Why I finally gave in and started using penetrating oil on rusted bolts

I always thought penetrating oil was a waste of money and just used a torch and breaker bar. Then I had a stuck lower control arm bolt on a 2002 F-150 that wouldn't budge after 45 minutes of heat and swearing. Sprayed some PB Blaster on it, waited 10 minutes, and it came loose with a 3/8 ratchet. Now I keep a can in my box at all times. Anyone else have a stubborn fastener that changed their mind about something?

2 comments

2 Comments

john4301mo ago

Waited 10 minutes and it came loose" - honestly I think most of the time people just get lucky with the timing and the heat/cooling cycle does more than the oil ever does lol.

davis.casey1mo ago

yeah totally agree, I've had the same thing happen so many times. I've wasted a whole can of PB Blaster on some rusty bolt in the driveway, let it sit for like an hour, and it still fought me. Then i go back the next day, maybe the temp dropped overnight, and it just spins off like nothing happened. The oil is probably more for our own peace of mind than the bolt lol.