Products For Removing Corroded Metal Fixings

Methods To Remove Corroded And Rusted Metal Fixings

If you are placed with the task of removing corroded steel or other metal fixings there are several methods and products which can be used to make the job easier.

Depending on the level of corrosion and rust present the job will be either straightforward and simple or will require further investigation to sum up the weight of the problem.

The first step that should be taken is an evaluation of the item or equipment being worked on to ensure that operator safety is observed and the job can proceed. This can be in the form of a simple risk assessment. Once this has been completed the method to takle the removal of the corroded fixings can commence.

The first step that could be taken is the application of a trade quality penetrating oil such as GT85. This like other brands (wd40 and duck oil as alternatives) will break down surface corrosion and after soaking for several minutes (the longer the better) will penetrate into the working threads and metal surfaces of the corroded bolt, screw or nut.

The next stage is slight pressure applied in the normal manner to attempt to loosen and break the corroded seal. This can be done with either conventional hand tools or power tools. It is recommended that good quality spanners or sockets are used as these will give better performance and achieve a faster result.

For large capacity bolts and nuts a powered electric impact wrench could be used – this type of tool develops high torque for efficient removal of stubborn fixings. What must be weighed up is the amount of force needed to remove the fixing as to breaking or shearing it instead.

If after trying hand tools or power tools the metal fixings are still stuck in place the option then comes as to what is the best type of heavy duty equipment to be used to be successful. A common method in these cases would be to simply cut the corroded fixing off with the use of a disc cutter such as a stihl ts410 or an evolution rage saw. Both of these tools are probably overkill but would ceratinly get the job done providing the worker had suitable clearance to the fixing being removed.

Another method and one which is recommended on steelwork (rsj,s, girders etc) would be the use of a rotabroch type magnetic drill such as a powerbore pb32. Using different sizes of drill bits in an incremental fashion the corroded fixing could be drilled out – event to the point of causing no damage to the surrounding structure or metal work.