Started out using a pry bar on every stuck bolt, now I just grab the torch first

Man, I look back at how I used to fight with rusted bolts when I first started in the shop back in 2012. I'd spend 20 minutes with a breaker bar, swearing and almost rounding off the head before giving up. Now I just hit it with my little Bernzomatic torch for 30 seconds and it usually comes right off. Learned that from an old guy at a shop near Portland who told me 'heat is your friend, kid.' Changed my whole workflow after that. Saves me so much time every week, especially on exhaust work or suspension parts. Still get nervous with the torch near plastic lines but you learn where to aim. Anyone else switched to more heat and less muscle over the years?

2 comments

2 Comments

taylor.paige1d ago

Nah man, heat's the way to go. A torch gets things done in seconds instead of messing with penetrating oil that barely works half the time.

matthew8641d ago

Whoa hold on, I gotta disagree with you on this one! I've seen way too many guys melt rubber bushings or drip hot grease on themselves thinking the torch is the fastest answer. For me, a good impact gun with some penetrating oil and a little patience has never let me down. Sure, heat works fast, but I've had bolts snap from getting too hot and then you're really in a bad spot drilling it out. I'll stick with the PB Blaster and a slow hand, it might take an extra couple minutes but it rarely bites me in the butt later.