My buddy swore by using a propane torch to free up a seized caliper bolt

He said he'd done it a dozen times on his own truck, so I tried it on a 2012 Civic last week. I heated the bolt for about 30 seconds and gave it a turn, and the head just sheared right off. Ended up having to drill it out, which took me an extra hour and a half. I should have just soaked it in penetrating oil overnight like I usually do. Has anyone else had a 'quick fix' tip from a friend totally backfire on a job?

3 comments

3 Comments

lopez.ivan10d agoTop Commenter

Ever try that trick with a potato to pull out a broken light bulb? Made a real mess in my kitchen.

evannelson10d ago

That's the worst feeling. Quick fixes always seem to cost more time in the end.

grayb646d ago

Ugh, tell me about it, @evannelson. I once tried the duct tape trick on a stuck jar lid. Wrapped it up, thought I was so smart. The tape just shredded in my hands and left this awful sticky glue all over the glass. Spent twice as long scrubbing that off than if I'd just run the lid under hot water first. It's like the universe punishes shortcuts.