How to Remove a Hardened Steel Bolt
- 1). Select a socket from a set that fits the bolt-head properly. There should be no play in the socket when you twist it and it should grasp the bolt-head securely. Install the socket onto a socket wrench and place the wrench in reverse mode with the selector switch. The reverse mode will turn the bolt-head counterclockwise to loosen it.
- 2). Place the socket over the bolt-head and use short powerful bursts to attempt to break the bolt threads free.
- 3). Spray a penetrating catalyst on the bolt and let it soak for 15 minutes if you were unsuccessful in loosening the bolt. A penetrating catalyst is a petroleum-based spray that is used to loosen stuck bolts and other items.
- 4). Attempt to turn the bolt again with the socket wrench using the same method as before. Apply more penetrating catalyst as you work the bolt loose.
Source...