bolts
I'm trying to remove a tire from a lawn tractor and the bolt is stuck. I've tried all kinds of penetrating oils and an impact driver with no luck. A lot of websites recommend heating the bolt. What kind of heat source should I use?
Addition: Thanks for the tips. The problem with a breaker bar in this case is that, due to the shape of the tire rim, I need to use an extension to get a socket wrench on the bolt and the bolt head is thin so everything falls off easily.
Based on the clarifications, I would recommend using a reusable thread-locking liquid.
Here is a link to one I found that may work. I have not used it.
Vibra-Tite VC3 Threadmate http://www.vibra-tite.com
(I am in no way affiliated with the Vibra-Tite Company)
For neatness you could consider the use of a carriage bolt through from one side of the wood "pivot" point and then put a flat washer and a nyloc nut on from the other side. The parts look like this:
Carriage bolt - The square part under the rounded head keeps the bolt from turning in the wood.
Flat Washer - This keeps the nut from digging into the wood.
nyloc nut - This special type nut has a nylon insert that keeps the nut from loosening and spinning off the bolt.
Best Answer
First. I would ensure that you are using a 4-way Tire Iron. It makes you apply equal pressure to the bolt and you will be amazed at the different. In fact, if you have not tried this. Then i would not worry about the heat source for now.
In terms of the blow torch. you need anything that can throw enough heat to make the bolt almost red hot (note I say almost)
A butane torch will be totally fine. Just watch out, the hot nut will be a little easier to snap when hot.