stuborn screws

[edgarspencer]

I've been reviving, rehabbing, rebuilding and restoring antique machinery for the better part of 60 years. This is standard practice. Often times, a good tap with a ball peen hammer on the shank of the screwdriver is enuf of a shock to break them loose too.

[Double Lab]

I agree with Mr. Spencer on that technique for removing stubborn screws without the use of a drill press and I have found a solution of acetone/automatic transmission fluid in a 50/50 mixture is the absolute best penetrant for just about any rusted or gunked up screw.

[edgarspencer]

Originally Posted by Daryl Corona

I agree with Mr. Spencer on that technique for removing stubborn screws without the use of a drill press and I have found a solution of acetone/automatic transmission fluid in a 50/50 mixture is the absolute best penetrant for just about any rusted or gunked up screw.

I used to think PB Blaster was the best until I read about the Acetone/ATF mixture a few years ago. I tried it and was very surprised how well it works. You have to keep the mixture in a sealed container, to prevent evaporation.