How to unscrew a stubborn screw

It seems there is no task simpler than unscrewing bolts. However, things don’t always go as planned; you may find that a bolt has been tightened too tightly or that corrosion has caused the threads to seize up. Improper attempts to unscrew it can lead to damage to the bolt head or even to the head being stripped. There are several home remedies for dealing with this situation. One of the cheapest solutions is to use kerosene. It is a widely available product with good penetrating properties. The downside of this solution is that it takes several hours to produce the desired effect. A slightly more expensive option is popular rust removers. After waiting a few minutes for the product to take effect, you can get to work. Both of these methods are effective when the product can reach the threads. In other cases, you’ll need to resort to mechanical methods.

Using an impact wrench

A more professional way to loosen a seized bolt is to use a so-called impact wrench. The wrench ensures easy and quick removal of bolts without the need for physical force. Electric and pneumatic impact wrenches are available on the market, differing in their power source. A pneumatic wrench operates with an air compressor, which serves as its power source. It is significantly more efficient and powerful because it has higher torque. The downside is that you need an air compressor to use it.  Electric wrenches, on the other hand, are divided into corded and cordless models. They have slightly less power, but can be used almost anywhere.

Nut Cutter

If you can access the other side of the bolt—that is, if you can see that it has a nut—it’s worth trying to tackle it from that side. This is especially true when the bolt’s thread is stripped, it spins endlessly, and prying it won’t help. In such situations, the ideal tool is a nut cutter. The tip of the nut cutter drives into the metal, causing the stubborn element to break. It is worth noting that nut cutters must be made of high-quality materials.