Removing a rusty bolt from a battery terminal?

belfert · May 04, 2013, 02:05:58 PM

I have a battery terminal on a generator that has a rusty bolt stuck to the terminal. The terminal appears to be the poured lead style and is not the newer stamped steel style. The terminal has been removed from the battery.

Any ideas to get the rusty bolt loose from the terminal? I would just replace the battery cable, but it goes deep inside the generator enclosure. Someone suggested soaking it in Coke, but is that really the best way?

Lin · May 04, 2013, 02:21:26 PM

From what I have read, the best penetrating oil is a half and half mixture of transmission fluid and acetone.

luvrbus · May 04, 2013, 02:31:26 PM

Coke will work so does CLR

bevans6 · May 04, 2013, 02:56:59 PM

Coke removes bugs from windshields, dissolves bolts, cleans rust off chrome plate - a million uses, plus if you get thirsty you can drink it!

Brian

Geoff · May 04, 2013, 05:26:34 PM

Just cut the SOB off at the exposed shank. This can be done with air tools.

belfert · May 04, 2013, 07:18:44 PM

I'm not clear how cutting it off is going to help. The bolt seems to be corroded to the terminal somehow. I could certainly try cutting it off, but it might makes things worse if it is still stuck.

Van · May 05, 2013, 05:40:36 AM

Cut the bolt in the center, use a screw driver in center to force the bolt out and then use stainless hardware. Or...
Cut the terminal off, crimp on a ring terminal and ad a stud terminal to the post

Lin · May 05, 2013, 09:36:33 AM

Maybe a picture would help avoid misunderstanding the situation.

gus · May 05, 2013, 03:03:17 PM

If you have enough cable fill a plastic bag with baking soda mixed in water, put the bag over the terminal and fix it with a rubber band. I do this all the time on my home shower heads. It will take a few hours or a day, depending on the strength of the soda/water mix, but it will remove every drop of rust.

Another thing to use is the acid used in swimming pool systems but it is nasty stuff to handle, one splash and you are burned, and don't leave it on too long.

Dave5Cs · May 06, 2013, 07:02:47 AM

Muratic acid? It will work but is not fun to work with. I agree with gus baking soda and water works every time. Also will clean really dirty grout by making a paste and taping plastic over it for 12 hours and then rinse with water.

Dave5Cs from Galaxy S III

belfert · May 06, 2013, 08:09:55 AM

I'm going to give the baking soda thing a try soon. For the moment I have bigger fish to fry with getting some other things done on the bus.