Removing rusty bolts on dish?

blackninja

With a big tree in front of my usual hotbird dish, I've decided to move my skydish over to 13 East. Only problem is with rain etc the bolt on the skydish has become rusty and won't move an inch when I try to unscrew it with a spanner. I've tried tips from a google search such a coke and a flame torch but so far no luck. Any tips?

rolfw

WD40 and a wire brush may do it.

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Analoguesat

If its really stuck try soaking the bolts in WD40 for a couple of days. Then if that fails get a junior hacksaw preferably with a new blade on it.

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PaulR

If you can get a blowtorch on the nut then that will definitely shift the rust. Undo it when the nut is red hot and use a socket set, preferably a single hex (6 sides, not 12) socket. Ring spanners are a second best but don't bother with an open ended spanner - it'll just round the corners of the nut.

If getting the nut red hot might damage other stuff then heat it up as much as possible and then put some heavy-ish oil on, old style 20/50 engine oil is ideal. Don't use WD40 as this will just evaporate without doing any good - the engine oil will thin down nicely and penetrate (ooh Matron) the threads. If necessary repeat the heating/oil procedure a few times.

When you come to undo it DON'T try to unscrew immediately. Give the spanner a slight tightening motion to break the bond between the nut and bolt and then try to unscrew a bit. Keep rocking back and forth gradually working the nut loose.

You'll get it eventually.

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PaulR

As I get older I find myself thinking about the hereafter - I go into a room and then wonder what I'm here after.

wium

Suggest you use a grinder and replace with a brand new stainless steel bolt.

manning3000

You Could also use copper or brass as replacement bolts then you will never have rust problem again, WD40 works good.

grahamd180

Coat the new bolt threads with copper grease from a car spares shop and you will have no problems in future.
G