recommend an induction heater (for bolts) please

[rust in the eye]

Having recently broken a hard to access for repair rusty stud I've decided to buy one of these devices.
I've used a borrowed one in the past and know what a life saver they can be.
The one borrowed was tool truck bought at $$. All the ones I've looked at appear VERY similar and invariably imported so my immediate thoughts are to use price as my primary criteria to choose.
What are the thoughts of those here using them and are they all pretty much created equal?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have a bolt-buster 2, have been very happy with it for several years.

 

[zendriver]

I have an imported one, worth it's weight in gold.

It's not a flux-capacitor, it's a pretty basic tool

Spend whatever you see fit.

 

[zmotorsports]

I have the older model of Mini-Ductor that has worked well for me over the years. It gets used, but nowhere near as much as I thought it would when I purchased it.

 

[rust in the eye]

I have a bolt-buster 2, have been very happy with it for several years.

This, I believe, is the one borrowed. Made not only in USA but a half hour drive from where I sit.
expensive but........
EDIT: tried calling them to order and all phone #s are either disconnected or one was an individual's voice mail with no reference to what company I may have reached.
looks like Chinesium in my future

 

[zendriver]

This, I believe, is the one borrowed. Made not only in USA but a half hour drive from where I sit.
expensive but........
EDIT: tried calling them to order and all phone #s are either disconnected or one was an individual's voice mail with no reference to what company I may have reached.
looks like Chinesium in my future

If you'd rather not have "Chinesium" try this number

About

Induction Innovations - Safer, efficient tools. See why pros choose induction heating for reliable performance & shop safety.

www.theinductor.com

 

[2ndGearRubber]

This, I believe, is the one borrowed. Made not only in USA but a half hour drive from where I sit.
expensive but........
EDIT: tried calling them to order and all phone #s are either disconnected or one was an individual's voice mail with no reference to what company I may have reached.
looks like Chinesium in my future

I don't think they sell direct over the phone.

BB2X-ACC High Power 1800W Heat Induction Tool Kit

NEW BB2X-ACC Heat Induction Tool with Advanced Coil Kit. An all-in-one design that produces 1,800 watts of power at 95% + power efficiency. This patented design produces MORE Power Transfer at LESS current draw = Runs Cooler, More Power Also Comes complete with an Advanced Coil Kit with Plastic...

boltbusterinc.com

I got mine sub $400 with coils bargain hunting, maybe 5 years ago. I think Napa had it and I waited for a coupon online.

 

[mreisner]

Very happy with my mini ductor Venom. Caught it on sale 2 years ago for sub $500. Jdtco

 

[mreisner]

Jdtco has the same coils for a great price if you need more.

 

[djbmw]

I bought a Chinesium one several years ago from Amazon (arent they all made in China anyway?).
The "JWGUTS Magnetic Induction Heater with 10 Coils and Case". It has served me very well!
I paid $336 CAD which is $237 USD at todays exchange.

 

[mreisner]

Induction Innovations products are all made in Illinois. 

 

[djbmw]

Induction Innovations products are all made in Illinois. 

Thats not true. Induction Innovations sells the same "made in China" products as everywhere else... but with their brand name slapped on it. Look at the Country of Origin on most of their tools.
The ICT-MD-700 specifically states "made in china".

 

[mreisner]

Where does it say made in China? I know when I bought mine a couple years it said made in USA. Perhaps they have changed?

 

[rust in the eye]

If you'd rather not have "Chinesium" try this number

About

Induction Innovations - Safer, efficient tools. See why pros choose induction heating for reliable performance & shop safety.

www.theinductor.com

Thanks. Another outfit in my back yard. Must be something in the water around here. I'll investigate.
No reply from e-mail sent to bolt buster folks and 2 phone #s are disconnected, yet these remain offered by a bunch of sellers. I don't figure I could count on much support if I did buy one.

 

[zendriver]

. I don't figure I could count on much support if I did buy one.

Other than a usually short warranty, not sure what other support you would ever need.

It's just basically a power supply, energizing an induction coil made from insulated copper wire. It either heats or it doesn't. There is a YT vid with an imported unit tore apart. Looks like $40 worth of electronic parts.

Even USA made not sure why they cost $600

If mine craps, I'll just get something else. They have a relatively short duty cycle, so I use mine gently. I wonder if just like welder problems, people use them too long and they overheat internally.

 

[djbmw]

Where does it say made in China? I know when I bought mine a couple years it said made in USA. Perhaps they have changed?

You have to use the WayBackMachine for quick info. Induction Innovations products used to be 100% made by Smithermal Co., LTD out of Chengdu City, China Mainland.

Today, Induction Innovations "assembles" the units in the USA... but they are the same Chinese induction heaters that everyone else sells, just at 3x the cost because a north american screw driver tightened the screws.

 

[pbon]

BB2X-ACC High Power 1800W Heat Induction Tool Kit

NEW BB2X-ACC Heat Induction Tool with Advanced Coil Kit. An all-in-one design that produces 1,800 watts of power at 95% + power efficiency. This patented design produces MORE Power Transfer at LESS current draw = Runs Cooler, More Power Also Comes complete with an Advanced Coil Kit with Plastic...

boltbusterinc.com

I got mine sub $400 with coils bargain hunting, maybe 5 years ago. I think Napa had it and I waited for a coupon online.

$385 on Amazon today

 

[pbon]

Was $385. Dynamics pricing may have pushed it up at some point in the day.

 

[NYBODYMAN]

I have this one from Amazon and it hasn't failed me yet.

https://www.amazon.com/Solary-Magnetic-Induction-Automotive-Flameless/dp/B09262QC6G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[zendriver]

I have this one from Amazon and it hasn't failed me yet.

https://www.amazon.com/Solary-Magnetic-Induction-Automotive-Flameless/dp/B09262QC6G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

At least they sold that one in a cool-looking plastic case.

Mine looks like it came from "Band Camp!"



FWIW for the true cheapskates, there are a zillion plans, kits and parts to build your own.

 

[WWheeler]

At least they sold that one in a cool-looking plastic case.

Mine looks like it came from "Band Camp!"



FWIW for the true cheapskates, there are a zillion plans, kits and parts to build your own.

I'd trust your style of case will last a lot longer than that plastic one.

It's been my experience that major brands like Dewalt and Milwaukee still know how to make a clamshell plastic case that's durable AF, but all the chinesium cases I feel lucky if they don't arrive broken, but even if they did they don't typically last very long or survive much use at all before they are.

 

[bigtater]

Can the bolts or nuts be used again after they are heated with this thing?

 

[zendriver]

Can the bolts or nuts be used again after they are heated with this thing?

I reuse mine but I don't heat them red hot (at least not yet)

Usually some heat is enough to break the tension of the rusted fastener.

 

[Steve_P]

Can the bolts or nuts be used again after they are heated with this thing?

Technically yes, as long as they're still functional. But depending on the application, they should be replaced as exposure >400F can change the strength properties due to changing the original heat treatment.

 

[bigtater]

Technically yes, as long as they're still functional. But depending on the application, they should be replaced as exposure >400F can change the strength properties due to changing the original heat treatment.

Yeah I worry about them losing their strength. I am thinking about getting one for the farm as many nuts get rusty due to contact to the elements and ground. I guess I'd have to always remember to probably not use it on critical connections.

IS the bolt buster a good one?

 

[Bmw4life]

This is the most powerful tool I found.
Will test it shortly. I bought it because I'm going to heat the crankshaft bolt.
I couldn't remove that bolt with dewalt most powerful 1/2 impact, DCF961
If this tool works, then it will work for any other bolt on the car.

The problem is, these tools are limited to 1800w due to north American outlets being 120v. So the math is 120x15=1800

I wanted to buy a more powerful tool, 2000w or 3000w, but couldn't find much at all. My guess is that's because they wouldn't work on standard outlets, so no one manufactures them.

 

[swsman]

This is the most powerful tool I found.
Will test it shortly. I bought it because I'm going to heat the crankshaft bolt.
I couldn't remove that bolt with dewalt most powerful 1/2 impact, DCF961
If this tool works, then it will work for any other bolt on the car.

The problem is, these tools are limited to 1800w due to north American outlets being 120v. So the math is 120x15=1800

I wanted to buy a more powerful tool, 2000w or 3000w, but couldn't find much at all. My guess is that's because they wouldn't work on standard outlets, so no one manufactures them.

Which vehicle?
Do you have space to work with bracing a breaker bar and socket, then just turn the ignition key for a short crank.

I have removed crank bolts with this method before.

There is also this tool, it is made by a few different manufacturers.

POWERBAR II CRANKSHAFT BOLT REMOVAL TOOL PB70866 | Matco Tools

www.matcotools.com

 

[Bmw4life]

I have the engine on the stand. I can secure it on the ground and use 3/4 or 1" breaker bar. 1/2 bar will break.
But I want to to test this induction heater

 

[gizardlizard]

No reason at all to be heating a crankshaft bolt. Are you using a weighted socket?

This is the most powerful tool I found.
Will test it shortly. I bought it because I'm going to heat the crankshaft bolt.
I couldn't remove that bolt with dewalt most powerful 1/2 impact, DCF961
If this tool works, then it will work for any other bolt on the car.

The problem is, these tools are limited to 1800w due to north American outlets being 120v. So the math is 120x15=1800

I wanted to buy a more powerful tool, 2000w or 3000w, but couldn't find much at all. My guess is that's because they wouldn't work on standard outlets, so no one manufactures them.

 

[Beerhippie]

No reason at all to be heating a crankshaft bolt. Are you using a weighted socket?

Yeah, that would be an instant "one and done" bolt if heated.

Order a new crankshaft bolt before you take it off.

 

[Bmw4life]

I hope so. I tried heating with a torch for like half an hour, and nothing came of it.
The bolt never got red.

 

[wolf_from_wv]

Thanks. Another outfit in my back yard. Must be something in the water around here. I'll investigate.

Salt? Something corrosive?

 

[rust in the eye]

This is the most powerful tool I found.
Will test it shortly. I bought it because I'm going to heat the crankshaft bolt.
I couldn't remove that bolt with dewalt most powerful 1/2 impact, DCF961
If this tool works, then it will work for any other bolt on the car.

The problem is, these tools are limited to 1800w due to north American outlets being 120v. So the math is 120x15=1800

I wanted to buy a more powerful tool, 2000w or 3000w, but couldn't find much at all. My guess is that's because they wouldn't work on standard outlets, so no one manufactures them.

Given your screen name I'll assume this crankshaft bolt belongs to a BMW. Unless your engine has been underwater for years corossion isn't your problem. They are just VERY tight.
All the heat you are applying isn't good for anything, especially the seal.
Get a stronger impact or a long, strong breaker bar.

 

[Bmw4life]

Haha yes the engine is N62B48
I was told by a couple of mechanics who work on engines that heat will do it. Not because of corrosion. I thought heating a super tight bolt will help loosen it. Maybe not?
The seal will be replaced either way

 

[Steve_P]

Haha yes the engine is N62B48
I was told by a couple of mechanics who work on engines that heat will do it. Not because of corrosion. I thought heating a super tight bolt will help loosen it. Maybe not?
The seal will be replaced either way

An oxy-acetylene torch will definitely do it- BTDT. Haven't tried propane since I have OA. Basically, you are just lengthening the fastener due to thermal expansion which then lessens the preload- and the torque required to remove it.

 

[signcrafter]

Yeah, that would be an instant "one and done" bolt if heated.

Order a new crankshaft bolt before you take it off.

Most crank bolts are one time use now a days so getting replaced anyway. I've had to use heat on them, the large diameter flange/washer on them gets fused and don't like to come off. Yes I have weighted crank bolt socket set and big impacts. You usually don't have to heat them up much, just enough to break the **** bonding them. And the nice thing about the induction heater is it heats just the bolt up fast so the heat doesn't get transferred to other parts.

 

[Hakeem]

Basically, you are just lengthening the fastener due to thermal expansion which then lessens the preload- and the torque required to remove it.

So THATS how it works! I’ve heard maybe half a dozen explanations on how heat will facilitate the removal of a stubborn fastener but none that ever made sense to me. Is this also how it works to free a fastener that’s rusted/corroded in place?

 

[MichaelP]

Just a stupid question. I'm not an auto mechanic.
It's not a left-hand threaded bolt, is it?

 

[Bmw4life]

Nope just a regular one.
I was supposed to get the tool today, but Amazon now says it's delayed by 7 days may just grab a 3/4 breaker bar in the end

 

[mikey03]

Can’t be stuck if it’s liquid