Induction Bolt Heaters.....??

Haven't needed one yet, but they sure look neat. Oxy/Propane always does the job for me if needed. I usually start with the least destructive method. Penetrating oils, propane torch, then oxy/propane. Depending on the situation I could use the plasma and gouge it if needed, but that creates a mess, better for removing welds if/when needed.

 

We have an induction heater at the dealer I worked at before retiring...
Ide always grab the torch first...
But, they do work....
I dont forsee the torch interfering with the hay.
Not like its a flame thrower...

 

It all depends on the size of the torch

 

I got my Bolt Buster a few years ago. They came out with their "improved" version (Bolt Buster II?) and had it on sale for a pretty good price with case. I've always wanted to try one ever since I first saw one in action. Even contemplated making my own to play with. The tech has been around for a LONG time before it was applied to automotive repair - I remember learning about induction cooktops in the 90's. It's also pretty easy tech - the main caveat being "tuning" the frequency of the current to the material you are using for the coil, including gauge and length.

Being DIY, I couldn't justify the price, but the Bolt Buster was on sale for about $300, so I bit. I fully admit that I'm a tool hoarder. One day, you may very well see me (or my tools) on the TV show - hopefully after I'm gone and it will be my wife showing all the junk she's trying to get rid of.

I've only used it 3 times so far, and all 3 times it has worked well and as expected/advertised. One of the times the bolt in question was very near the evap canister, so one would definitely NOT want to use an open flame. Would I buy it again? "Yes" because see above. Would I recommend it to everyone? "No," unless you have an unforgiving affinity for tools like I do.

 

There's a YT vid where the poster goes over how MAPP isn't MAPP anymore and goes on to test the torch sold as "MAPP" torches against the torch sold a "regular" propane torch. I believe he used Bernzomatic torches for the testing.

HIS testing (done in the video) showed that the "MAPP" torch used with a bottle of regular propane was either SLIGHTLY hotter or within a few degrees of using the new MAPP gas (I don't remember). The MAPP torch performed hotter than the regular torch with either gas.

His bottom line recommendation was to use the MAPP torch with regular propane bottles because it was either slightly hotter or the difference was almost non-existent. I'll see if I can find the vid later.

EDIT - I THINK this was the one:

https://youtu.be/VjRWRsLobpM?si=zIrpVUIMC0NM4FfN

 

I bought my Bolt Buster this year to overhaul my suspension. It’s definitely pricey and I waited until it went on sale. I’ve used it a handful of times but would definitely purchase it again.
You guys who don’t live in the salt belt do not truly understand the struggle. I’ve lost hours and days of my life removing broken bolts on my vehicles through the years.

 

This is so very true and can't be overstated. A simple job that might take a couple of hours turns into a job that is marked in calendar days.

 

Just bought a chineseium

$209 Mxmoonfree 1200W Induction Heater Bolt Removal Tool, 8 Coils & Rugged Case for Nuts, Bolts & Bearings, Black, 2 Warranty, 110V

1200W induction heater and tried it out on my 4Runner's sway bar bracket bolt. The weld nuts in the 4Runner's frame are notorious for breaking off, which would leave the bolts spinning in place. The heater is unexpectedly large (for scale, the long-handle ratchet in the background is 17" long), but the package includes two small-diameter coils that can reach into tight spaces. I'm happy to report the heater works extremely well. The heater is better for avoiding collateral damage - here I could heat up the bolt without burning the rubber bushing.



Note the heater has a 3-prong plug. Make sure you have a thick gauge 3-prong extension cord for it. 1200W means the tool pulls more than 11 amps from the outlet. There's an internal fan that runs as soon as you plug it in. Pressing the button on the unit runs current through the coil.

 

Here’s the one my brother uses. He loves it & uses it all the time

https://a.co/d/iG0p8Os

 

I was surprised how big the Bolt Buster was when I got it too. The shipping box it came in was crazy big at the time (to me), but the BB also came in a hard case along with an assortment of coils. I don't remember how many - I THINK it was 7 coils of various sizes (the size of the coiled sections, the gauge and total length of the material was the same).

 

For these just use the largest breaker bar you have and put a jack handle on it for extra leverage. These long and slender bolts flex like a torque stick when you use an impact wrench.