removing connector bolts / cross dowels

I am in the process of sanding down an old neglected outdoor jensen jarrah table setting I was given (table now looks fantastic!) and would also like to fix up some of the loose joinery on the chairs however some of the bolts are stuck fast and removing them creates two issues.

1. The hex shape head starts stripping
2. The pressure on the barrel bolt part is starting to split the timber.

So far I have tried applying some penetrene and clamping the timber to stop splitting then gently tapping the alum key with a hammer as well as lots of wiggling back and forth but at this stage no success.

Can anyone suggest any other approaches to undo them ? I dont want to damage the timber so havnt tried applying heat yet.

thanks

Chris

Timber swells when wet so maybe worth wetting it to see if that might help. Seems like you have nothing to lose at this stage. Heat makes timber contract, might work but not sure if either method would free up the bolts or make them a tighter fit. Good luck with it. Others may come up with a solution. I can't think of any method that would not damage the timber.

Get yourself some 'easyouts' froma a car parts supplier,bore a hole in the top about 10mm insert reverse thread tool ,which looks like a backwards drill and soak the wood with WD40 before trying it
Good lick!
Keith

If I understand the problem you need to use a hexagon socket not a multipoint one. If the bolts are seized in the nuts can you grind/cut the heads off and after getting it apart it might be easier to remove the leftover bolt or at least you will be closer to the problem.

ok so I finally achieved sucess, first I used my dremel to cut a slot across the bolt to use a large screw drive to turn, then I also drilled the head of the barrell nut thing, which either freed it up or the heat generated by drilling it expanded it, either way they came out and I didnt damage the timber ! Now to buy a few new bolts :)

Is electo plated brass really suitable for outdoor furniture ? maybe I will coat the new ones with penetrene or grease or something before they go in.

In a word, stainless steel.