How to Remove A Seized Bolt With No Head: 8 Steps

It’s common that a bolt can be stuck while working on a DIY project. But it will be frustrating if you don’t know how to remove a seized bolt with no head.  The good news is that removing the seized bolt isn’t a difficult task, and you can do it yourself following a few simple steps.

You can remove this bolt sometimes with a hammer and power drill. So, today we’ll show you how to do this removal job hassle-free.  

And, once you learn the process, it will be easier to deal with each time a bolt is seized. Let’s explore the way to remove seized bolts with no head. 

How to Remove A Seized Bolt with No Head?

Removing A Seized Bolt With No Head

Here are 8 easy steps to follow:

Step 1: Check Out the Bolt’s Position

Check whether the stuck bolt is rusted or stuck with a locking compound. It’s essential to ensure whether or not the bolt is salvageable. If not, and the bolt is rusty, replacing the bolt will be a good decision. 

However, if the bolt seems fit, you do not need to replace it. In this case, you must remove the rust with a firm wire brush. Removing the rust using a wire brush will make cleaning more accessible than the manual process. Besides, you can use an air compressor if you have no wire brush. 

Step 2: Take An Open-Ended Wrench

To replace the bolt, you need to remove it from its place. At this point, an appropriate tool is required that can help you turn up the bolt. For this operation, open-ended wrenches are highly recommended. tool 

You can easily raise the screw-up with an open-ended wrench. On the other hand, trimming the bolts off can be another good solution. You can trim the bolts with a dye grinder and abrasive wheel joint. 

Step 3: Follow Proper Operational Techniques

If it’s your first time, you can be confused about whether to go reverse or upside down. Also, you can be confused left with right and right with left. Remember simply, and turn the stuck bolt clockwise with your left hand. 

Step 4: Apply the Liquid Thread Loosener

There are different thread looseners are available on the market. You can use penetrating oil. Also, acetone and liquid ATF is a very good solution. Again if you want to make a robust liquid solvent, mix these two substances and apply.

Step 5: Soak the Bolts

It will make your way easier if you soak the bolts with high-quality penetrating oil. Soak it for minutes, and you can easily unscrew the bolts. 

Step 6: Apply Heat

It’s an optional step. If the oil application doesn’t work, go for this heat application. Heat is all that can help you break the rust bond and also melt the locking substance. 

Step 7: Enhance Better Leverage

You can damage the bolts if the pressure suddenly becomes smooth. Therefore using a breaking bar will get you more leverage to avoid this situation. But you should use gloves to alleviate your knuckles. 

Step 8: Use Paraffin

Applying heat to the iron while removing the corroded pipe from the cast iron is the most professional practice. In this case, you have to melt a candle over threads. And, it’s pretty hassling a technique. 

If you don’t want to face all these hassles, use paraffin. Paraffin works very well as a lubricant.   But make sure you use a properly sized socket. 

3 Cleaver Tricks to Remove A Seized Bolt

You also can remove the seized bolts following 3 more tricks unless you don’t want to go through this long step-by-step process. You can remove your stuck bolts using the following:

  • Hammer

Sometimes the strike of the hammers comes in decisive action to remove the seized bolt. Since you have to heat the bolt frequently, it can damage the surface. So, you need to be careful while applying this method. Also, we recommend you use safety wear. 

  • Duct Tape

Covering the bolt head with duct tape layers will ensure the fastener won’t come out undone. So, before you insert the screwdriver, you can use duct tape to cover the head. You can then turn and prevent the fastener trouble-free. 

  • Rust Remover Spray

You‘ll get different types of quality rust remover spray on the market. These sprays are already produced to remove rust. These products can break the strong bond made with rust on the bolts. 

After applying the spray, you must wait a long time and allow it to break the bond properly. After a long time of waiting, it will be easily removed when you try removing the stuck bolt. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do the bolts get seized?

The metal bolts can be seized for many reasons, such as rust, paint, corrosion, chemical, excessive tightening, and other environmental issues. However, among all these reasons, rust is considered the top reason. 

Which tool is considered the best to remove seized bolts with no head?

The open-ended wrench is the handiest tool, according to the experts. It’s comfortable to use and requires less effort than other ordinary tools. 

How can I make my bolts more secure?

Washers can increase more friction to help the bolts be secured well. You’ll get different types of washers, like cup-shaped washers, conical washers, etc. These washers will deliver extra friction and prevent bolt loosening. 

To Wrap Up

Rust accumulates on bolts over time, and it’s a natural process. But the important thing is that when a bolt is rusted or stuck tightly, you should remove it to clean or replace it. In this case, you must know how to remove a seized bolt with no head. 

Since it’s a regular and frequent occurrence, you should learn the process perfectly. Learning the method to remove the seized bolts will also save you money. This removal process is not that tough if you understand the steps properly. 

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Sam Morgan is a professional interior designer and part-time content writer of Drill Villa. He has done hundreds of major projects and sharing his experience with you. He is a tools lover like drill, drill press, drivers, wrench etc. He used and tested thousands of tools and knows which perform better.

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