"Bolt" and wingnut from Stanley 150 frozen

[Tony (Charleston WV)]

The piece on the 150 I'm calling a bolt sits flush to the vertical wall and has no slot or other means to free the bolt from a wing nut that attaches on the other side of that wall. It holds a" length gauge" aka a "stop".  I hope that the pictures do a better job explaining the issue  I've tried two different penetrants, with a day-long soaking, a small torch that puts out plenty of heat, and a day-long stint in the freezer.  (My wife launched into a tirade about my "stupid stunt", but I pointed out that I got rid of some old bags of frozen vegetables, mostly squash [which I refuse to eat anyway).


I've thought about using some type of "easy out" device but I'm concerned that I'll destroy the bolt head, or be unable to penetrate it.  I have a small vice grip-type tool with narrow pointy jaws that will clear the wing nut when clamped on the threaded part of the bolt.  I tried that with a small narrow piece of leather, and used a wrench to hold the wings but no dice.  I worry that if I clamp down too hard, I'll mash the threads.

Any suggestions?

Also, anyone have an extra "length gauge" that I could buy or trade for?  (Mods-if I'm violating protocol with a solicitation like the above, please move this post to its proper spot.

Thanks,

   

   

[Dan Moening]

So turning the wingnut also turns the bolt as they are "bonded" together, right?

Is there a way to get a clamp head on the threaded side/flush side of the bolt and then turn the wingnut?

Perhaps a shock (Bang one wing with a dowel and hammer) hit to the wingnut would loosen it up?

[Joe Bailey]

I've tried ... a small torch that puts out plenty of heat, and a day-long stint in the freezer..

Any suggestions?

From your description, it sounds like two distinct operations.

I suggest heating the wingnut, then immediately cooling the bolt.

[Roly]

So turning the wingnut also turns the bolt as they are "bonded" together, right?

Is there a way to get a clamp head on the threaded side/flush side of the bolt and then turn the wingnut?

Perhaps a shock (Bang one wing with a dowel and hammer) hit to the wingnut would loosen it up?

+1 I would try this first.  If all else fails try cutting the wing nut with a Dremel tool just enough as to not damage threads and smack it again. Roly

[CLETUS]

 with a day-long soaking

Try a week long soak.

Or just cut off.

I came across a shotgun with chokes stuck in it. Soaked them in Kroil for a week, they broke loose maybe a 1/16" turn. Soaked them another week and they turned right out.

[Downwindtracker2]

Before using penetrating fluid, wire brush the threads behind the wingnut until you see the crack between the bolt and the nut. That will break the dam and allow the fluid to wick in. Then you can use heat, shoot it again and allow to cool. That wicks more fluid. Next time you heat it , it should come free.

[AHill]

Epoxy is your friend. Try a drop of epoxy on the bolt side and attach it to a stick long enough to hold onto while you work the wing nut. Once the nut is off, you can easily apply heat to the bolt and the epoxy will soften enough to break loose from the bolt. It's worth a try. Epoxy - not CA glue (super glue).

[Admiral]

Before using penetrating fluid, wire brush the threads behind the wingnut until you see the crack between the bolt and the nut. That will break the dam and allow the fluid to wick in. Then you can use heat, shoot it again and allow to cool. That wicks more fluid.  Next time you heat it , it should come  free.

This ^^^^^^ . Plus patience, patience grasshopper.....  

[Timberwolf]

Epoxy is your friend.  Try a drop of epoxy on the bolt side and attach it to a stick long enough to hold onto while you work the wing nut.  Once the nut is off, you can easily apply heat to the bolt and the epoxy will soften enough to break loose from the bolt.  It's worth a try.  Epoxy - not CA glue (super glue).

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Because of the surface area, I am not sure epoxy will hold a stick tightly enough to stop the bolt from turning, but I would try that first..If it doesn't hold I would clean all the epoxy off, shine the metal with sandpaper, then use a tin/lead solder to bond a piece of coat hanger wire to the bolt...It can be reheated and the solder cleaned off after the bolt has been removed.

[Red Sawman]

If you can't "soak" it loose … I'd weld a nut on the threads to hold it … you can grind off the weld once the wingnut is loose …

Just my 2 cents …

Red