Loosening bolts

[BenjaminD]

Several of the bolts on the fixtures in my high school auditorium have rusted into place, or were just tightened too much at one point. I have tried to loosen them with sheer physical leverage—a 2 foot long rachet, however the bolt just won't move.

What kind of loosening lubricant or device would be safe and would work? I was thinking of some kind of oil, but oil is flammable, and I doubt that anyone would like a fixture catching on fire during a performance! The lights are Strand LekoLites, and they can only be reached from a 24 foot high extension ladder.

Thanks!

[Chris15]

Any chance that you could get up the ladder and bring the fixtures down to the ground? That would make your life much easier.

If you can get your fixtures down to the ground, then I see no problem with using an oil based lubricant such as WD-40, since you will be able to give the instrument a thorough clean afterwards. I would suggest that if the fixtures have been there long enough to rust in place, then they would be due for an internal clean and bench focus. Do a search on "bench focus" and you should be able to find the old threads on it.

When you manage to get the bolt unstuck and removed, you will need to replace the nut and bolt, but you would also be wanting to inspect the area around where the rusted bolt was for signs of rust "infection". There is an entire thread on rust and its viral like properties here.

Give you fixtures a good clean and they should be right to go back up.

Let us know if you need more information or if something is unclear. Good Luck.

[kingfisher1]

also, is WD-40 still as flamable after its dries? I am goiing to have to look up on that. my guess is that it still would be flammable but then agian i realy haven't the foggiest idea.

[Chris15]

Hence why I included cleaning as a step. I don't know how flammable it is when dry, but thorough cleaning should remove it.

[avkid]

Unless you spray carelessly and hit the lamp,reflector or lens you should be fine. Almost everyone uses WD-40 anyway.

[len]

I like this stuff better than wd-40. http://www.autobarn.net/chle-4.html

[BenjaminD]

Thanks! I'll try wd-40 and a thorough cleaning afterwards.

[MHSTech]

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT use WD40 unless you have an MSDS on hand for it. I have also heard something about it not being allowed it schools, but that may not have been true. See what lubricants your janitors have on hand and use those. All the paperwork is done for that. This wouldn't be a big deal, but you're in a school and your ass could get into trouble if you get cought using a chemical without an MSDS.

[BenjaminD]

Eek! Thanks for the warning, I was unaware of any such requriement. I definately wouldn't want trouble over such a thing. Probably borrowing something from the janitors would be much more time-efficiant than filling out paperwork.

Thanks again!

Ben

[kingfisher1]

Originally Posted by len

I like this stuff better than wd-40. http://www.autobarn.net/chle-4.html

Why? Not flammable? works better?