KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

My friend Scott lost everything he owned in the Altadena fires last year. I am trying to return his KRW tools to working condition. Those tools which have acme threaded parts are literally welded and refuse to budge. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get these parts moving again ?


40larry

Re: KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

Larry get some “Howes Penatrant”. Not aerosol it’s challenging to find and used to be a Mac Tools exclusive item but I believe now available through Amazon. Amazing stuff. Have freed many galled up bolts in both steel and aluminum. Good luck.

Re: KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

Available on Amazon and here is the manufactures web page:

https://howesproducts.com/products/m...d968093f457bf0

Re: KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

If all else fails, fire locked them up I bet fire would loosen them up as well. I'd pull out the torch and try and turn while hot.

Re: KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

Gosh, hope you are able to save some of those tools and that your friend Scott was able to get a building permit.

Re: KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

Liquid products do certainly work, but I got an induction heater bolt buster tool a few years back and now my torches collect dust for these jobs.

I got the Bolt Buster brand and have yet had it fail getting things unstuck. Unbelievably useful tool.

Re: KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

First thing I would do is soak them in a barrel of molasses. Its really cheap, lasts all summer (does not wear out, like evaporust, which is really good but very expensive), you buy a bag at the farm store, its horse feed.

Dump a 25lb bag in a 55 gallon drum, or kids pool full of water and soak them for weeks.
This will be only the first step, get the surface rust off and certainly other more drastic methods will be required to get things loose. Again, its cheap and lasts all summer.

Folks in a mild climate should always have a batch to dunk old parts into out behind the shop.

Re: KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

I've gotten seized, rusted bolt threads moving again with a propane torch and wax from a candle...

Re: KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

Be careful with molasses. It does work, but that is because it's an acid; weak, but still an acid. If you use it, watch the items carefully so you don't leave them to long. Be especially careful with machined surfaces, as it can have an odd effect on them at times. The latest thing for cheap rust removal is citric acid. There are several threads on the H.A.M.B. about it, and it seems that it can be almost as good as Evaporust when combined with certain other inexpensive chemicals. You might want to check over there.

Re: KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

There is an additional issue involved in the restoration: The fire will have annealed the tools, rendering them unsatisfactory for heavy duty. Perhaps someone here can advise on a heat treatment to restore the correct hardness.

Re: KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

Ah, interesting thought.

Re: KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

Very true! I had some transmissions that had gone through a fire, and the gears were all so soft a file would cut them.

Re: KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

You are right. Getting a building permit has been going on for months !

Re: KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

Larry, it would be a big help to us if when you respond back, identify who you are responding to.

Re: KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

Post #5. Too easy

Re: KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

Tony How do I post that I am responding to a thread number ?

Re: KRW Tools ... Post #17
 

Option 1. On the lower right hand of the message box there is a button "Quote". Click on that.


Option 2. On the upper right hand of the message box there is a counter that numbers the posts (for example) "#16". You could edit the message title (as I have done) or use the post number in the body of your reply.

Re: KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

Karl’s instructions are right on Larry.
Thanks Karl

Re: KRW Tools got destroyed in Los Angeles Fires
 

ok. I am using the quote button............................