Alloy Seized Bolt

[arabbadot]

The bolt on my alloy or aluminium vice is jammed solid.
I am reluctant to use too much heat. How much is too much.?
What is best way to free it.?

[Hopkirk]

Can I take it you have tried WD40?

[tonyav]

I'm assuming that it is a steel bolt. You will need more heat than you think, Aluminium is a heat sink. Heat the bolt head until it's a dull Orange colour then let it cool and then try to loosen the bolt if it doesn't loosen heat it again.

[Theland]

.......... and then put a ring spanner on it, and tap the other end of the spanner BOTH ways several times to get some movement then continue to spray with WD40, and work the bolt back and forth until movement increases and fluid works it's way down the threads.

[Fitzer]

Or, rather than use a water dispersant (WD40), try a penetrating oil such as Plus Gas Plus gas English Abrasives 802-10 Plusgas Aerosol 400ml Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[arabbadot]

Thank you guys. Yes I have tried WD40 a lot.
I will try plus gas.
I did try heating but not nearly as much as you recommend .
I wondered if there was a chemical reaction between the steel and alloy creating a bond.....

[tonyav]

I wondered if there was a chemical reaction between the steel and alloy creating a bond.....


Yep, it's White rust. Forms on old aluminium, especially between if another metal is fixed on it.

[derek-33]

as said plus gas, but let it stand a few hours before trying again so it can sink round the threads (hopefully"

[alavahalf]

Have you considered trying a fried egg ?
Get an egg and fry it for 4 minutes.. when it has cooled down, place it on top of your head !
Then hold onto the seized bolt between two fingers for 1 hour. Remove the egg and test the bolt to see if it is still seized.
During this operation, should anyone ask why you have a fried egg on your head .. tell them it is because a boiled egg will roll off ... Good luck !