Thread: Loosening a stubborn hex bolt

Can you get to them with an old school manual impact screwdriver?

If there's any chance they had thread sealant, e.g. Loctite, heat them with a hair dryer or heat gun to assist release.

Cheers,
Joe

Any chance they are reverse threads Andy? Usually only on things that spin though (to keep them self tightening).

Get a piece of steel rod and heat it red hot with a propane torch. Then touch the red hot rod onto the nut to transfer the heat. The try and loosen the bolt/nut with spanners.

I'm assuming these are allen head bolts. Put the Allen key in the head and use something to extend the other leg of the allen key to increase the leverage. A large shifter closed up on the allen key works well. Even a piece of wood with a hole drilled in the end and slipped over the allen key would work ok.
Make sure it is the correct size allen key and is a snug fit in the head of the bolt.

If it is the 8 mm hex bolts on page 12 marked A then I think the shifter should do the trick
http://www.misgroupinc.com/partfiles/M-708661.pdf
if it's similar to page 13 lock nut A I wish you well.

I'd use heat, then when it cools off use some penetrant, do this say 3 times.
Then, don't try and take it off with one mighty heave, actually tighten it a bit if you can then back a little.
Back and forth.
Once its starts to loosen keep using the back and forth method until is loosens.

Thanks for the replies I'll let you know how I go.

I ended up using a socket wrench from Crowie. It worked a treat!

Thanks.