Best gas torch/blow torch for removing rusted nuts/bolts

[Spathodus77]

Hi,

Recently I have seen a recommendation that "most blow torches can be used to heat seized/rusted bolts to a sufficient temperature to aid removal". I seem to struggle with rusty bolts quite frequently and so consider that I should get myself a gas torch. Things that are important to me are; being able to buy replacement gas cartridges easily (i.e. at shops that open at the weekend e.g machine mart/screwfix etc) and that the thing actually works - i.e. generates enough heat.

Does anyone have any recommendations for makes/models etc?

Thanks,

Ralph

[Ladvr6]

The one I have is made by Taymar. Can get them from most DIY places, Halfords etc.. Very useful for heating up nuts and bolts stc. Think it was about 20-25 quid

[oakdale]

If you want serious heat and a torch that doesn't go out when you invert it, buy a Rothenburger.

They're not cheap, but they are in a different league to the usual butane torch.

[phillpot]

+1 for the Rothenberger
Professional bit of kit, streets apart from B&Q type stuff (imho)

You can get Butane or Mapp gas cylinders, don't know what Mapp gas is but I believe it burns hotter than propane?

[oakdale]

phillpot said:

+1 for the Rothenberger
Professional bit of kit, streets apart from B&Q type stuff (imho)

You can get Butane or Mapp gas cylinders, don't know what Mapp gas is but I believe it burns hotter than propane?

They use propane or mapp (yellow botttle), both good but mapp is the hottest.

[ian_uk1975]

Butane isn't much cop, in my experience (not hot enough).

MAPP is the hottest, as stated. Haven't tried MAPP personally, but from research I did ages ago, MAPP is the closest DIY alternative to Oxy.

[Spathodus77]

Thanks. I had been considering the Rothburger, but was put off because cannisters have to be purchased in packs of six at screwfix (according to the web). However a revised search has found the torch for £52 on amazon and the gas cylinders can be purchased individually for £11 which seems a good deal.

I'm still not discounting other torches so if anyone else has any feedback on these it would be appreciated.

Ralph

[ch427]

the rothenberger trigger is the bks, so is the mapp gas as it burns hotter. mapp seems to be cheapest at a plumbers merchants

Edited by ch427 on Tuesday 6th November 18:38

[adeel_gt]

As above, rothenberger burner and a bottle of mapp gas is the next best thing to a proper oxy gas axe

[944fan]

My Rothenberger with MAPP gas managed to free the notorious "Audi pinch bolt" when I replaced the suspension. Still going strong years later

[dpp]

Another vote for rothenberger with mapp gas well worth the money.
Also buy an air impact gun if you have a compressor when stripping rusty suspension they are priceless.

[EViS]

Apologies for hijacking this thread a tad, but how do you heat a nut/bolt up to then free it? How do you know it is hot enough to then get your spanner/wrench on to turn?

Also, is heat the better option compared to copious amounts of GT85 or WD40?

[paintman]

The threaded bit glowing red is usually about right! Its an experience thing, try heating it until spit/water bounces off & see if a good fitting spanner will work. If at all possible I use a hexagonal socket. Sometimes tightening a little before trying to loosen will work.
I have occasionally used a mig on the end of the threaded end of a bolt to ensure sufficient heat. Once the nut moves a grinder will remove the blob of weld.
If proper penetrating oils (diesel is actually quite good) don't work then heating or cutting is really your only option.
I don't rate WD40 for this purpose.
If heating would be a problem then you could try a freezing spray such as http://www.loctitefreezeandrelease.com/ which I have had some success with.

Edited by paintman on Tuesday 20th November 22:23

[Private Pile]

There is a few different models of Rothenberger torch, which is the best for car use?

[oakdale]

This one.
http://www.screwfix.com/p/rothenberger-quick-fire-...

[Private Pile]

Thanks Oakdale

[Incorrigible]

If you're doing a lot, these are beyond awesome. And of course ludicrously expensive

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2WZvZjeiAA

But it does take about 5 second to get a nut red hot, and no collateral damage

[Condi]

Whats wrong with a small oxy-propane set? Far more fun, and much much cheaper if you do them regularly.

[205alive]

EViS said:

Apologies for hijacking this thread a tad, but how do you heat a nut/bolt up to then free it? How do you know it is hot enough to then get your spanner/wrench on to turn?

Also, is heat the better option compared to copious amounts of GT85 or WD40?

Never tried this myself, but there are a few YouTube videos demonstrating heat from a torch being applied to, say, the left hand side of a seized nut, and once heated (doesn't seem to be glowing), a candle is applied to the opposite side and as it melts, capillary action draws the wax into and down the threads, lubricating them and making it apparently easy to free up.