Ahhh, many a bolt I've had stuck. And many a knuckle busted trying to get
them loose. You're on track with the idea of heat though....here's what to
do...

You state that you are starting to strip the bolt now, so this is truely the
best way to go about it.

Take a pair of large Vice Grips (if you have some) and adjust them until
you can get the tightest grip you can on the bolt. Now, once you have the
pliers set, remove them. Now apply heat with a propane torch, waving back
and forth at first (for about 10-15 seconds), then applying direct heat for
about a minute. Remove heat and immediately clamp the pliers back onto the
bolt (watch out it's hot ). Again, it is imperitive that you had the
tightest grip to begin with as you likely won't get another chance. Tap the
bolt a couple of time with a hammer, preferably a small sledge hammer, and
enjoy the ease with which the bolt comes off. If you are still having
trouble, use the hammer to tap the pliers handle to force the bolt around. I
hope you have as much success as I've had in the past, with far fewer
bruised knuckles....

S


"Sundar Narasimhan" wrote in message
news:GYsHa.50759$YZ2.212663@rwcrnsc53...
Hi, I've had a John Deere mower for about 7 years, and every year have
not had much trouble (although I've cried foul a couple of times)
removing the blade for sharpening. This year however, no matter what I
do, the bolt (that holds the blade onto the mower deck) seems to be
stuck solid.. and I'm seeing the bolt head beginning to strip as I go at
it w/ a spanner/wrench + hammer.. Any suggestions on how I can get it
out.. WD40 doesn't seem to help (the thing is probably so tight that
it's not doing anything).. I've been wondering if I should put ice on
the bolt and somehow heat the collar to make it expand making it easier
to turn..

Thoughts/suggestions? Thanks in advance.