Induction Heater - Worth it? (1 Viewer)

[GerhardUngerer]

I am dealing with quite a bit of rusty bolts. I have been applying flame, PB Blaster, ATF & Acetone, crying, and cussing in ample portions. I have also found that using the impact chisel on the bolt helps get things moving. But I break off a ton of bolts. And I cannot use the flame in spots where there is rubber or fuel.

So I have been looking at induction heaters. They heat just around the spot itself. I have done a ton of research. Now down to the choice. Cheap Chinese or expensive American made? The coils for all these are very expensive.

Are they worth it? What is your experience?



Cheap Chinese:

Amazon product ASIN B0851C6Q22
Says that it is 1000W, but actually only 660W. Will take 5 – 10 mins per bolt. Could be ok to try out, but might require an additional purchase.


Intermediate American

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...SL7VE&linkId=41482dc6ad930a8a52e8db035387955f

Double the price of the cheap Chinese. So I can buy a cheap one, throw it away, and buy another cheap one. But. The cheap ones are still weaker than this option.


Expensive option – American

They come in price options, “Oh wow”, “Ouch”, and “DAAAANG”.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008XN9HO6/ref=emc_b_5_t

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J5Y42XM/ref=emc_b_5_t

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084KXQS7D/ref=emc_b_5_t

 

[LandCruiser65]

I have been applying flame, PB Blaster, ATF & Acetone, crying, and cussing in ample portions

Sounds like an induction heater will make life better for ya! Pull the trigger on the U.S. made one. pun intended.

 

[florida95fzj]

I'd recommend a can of Kroil over the other sprays for a job where you don't want to drill. I also own the Mini-Ductor II MD-700 although it was only $350 back in the summer of 2019.

I had a situation where I had an exhaust manifold that broke in half. Cummins wanted $4K to change it mostly because they expected a number of broken bolts based on past experience.

I have to say it worked great. It will turn the bolts red. None of my bolts broke on a 20 year old turbo diesel Cummins engine. Granted, I took my time and was spraying those bolts with Kroil every day for over a week before trying to turn them.

My only complaint is the MD-700 is a bit long to fit in tight places but some of the heating elements have a 90 degree bend. I bought their Essential Coil Kit and just found the coil that worked. I think you can bend the really long coil if needed.

It would have been nice had it been gun shaped like your last two Amazon links but I'm not sure it's worth the extra money.

 

[iptman]

Hell yeah they're worth it. It only takes a couple snapped bolts drilled out to make your ROI. I have this one and been happy with it. You can buy direct from them as well instead of letting Bezos be a middle man taking his cut.

https://boltbusterinc.com/

 

[Malleus]

Absolutely worth it...let me know when it shows up.. I need to borrow it.

 

[JoeW]

I use one for work pretty frequently and it definitely saves time and headaches in the long run. Like others have said, a few red hot cycles and quenching with penetrant will get the nuts to break free. Saves a ton of time and money over having to drill and grind out broken hardware.