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How do you loosen a rusty bolt?

1. Penetrating Oil

Apply a penetrating oil, such as WD-40 or Liquid Wrench, to the rusty bolt. Let it soak in for several minutes or even overnight. The oil will help break down the rust and make it easier to loosen the bolt.

2. Heat

Heat the bolt with a heat gun or blow torch. Be careful not to overheat the bolt, as this can damage it. Once the bolt is hot, try to loosen it with a wrench. The heat will help expand the metal and make it easier to turn the bolt.

3. Leverage

Use a breaker bar or cheater pipe to get more leverage on the bolt. A breaker bar is a long, heavy wrench that provides more torque than a regular wrench. A cheater pipe is a piece of pipe that can be slipped over the handle of a wrench to extend its length.

4. Impact Wrench

Use an impact wrench to break the bolt loose. An impact wrench uses a hammering motion to loosen bolts and nuts. Be sure to use the correct size socket for the bolt, and be careful not to overtighten the wrench.

5. Vise Grips

If the bolt is still stuck, you can try using vise grips. Vise grips are a type of pliers that have serrated jaws that grip the bolt tightly. Once the vise grips are in place, try to turn the bolt with a wrench.

6. Cut the Bolt

If all else fails, you can cut the bolt with a hacksaw or bolt cutter. This should be the last resort, as it will damage the bolt and the threads in the nut.