Game changing tool: Bolt Buster heat induction tool

[SoCalCoupe]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

I recently purchased a heat induction tool made by Bolt Buster. Main reason I went with Bolt Buster is the tool is made in the USA. I really bought it for an off topic reason, but thought I give it a go on the head studs of a super rusty 99A block I have that's due for a tear down.

I ran the tool over one bank of studs. Took 15 secs. per stud (not a typo) for the stud to get cherry red. I moved on to the next one and so forth. By the time I was done, the studs I heated first backed out of the block like they were just put in.

Tim, thanks for the post! Bought a pair of vintage aluminum heads this summer that I'm really excited about but have been hesitating to install them because I'll need longer studs and have to remove the old ones.

Heard lots of tales about broken head studs. Real PITA, especially if the engine's still in the car. Your review of this tool is giving me the confidence to move forward.

[ronn]

so I did buy an after mkt on ebay.

thanks Tim for the "heads" up. wouldnt have even considered it otherwise.....

[1952henry]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

I recently purchased a heat induction tool made by Bolt Buster. Main reason I went with Bolt Buster is the tool is made in the USA. I really bought it for an off topic reason, but thought I give it a go on the head studs of a super rusty 99A block I have that's due for a tear down.

I ran the tool over one bank of studs. Took 15 secs. per stud (not a typo) for the stud to get cherry red. I moved on to the next one and so forth. By the time I was done, the studs I heated first backed out of the block like they were just put in.

I couldn't believe it. Removing studs use to be a 1-2 day job. I was able to do one bank in 30 minutes start to finish.

I'm going to do the other bank over the Christmas break, but so far this tool has been a game changer. It use to take 4-5 minutes per stud using the oxy-acetylene torch. It would sometimes take two or three times hitting them with the torch.

I also used a brand of penetrating oil I never used before called Free All. It seems to work better than Kroil. The threads of all the studs were actually wet showing the oil got in there.

Here are links to both items.

Bolt Buster:
https://boltbusterinc.com

Free All penetrating oil
https://fedpro.com/pages/freeall

Can't speak to the bolt buster, but a nod goes to the Free All. Great stuff.

[outsider347]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

I recently purchased a heat induction tool made by Bolt Buster. Main reason I went with Bolt Buster is the tool is made in the USA. I really bought it for an off topic reason, but thought I give it a go on the head studs of a super rusty 99A block I have that's due for a tear down.

I ran the tool over one bank of studs. Took 15 secs. per stud (not a typo) for the stud to get cherry red. I moved on to the next one and so forth. By the time I was done, the studs I heated first backed out of the block like they were just put in.

I couldn't believe it. Removing studs use to be a 1-2 day job. I was able to do one bank in 30 minutes start to finish.

I'm going to do the other bank over the Christmas break, but so far this tool has been a game changer. It use to take 4-5 minutes per stud using the oxy-acetylene torch. It would sometimes take two or three times hitting them with the torch.

I also used a brand of penetrating oil I never used before called Free All. It seems to work better than Kroil. The threads of all the studs were actually wet showing the oil got in there.

Here are links to both items.

Bolt Buster:
https://boltbusterinc.com

Free All penetrating oil
https://fedpro.com/pages/freeall

Tim, do you think that this tool helped to get the studs out of the block?

[Tim Ayers]

Outsider

I absolutely do. It’s the same premise as use the Oxy-acetylene torch to heat them except it’s with electrical conduction. Studs can be battle and the block I took them from is pretty rusty so I was expecting a fight. They came out like they were just put in. Real easy

[busmania]

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If one needed this to do one engine is there a knock off version anyone can recommend?

[custom_lettering]

Thanks Tim! Nice to now they work as good as promoted. I can see that being a "wish I had one of those hot gizmo things right now" type of things.

[PeteVS]

Originally Posted by busmania

If one needed this to do one engine is there a knock off version anyone can recommend?

Go to amazon. There are lots!

[Ol' Ron]

I got an old BUZZ box welder, wonder if that would work??
Gramps

[Als48]

Hi Ron, Welders can do some amazing things. My uncle used an AC stick welder to thaw out water pipes underground once. He bought some extra long cables and hooked the cables to each end where accessible. Then turned on the welder on a low setting. The pipes thawed out in less than ten minutes, after fooling with them for hours using propane torch, etc.
Al H

[flatjack9]

Originally Posted by Als48

Hi Ron, Welders can do some amazing things. My uncle used an AC stick welder to thaw out water pipes underground once. He bought some extra long cables and hooked the cables to each end where accessible. Then turned on the welder on a low setting. The pipes thawed out in less than ten minutes, after fooling with them for hours using propane torch, etc.
Al H

Common practice in plumbing business. Did it many times.

[ctleonard]

They really do work. Got mine from Napa. Yes it is pricey. 96 studs later, thought it was worth every dime

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by ctleonard

They really do work. Got mine from Napa. Yes it is pricey. 96 studs later, thought it was worth every dime

Couldn't agree more.

[jimTN]

Amazon $204.00 I just passed the info to Santa

[KiWinUS]

Originally Posted by jimTN

Amazon $204.00 I just passed the info to Santa

That’s the 1000W
Tim’s is the 1800W version I believe. I personally have no idea if the 1000W. Model will do the job on a flathead.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by KiWinUS

That’s the 1000W
Tim’s is the 1800W version I believe. I personally have no idea if the 1000W. Model will do the job on a flathead.

Hey Tony:

From what I've read, I think the wattage difference directly correlates to how quickly it takes to heat the object.

I did select the Bolt Buster for two reasons: 1) The wattage and 2) Being made in the USA.

I have no experience with the 1000W unit so I can't speak to that, but mine tool heats the stud up in approx. 5 seconds. It's pretty remarkable.

I also used the stud removal tool that you have and that also sped up the process considerably.

[outsider347]

Tim
"I also used the stud removal tool that you have and that also sped up the process considerably."

What stud removal tool did you use?

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by outsider347

Tim
"I also used the stud removal tool that you have and that also sped up the process considerably."

What stud removal tool did you use?

This guy. Used it with a 3/8th impact. Worked great.

https://www.amazon.com/ARES-70016-Da.../dp/B01GKEBG9I

[KiWinUS]

Originally Posted by outsider347

Tim
"I also used the stud removal tool that you have and that also sped up the process considerably."

What stud removal tool did you use?

I get them off EBay. About $16 free shipping. I bore the inside to 7/16 plus so it will fit all way down on stud and then use a very powerful Mac impact. Great success and fast.

[outsider347]

Thanks Gents