candle wax bolt extraction

[fomocoguy]

So I read an article in the tips and tricks section of the January HOT ROD magazine that talks about using candle wax to extract broken or rusted bolts. This is what it said, word for word:

"An oldie but a goodie: Free frozen exhaust bolts by first heating them with a torch, then dripping melted candle wax on them. Norm Brandes of Westech Automotive says this technique "works better than penetrating oil." It also makes removing a broken bolt with Easy-Out drill bits lots easier."

With this in mind, I may try it shortly here when I go to put my headers on my truck. I figure the upper FE manifold bolts would be a perfect test. My question to you all is have you ever tried this or heard of positive results? Thanks!

[BlueOvalDave]

I tried it and it didnt work, but maybe it's just me. I used the technique on a broken/frozen exhaust manifold stud while on my workbench. Then I just cherried it up with the gas axe and it came right out

[fomocoguy]

I tried it and it didnt work, but maybe it's just me. I used the technique on a broken/frozen exhaust manifold stud while on my workbench. Then I just cherried it up with the gas axe and it came right out

Well, they have pics in the mag and it looks like they are getting the bolt pretty darned hot (red) first, then applying the wax. How hot did you get it when you tried it? I suppose getting it that hot is probably sufficient most of the time without even worrying about the wax...

[fordman]

i find that when tring to remove a rusted bolt with exposed threads . that cleaning the rust off of the threads helps ease the bolt through the threads. the wax would help in that if the threads were clean too. i use a wire brush. sometimes on a drill that can help speed the cleaning up or get a better job of cleaning the rust out of the threads. but getting that ear hot is the main secrect to getting the bolt to even turn in the first place. once you have it turning then its going to possible come out without breaking.

[My427stang]

I dont waste my time, although it could work if the bolts arent badly rusted

If you have an oxy/acetylne torch, just get the port where the bolt goes through good and red. They'll back right out, and if they stop, heat it again.

Afterwards, coat the threads with antiseize and life will be good.

[fomocoguy]

I dont waste my time, although it could work if the bolts arent badly rusted

If you have an oxy/acetylne torch, just get the port where the bolt goes through good and red. They'll back right out, and if they stop, heat it again.

Afterwards, coat the threads with antiseize and life will be good.

Lucky for me my work supplies me with an oxy acetylene setup, so I'm good to go on that one.

[Happy_Camper]

Rusted, broken, frozen bolts are the perfect reason to buy a new set of aluminum heads, intake manifold, Headers (ceramic coated), stainless exhaust system, new hi-zoot Carburetor du jour, Cam, pistons and rebuild kit...

"...But honest honey, I had to buy these parts to fix the exhaust leak. Doesn't it sound much better now?"
Candle wax belongs on the table of your wifes favorite restaurant, while you explain the rather large expenditure.

[mastiffkevin]

I don't know about candle wax, but there is an old trick that us pipefitters use for breaking loose steam lines an things like that. And that is BEES wax... is it possible they just messed up calling it candle wax?? because bees wax does work! ask any fitter! LOL

[fomocoguy]

I don't know about candle wax, but there is an old trick that us pipefitters use for breaking loose steam lines an things like that. And that is BEES wax... is it possible they just messed up calling it candle wax?? because bees wax does work! ask any fitter! LOL

Well, there are pics of the fella melting a candle on the threads, but it's probably staged I'm sure. So do you use the same principle? Just get it red hot and melt some wax near the threads? Or do you even get it that hot?

[fordman]

wax alone wont do it.

[fomocoguy]

wax alone wont do it.

What I meant was does it have to be RED hot, or do they just use a propane torch? I crave details...

[mastiffkevin]

well in using bees wax you don't need to get it red hot. actually with steam lines you just melt it at where the threads go into the fitting and give it a few minuites to soak into the threads. they are already hot!! I would think that nothing would help if you get it cherry red. I mean anything you put on there is just going to burn away isn't it?? I have used bees wax on frozen bolts before and all we did is used a mapp gas torch to heat them up and melted in the wax.. it was pretty hot but not red, and it did help!

[mastiffkevin]

Oh, And bees wax also smells nice when you melt it! Kinda like honey!

[My427stang]

In 20 yrs of milk trucks, plow trucks, snow plows and my own FEs on the salty Massachusetts roads (and having to get it right the first time to make any money)...

Get it red hot on at least three sides of the bolt hole (you dont need to get it red under the bolt). Anything less will not let you be certain that the bolt wont break. Once its red, it will come out like a new bolt. If it starts getting stuck, get it red again. Dont worry about the bolt getting read, just focus the heat on the cast iron, you will be amazed.

I dont even try anymore, unless its one that I know I have already antiseized, I just take the ttorch to it and then back out the bolts like a new truck.

It wont hurt a thing, just let it cool naturally, dont quench or anything fancy, just take out the bolt and leave it alone LOL

Once cool, chase the threads, lube it up with antiseize and good to go.

One clarification, only the top ones need it, the bottoms usually come right out, but I antiseize them too just for giggles

[drytoast]

A trick I have learned if you broke the bolt off, place a nut on top of the broken off bolt and weld the center of the nut to the broken bolt wait a few seconds for it to cool and take a cresent or vice grips and turn the broken bolt right out. Sometimes this works the first time or you might have to try it a few more times just keep a few extra nuts around so the heat keeps penetrating. Hope this trick helps someone out there. Todd