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My uncle swore by using a dab of dish soap for stubborn screws

He said it was better than any lube, but on a cedar deck job, it just made a sticky mess that attracted sawdust. What's your go-to trick for a seized fastener that actually works?
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3 Comments
eva243
eva24322d ago
People always look for shortcuts with stuff like dish soap or even just hitting it with a wrench. I've noticed the same mindset with almost any problem people face. They try the first quick fix they hear about instead of taking the few minutes to do it right. That's why PB Blaster or ATF are the real deal. It takes a little patience but it saves you from a mess every time.
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caseywest
caseywest3mo ago
Dish soap is mostly water, it dries out and gums up like you saw. For a seized screw, a proper penetrating oil like PB Blaster or even automatic transmission fluid works. Let it soak in for a while, then try turning it.
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finley_lee
finley_lee3mo ago
Been there, that sticky mess is the worst. A little heat from a torch can work wonders on a rusty bolt.
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