Stuck C Clamp...

[Jason280]

I picked up a semi-rusted Jorgensen 104 4" C Clamp, and the main screw is seized in the collar and won't budge. I've soaked and resoaked it with PB Blaster for the last couple of days, but it still won't budge. I've hit it a few times around the collar with a hammer to "shock it", but still no luck. I'm tempted to tack weld a grade 8 bolt and hit it with an impact, but wanted to get a few suggestions before I get desperate.

Would heat be the best method for freeing it up? I'm trying not to damage it, but I refuse to let it win...

 

[Jason280]

 

[chuckya]

I would try heat for sure.

 

[Jason280]

I would try heat for sure.

Would propane or MAPP be hot enough, or will I have to break out the acetylene?

 

[drewsifer714]

I know it's supposed to be "line of sight" but I've had good luck with electrolysis for stuff like that.

Worked well with a cross slide vise and and an adjustable wrench I found in a yard.

As a side benefit, it takes off any other rust.

But, you shouldn't use electrolysis if it was chromed. Didn't look like it from the picture.
Ive had some crappy clamps with chromed screws over the years.

 

[mowkep]

Is it me or does it look bent in? The screw that is

 

[jumbojak]

Would propane or MAPP be hot enough, or will I have to break out the acetylene?

Propane will probably so the job. Apply heat and then tap on the handle, first one way and then the other. It'll take a while but you'll get it eventually.

 

[jumbojak]

Is it me or does it look bent in? The screw that is

I don't think so. Comparing the pictures from different angles it looks bent one way in one picture and opposite in the other. The swivel cap throws it off, I think.

 

[850xpeps]

ATF and acetone mixed spray on it.


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[jdoe213]

I picked up a semi-rusted Jorgensen 104 4" C Clamp, and the main screw is seized in the collar and won't budge. I've soaked and resoaked it with PB Blaster for the last couple of days, but it still won't budge. I've hit it a few times around the collar with a hammer to "shock it", but still no luck. I'm tempted to tack weld a grade 8 bolt and hit it with an impact, but wanted to get a few suggestions before I get desperate.

Would heat be the best method for freeing it up? I'm trying not to damage it, but I refuse to let it win...

Heat where the screw goes through the clamp not the screw.... Right?


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[scubadoober]

Heat the body of the clamp and melt some candle wax into the threads.

 

[Shadowdog500]

If you aren't in a hurry, just give it a "squirt and a jiggle" once or twice a week and it will loosen up in a couple weeks.

You may want to look into getting a bottle of Kroil. It is the best penetrating oil I've ever used.

Chris

 

[Shadowdog500]

Heat the body of the clamp and melt some candle wax into the threads.

+1! I use this trick when I don't want to wait for the penetrating oil to do its magic. Chris

 

[matt_i]

Kroil will work, just a few more drops every day, use a dental pick or o-ring probe to assist getting it down as far as you can. I had good luck with the paraffin wax too.

The problem with heat is you can get it hot enough to stretch the thread or tweak the shaft out of straightness if you aren't careful when its red hot.

I think you need oxyacet, nothing else will do for that size.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I stopped by to to reinforce the thought of using Kroil and check out Jason's lovely bride.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Even a handheld butane torch should do it. Heat up the body of the clamp only for a few minutes, then spray a shot of penetrant in the joint line. This will let the penetrant get to where it needs to be to do the job. Be careful not to breathe the vapors created.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Heat the seized area til it starts to change to a reddish color, 'n drop it into a bucket of water,.....
Remove from the water, blow it dry with compressed air, 'n oil it with yer choice of pen-oil,....
By then, it'll screw like a brand new clamp,....

By heatin', Hot, 'n quenchin',....
I've been able to remove exhaust system nuts, 'n studs that are sooo rusted, they don't even look like a nut or stud anymore,.....

 

[Jason280]

I'll try Kroil and a little heat, see if that helps....

 

[JimDon]

Get some evaporust at Horrible Freight. Put that in a container with a cover so the stuff doesn't evaporate and dunk your c-clamp for a few days. I have done this numerous times and you don't have to wrestle with a wrench for days on end. When done, dunk any other rusty tools. Cheers,
Jim Don

 

[toolmiser]

Time and patience. You need both. Soak it, or electrolysis, give it a day of electrolysis or a week of soaking. You can "tap" it on occasion, but time is your friend. Eventually you will win, don't force it.

 

[pepi]

Is it me or does it look bent in? The screw that is

I see the same, OP could heat it and when hot shoot the WD or whatever a few times as it cools.

Greg

 

[dkroth]

I'm jealous of Jason.

No, not because of that!

I see these threads about stuck vises, clamps, nuts and bolts and I'd like to get my hands dirty fixing them myself. I find it satisfying when I solve a problem like this and the bolt finally starts turning.




.

 

[Jason280]

I was able to get it loosened today, just took a little propane heat and some wiggling. Cleaned it up with a wire wheel and oiled it, currently waiting for its first clamping job!

 

[drewsifer714]

Glad you got her going.

But!

I'm disappointed in the rest of you guys.

C'mon now, the garage journal way is to jump to the most complicated way first. The way that might require someone to buy or build more tools.

 

[OccupantRJ]

We be slipping I guess.

 

[DaveOmak]

If you aren't in a hurry, just give it a "squirt and a jiggle" once or twice a week and it will loosen up in a couple weeks.

You may want to look into getting a bottle of Kroil. It is the best penetrating oil I've ever used.

Chris

Chris has you covered...

 

[mineallmine]

Glad to hear you got it loose. I had a pair I got from a yard sale for a buck each. Came home, heated both with map gas to get them moving then lubed them up and have been using them ever since.