Stuck Torsion Bar, SERIOUSLY stuck

clinteg said

I read an article (Machinists Workshop Magazine did the test) about using a 50/50 mix of acetone and transmission fluid as a penetrant. The tests showed that rusted bolts loosened with much lower torque than those soaked with the name brand penetrants.

Penetrant: Average Load:
none 516 ft lbs
WD40 238
PB Blaster 214
Liquid Wrench 127
Kano Kroil 106
ATF-Acetone mix 53

Although I've never actually tried it, I have always been curious. It could be snake oil for all I know. At this point, it may be worth a shot!

Click to expand...

While I like the convenience my spray can Sea Foam Deep Creep banging around in the tool box, even with the cost of Acetone a couple of dollars a gallon higher than last year and a quart of ATF up considerably too, the ATF/acetone mix is bunches cheaper than the now about 10 bucks a can Deep Creep. And no, it's not snake oil, it really works.
And it works well in the cheapie Harbor Freight, bought on sale, clear/black plastic squirt can, too. Just don't be surprised if you have to add more acetone to the mix if you don't use it for a while.