Stuck? We can help with that.
30 specific seized-part jobs, each with the method, which penetrant to reach for and why, how long to let it soak, and whether a torch belongs anywhere near it.
Car & Truck
Brakes, exhaust, suspension and wheels: the fasteners that live in road salt.
How to Remove a Seized Brake Caliper Bolt
It has been clamped down for 60,000 miles. It is not letting go on the first date.
How to Loosen a Stuck Brake Bleeder Screw
A tiny hollow screw that holds the whole relationship together. Go gently.
How to Loosen a Rusted Brake Line Fitting
The flare nut has fused to the line. They are, unfortunately, in love.
How to Remove a Brake Rotor Stuck to the Hub
Caliper is off. Rotor stays. It has decided it lives here now.
How to Remove a Wheel Stuck to the Hub
Lugs are off. The wheel has not received the memo.
How to Remove a Rusted Lug Nut
Five of them came off easily. This one wants to talk about it.
How to Remove a Rusted Exhaust Manifold Stud or Nut
Thousands of heat cycles. It has been through a lot. Be patient.
How to Remove a Seized O2 Sensor
It has been reading your exhaust for years. It is in no hurry to leave.
How to Remove a Stuck Spark Plug from an Aluminum Head
Steel in aluminum. A delicate situation that rewards a gentle hand.
How to Remove a Seized Control Arm Bolt
The bolt and the bushing sleeve have been together a long time. You may need to intervene.
How to Remove a Sway Bar Link Nut When the Stud Spins
You turn the nut. The stud turns with it. Forever.
How to Remove a Shock or Strut Top Nut That Spins
It spins. The shaft spins. Nobody gets anywhere.
How to Remove a Stuck Oil Drain Plug
Last person to change the oil really meant it.
How to Remove a Ball Mount Stuck in a Hitch Receiver
Square peg. Square hole. Rust. Commitment.
How to Remove Rusted License Plate Screws
Four screws. Ten years. One of them is going to be a problem.
Bicycle
Seatposts, pedals, bottom brackets and chains that stopped cooperating.
How to Remove a Stuck Bike Seatpost
It slid in easily years ago. It has since become emotionally attached.
How to Remove a Seized Bike Pedal
Half of them are reverse-threaded. That is not the pedal’s fault.
How to Remove a Stuck Bottom Bracket
Deep inside the frame. Torqued in. Not going quietly.
How to Fix a Rusted Bike Chain
It sat outside all winter. It feels the way it looks.
House
Hinges, rollers, spigots and bathroom hardware that rusted in place.
How to Fix a Stuck or Seized Garage Door Roller
It goes up and down every day. It has stopped enjoying it.
How to Remove a Stuck Door Hinge Pin
It has been holding the door up for decades. It is reluctant to stop.
How to Remove Rusted Toilet Seat Bolts
A sensitive area. Approach with care and penetrant.
How to Remove a Garden Hose Stuck on a Spigot
Brass on brass, outside, all summer. They grew close.
How to Remove a Stuck Shower Head
It has been under pressure for years. That changes a fitting.
How to Fix a Rusted Padlock
It has been locked up outside all season. It needs a little persuasion.
How to Remove a Rusted Screw from Wood
Wood gripped it. Rust sealed it. Now it is a commitment.
Shop & Yard
Mower blades, vises, carriage bolts and pipe unions.
How to Remove a Stuck Lawn Mower Blade Bolt
Wet grass, every week, for years. It is very attached.
How to Remove a Rusted Carriage Bolt That Spins
Smooth, round head. Nothing to grab. It knows exactly what it is doing.
How to Free a Seized Bench Vise
It spent its life squeezing things. Now it is the one that is stuck.
How to Loosen a Stuck Threaded Pipe Union
Plumbing that has not been disturbed since it was installed. It prefers it that way.
Haven't found your part?
The general method works on almost any rusted fastener: clean it, soak it, wait, shock it, then turn it with a tool that grips all six flats.