How to deal with bolts that have rusted shut
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It is a valve with flange connections. Due to pipeline modifications, it has been removed and is ready to be installed in another pipeline, but the bolts have rusted together. Apart from forcibly cutting the bolts, is there any other way to keep them intact so that they can be removed and reused?
It can’t be saved anymore; just cut it off! In the future, be careful: use galvanized material for grades 4.6, and blue-treated material for grades 8.8 and above. During construction, make sure not to damage the protective layer; apply rust-proof oil during maintenance, and if possible, use paint as well. If you have the money, use stainless steel bolts directly.
This is common in the chemical industry; a simple and practical solution is to use rust preventive oil. Due to the effects of natural elements such as rain and snow, it needs to be applied regularly, and painting is not recommended.
If you want to keep the coating intact, applying a layer of glue is a good idea. It’s highly not recommended to use stainless steel just because you can afford it – stainless steel can still rust, and once it does, you’ll have to use a cutting tool to remove it, which is a very tedious process; I’ve experienced such problems before! Cutting off the screw isn’t difficult, and it doesn’t cost much! This post was last edited by firep001 on 2008-1-18 17:47.]
The bolt is completely rusted – do you still want to remove it and keep using it? Forget it; even if it’s used, apart from rust, its strength will likely be compromised. It’s sufficient as long as it can prevent the flange from deforming. It’s better to replace the bolt again.
Cut it and replace it – is that the person in charge of finance in the building? Working on energy conservation? Very economical, haha
I disagree with what was said on the 2nd floor. Piping bolts generally use double-headed studs, made of 35CrMoA material; anti-seize agent should be applied during installation, and the outer edge of the nut should be painted. Stainless steel bolts cannot be used, as the threads of stainless steel tend to seize.
If it’s a bolt made of carbon steel, you can first spray it with rust remover; after cleaning it, apply some lubricant and see if you can turn it off. If that doesn’t work, the only option is to cut it off with a saw. Never use gas cutting, as this can easily damage the flanged valve.
If welding is possible, the valve can be cut off along with its flange and removed. This helps to keep the bolts in place.
The bolt has been preserved, but how should it be installed when using the valve again? Should the flange and the cut short pipe be welded together to the pipe section where it is to be installed?
Use a rust remover; apply it and wait until the next day before removing it. Before reinstalling, wash it with oil and apply molybdenum disulfide – this will help, but some parts will still not be usable when exposed to the elements.
WD40 works well for removing rust
A habit formed from previous hands-on experience: when tightening bolts, apply butter first before tightening them – it’s beneficial for both others and oneself.
Such a solution does not address the problem at its root; the bolts and nuts should be treated right from the time of purchase. Our company has bolts that have been treated in this way, and even if they become severely corroded, they will not become stuck as a result
In my opinion, if the corrosion is severe, it is still necessary to replace it with a new one, as the sealing between the flanges relies on the strength of the bolts
The key is to determine whether the medium inside the pipeline is flammable or explosive; if it is, cutting it is the only option, as using lubrication methods won’t work in such cases. If it’s a normal medium, like water, simply cut it – the valve won’t be affected in any way
It’s rusted; it must be replaced. The old bolts don’t have enough strength. Don’t skimp on these bolts – it could lead to problems if something goes wrong.
Try a bolt loosener; there are many products available for this purpose. Spray it on the rusted bolts, wait a short while, and then turn them – they will turn easily. I used this thing before
All the vulnerable parts need to be replaced; cut them off – they’re rusty and no longer usable, and it doesn’t cost much.