Spokeshave screw rusted solid

[stuckinthemud]

I have a metal spokeshave I’d like to get working. Generally it doesn’t look too bad but the screw holding in the irons is locked solid. Any suggestions on freeing it off before I resort to the drill? I’ve tried soaking in WD40. I imagine lots of heat is out of the question??

 

[Phil Pascoe]

PlusGas.

 

[TRITON]

I'd opt for a blowlamp, after liberal applications of whatever sort of lube you have. Plusgas as above is some of the best.

 

[ChaiLatte]

The difficulty with applying blowlamp heat is that it would draw the temper of the blade, something the reply above may not have considered.

If you have one, an ultrasonic cleaner could help. You can put the spokeshave into a sealed bag with penetrating fluid and then fill the cleaner with hot water.

I would also try gentle vibration on the head of the screw.

A manual impact driver can work well (https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/laser-0303-impact-driver-set-1-2-d-7pc-las0303). They generally have a 1/2" male square drive on the end so you can buy a 1/2" square female to 1/4" hexagon female to give you a much wider choice of bits than the ones supplied in the box. Give it a couple of taps tightening first before switching to loosening.

 

[--Tom--]

If you can apply heat directly to the screw - e.g. soldering iron, small torch flame, the heat expansion and cooling can help to loosen the bond. If you were worried about the blade temper you could submerge the cutting end in water while you do it- temper point likely 180c+ so the water starting to boil off the metal a sign to let it cool off.
Shock loading the screw rather than trying to just torque it also works better in my experience- like the impact driver already suggested.

If you do resort to torque - a screwdriver blade in an old brace will let you apply a lot with considerable downward force to avoid cam out.

 

[throbscottle]

Heat as mentioned above. Doesn't need to be so hot it affects the temper of the blade though! I've also had success with "rocking" - alternate loosen/tighten movements. Even though it doesn't seem to be doing anything, it can cause the top little bit of rust to start breaking up, so you can lube that, rocking again gets a bit deeper - and so on. Slow process though.

I'd be wary of trying to use excessive torque as you can break the screw. Impact driver would be the way to go. In my imagination, the old sort you whack with a hammer!

 

[Bingy man]

I’d also suggest plus gas -if possible create a dam around the screw and soak it overnight. As well as the impact driver suggestion a sss ( short sharp shock ) from a centre punch can help break the bond followed by more plus gas . As plus gas is flammable a small amount could be ignited to provide a short duration of heat to the siezed screw ..

 

[SammyQ]

Diesel soaking (long), A.T.F. and acetone (shorter) or the truly excellent and inspring "Evapo-rust". Or, try electrolysis. On summat that small, 30-60 minutes should be enough.

 

[stuckinthemud]

Thanks all. I’ll try a little heat and see how I get on