How to Remove a Broken Bolt With Rust Buster

Rust Buster, a rust-penetrating product, is used to neutralize rust. It's beneficial as a primer to stop rust so you can paint over it or loosen objects frozen by rust. For example, if you've recently tried to remove a bolt that's rusted tight, applying some Rust Buster might have helped you get it undone. If you didn't think of using it and twisted the top off the bolt trying to get it undone, you'll have to go through a bit more to remove the broken bolt.

• 1

  Scrape off as much rust using a wire brush.

• 2

  Wash off the bolt area to remove rust flakes and dirt. Use a rag with soap and water.

• 3

  Shake the container of Rust Buster well to get the mix even.

• 4

  Coat the surface of the bolt with Rust Buster. Apply with a sponge, paint brush or just squirt it on.

• 5

  Tap the bolt with a hammer to knock it loose from the rust.

• 6

  Let dry for half an hour. The Rust Buster neutralizes the rust.

• 7

  Grab the remaining piece of the bolt that's above the surface with pliers. Unscrew it. You can also use pliers to grab the bolt from the other side and twist it out. Do this if you can get to the back side of the bolt.

  Another idea is to drill a pilot hole into the center of the broken-off bolt. Increase the size of the bit and drill again, continually making the hole bigger. Use left-handed bits on the fortunate chance that the drilling alone pulls out the bolt. Left-handed bits would wind the bolt toward you. Insert an extractor and twist out the bolt. If it doesn't want to come out, remove the extractor and heat and lubricate the bolt area. Try the extractor again.