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