Use Old Crayons To Easily Loosen Stuck Bolts

Removing stubborn, rusted bolts can be a frustrating experience that would tempt you to leave everything to the professionals. Before you call one, though, there's an old-school trick shared by mechanics online that you might want to try and keep in mind. You can use old crayons to act as a lubricant to help loosen up stubborn bolts, as long as you heat up the bolt using a blowtorch or a similar tool. When the bolt is sizzling hot, press the crayon against it so the wax can melt and work its way into the crevices. Afterwards, you'll need to let the whole area get cool and dry completely before you try to loosen it with a wrench.

The reason why many mechanics swear by this hack is because the crayon's melted wax seeps into the threads. Many people found this to be more effective than penetrating sprays, which tend to evaporate before reaching the bolt's innermost parts. Once the wax has solidified once more, it becomes easier to undo a bolt. Moreover, crayons are a readily-available and non-flammable solution. They're generally safer to use compared to a spray using equal parts automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and acetone, which is a highly flammable combination. Refusing to be careful with such a spray is a practice to avoid when removing rusty bolts, especially near items prone to catching fire.

For this hack to work, the bolt itself needs to be hot. Heating up the crayon and pouring it into the stuck bolt is not likely to be as effective. People who have put this technique into use apply a generous amount of heat to the bolt with a blowtorch before pressing the crayon against it, which naturally melts the wax. While others point out that it's actually the heat that gets the bolts unstuck, it's only one part of the whole solution. The heat helps expand the spaces between the fasteners, and it also helps get rid of built-up dirt or grime. But to effectively get bolts loose, you'll need a lubricant — and this is where the crayon wax does its part.

While crayons have proven themselves helpful in disassembling hardened bolts, it's important to note that this method may not work when it comes to preventing newer bolts from getting stuck. This is where anti-seize formulas like WD-40 prove more useful. Crayons are more of a troubleshooting tool here, so don't throw away these art materials and keep a few of them in your toolbox. And if the bolt is stripped, consider using a mechanic's easy hack for getting it removed, instead.