MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => General => Topic started by: Gaz mr-s on May 6, 2020, 12:42

Title: Blowtorches
Post by: Gaz mr-s on May 6, 2020, 12:42
I have a propane cylinder from a former job with a torch on it. It comes out as a broad flame. Not bad for heating a rusty bolt if enough space around it.

I have a damaged Torx screw-head through the windscreen hood-mount bracket. The bolts are over-the-top threadlocked when assembled.

I want to apply heat to soften the threadlock. I haven't looked at the cost of a small blowtorch, but don't know if that's what I should get, or replace the 'gun' on the cylinder I have.

Plastics are off, & have a replacement latch bracket.

Advice/suggestions please.
Title: Re: Blowtorches
Post by: househead on May 6, 2020, 13:44
My vote would be for a Dremel Versatip ... blowtorch (small flame), gas powered soldering iron and comes in handy for melting heatshrink too. Nice and small to use in tight spaces too.
Title: Re: Blowtorches
Post by: Topdownman on May 6, 2020, 14:20
I never even considered heating mine but went straight for drilling them out. I would have been afraid of cracking the windscreen.

The metal is so soft that by the time you realise you have a problem, they are probably already rounded off anyway to be no good to grip even with heat. Being a soft metal, not sure if they would expand too easily themselves with heat?

To my mind, the threadlock they use is completely inappropriate to the metal of the screws.

I ended up getting a garage to finish them off for me as even drilled through, I couldnt get them out and they said it was a nightmare job.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Blowtorches
Post by: Gaz mr-s on May 6, 2020, 14:29
I should have added that I have a pretty powerful gas soldering iron with a torch fitment.... not enough heat.

The right tool to use is an impact gun.  D1ck Sloan can remove them in 2 seconds.
I don't want to try drilling yet. Rarely goes well for me.       I have some experience of heating threadlock & know it works.           
Title: Re: Blowtorches
Post by: tets on May 7, 2020, 08:25
I used an Erbauer Bolt and nut remover on a couple of mine that were a bit knackered - genius bit of kit
Title: Re: Blowtorches
Post by: Gaz mr-s on May 7, 2020, 09:19
Quote from: tets on May  7, 2020, 08:25I used an Erbauer Bolt and nut remover on a couple of mine that were a bit knackered - genius bit of kit
I have a set for hex bolts. This is a domed Torx, - have you got something that does those?

The number of people on here that have used heat on bolts, - can't believe the lack of responses.
Title: Re: Blowtorches
Post by: tets on May 7, 2020, 09:33
I have this set Gaz - worked a treat as it still gripped the dome https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-bolt-nut-remover-set-6-pcs/6083d
Title: Re: Blowtorches
Post by: Gaz mr-s on May 7, 2020, 10:03
Quote from: tets on May  7, 2020, 09:33I have this set Gaz - worked a treat as it still gripped the dome https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-bolt-nut-remover-set-6-pcs/6083d

Hmmm....same set I have...I think I tried before in faint hope....I'll have another go.
Title: Re: Blowtorches
Post by: Chriss on May 9, 2020, 04:13
You can buy an induction heater for a safe way to heat the bolts, that is how I got my manifold nuts off.