil.

I used to work next to a veteran tool repairer, who did this all day. Meanwhile, I just started off with the heat. I saved his company the cost of the oil, and our lungs the toxin filled smoke. As a bonus, I got the job done faster not wasting time wishing, and hoping they will come off without heat.

Well yeeeeaahhhhh. But if the idea is to save the nuts and/or bolts annnnnndddd not change their temper, oil is worth a first try.

 

[fried1765]

gas hose? On an antique PLOW? OK, fine, that's some plow you are thinking of.

My error!
I thought this discussion was about how to remove rusted nuts/bolts,..... and was not necessarily limited to antique plows.

 

[lhfarm]

Thanks for all the responses. The plow is a very rare 70+ years model. You can read about one my friend found here - Newgren WP-1L Plow – FarmJeep.com I need to save as many of the fasteners as I can. Nuts, I can split, but need to save the rest.

I also wrote back in 2015 about another technique I found on here - Restoring the Newgren Plow – and Candle Magic – FarmJeep.com I may give it a try.

 

[CalG]

I tried the melted wax method on a rusted together 2 inch receiver hitch.

The hitch won...

In theory, if the hot wax can penetrate the boundary, upon cooling there is an expansion mechanism (much like water ice) that will push the two members apart.

I'm waiting for that to end up useful, but I keep trying ;-)