The Ford Barn

rfitzpatrick · 05-17-2026, 08:19 AM

Anyone familiar with this tool? Any recommendations?
Thanks

alexiskai · 05-17-2026, 08:50 AM

I haven’t used this exact one. It appears to be a mid-range induction heater. Cheap ones cost $150-200, pro tools like the Mini-Ductor cost about $800. The main difference is the power level and life cycle. More money means faster heat application and the expectation that you’ll be using the tool daily. For occasional hobbyist use, the low or mid range products are usually fine.

ratmother · 05-17-2026, 09:43 AM

I have a Bolt Buster and like it a lot. So far, it’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it. I prefer it over oxy-acetylene - targets the heat well and avoids open flame.
As far as recommendations, be patient if removing head, manifold or water pump studs. I heat and cool the stud and melt a little candle wax into the threads after heating. If the stud wants to bend, I weld an oversize nut close to the block and use an induction heater attachment that fits around the nut to continue the heat/cool cycle and to let me use a wrench versus stud remover.
Patience works for me.😎☘️

alexiskai · 05-17-2026, 09:53 AM

I agree with this, and I would also say the heater should be your second line of attack after trying a stud remover on a SHORT socket wrench. Using the short wrench lets you see if the stud will come out unassisted, without letting you put so much force on it that it breaks.

jb-ob · 05-17-2026, 10:08 AM

Excellent point Alex.

I use 1/4" drive to install valve covers & oil pans for the same reasons.

nkaminar · 05-17-2026, 10:41 AM

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I have used the induction heater to remove studs from a block. Some studs were broken off flush to the surface. I welded a nut to the studs and they came out. Some of the studs I had to weld a nut on a couple of time.

The heat is what does it trick. It expands the stud which puts a strain on the stud. When it cools it is a slightly smaller diameter. Any kind of penetrating oil also helps.

Dodge · 05-18-2026, 12:23 AM

They work great and easier than digging out a torch.

corvette8n · 05-21-2026, 07:48 AM

I bought a cheap one from TEMU last year, used it to remove the studs from my flathead V8, the only issue is that sometimes it overheats and shuts off. I just let it cool for about an hour and then continue on with my work. I stopped buying from TEMU as they have raised prices and added $3.99 shipping to almost every item. I can find stuff on eBay or Amazon for the same price.

05-17-2026, 08:19 AM	#1
rfitzpatrick Senior Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Coral Springs, Florida Posts: 747	Bolt Buster Heat Induction Tool Anyone familiar with this tool? Any recommendations? Thanks

05-17-2026, 08:50 AM	#2
alexiskai Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Mebane NC Posts: 3,179	Re: Bolt Buster Heat Induction Tool I haven’t used this exact one. It appears to be a mid-range induction heater. Cheap ones cost $150-200, pro tools like the Mini-Ductor cost about $800. The main difference is the power level and life cycle. More money means faster heat application and the expectation that you’ll be using the tool daily. For occasional hobbyist use, the low or mid range products are usually fine.

05-17-2026, 09:43 AM	#3
ratmother Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Thousand Oaks Posts: 30	Re: Bolt Buster Heat Induction Tool I have a Bolt Buster and like it a lot. So far, it’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it. I prefer it over oxy-acetylene - targets the heat well and avoids open flame. As far as recommendations, be patient if removing head, manifold or water pump studs. I heat and cool the stud and melt a little candle wax into the threads after heating. If the stud wants to bend, I weld an oversize nut close to the block and use an induction heater attachment that fits around the nut to continue the heat/cool cycle and to let me use a wrench versus stud remover. Patience works for me.😎☘️

05-17-2026, 09:53 AM	#4
alexiskai Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Mebane NC Posts: 3,179	Re: Bolt Buster Heat Induction Tool I agree with this, and I would also say the heater should be your second line of attack after trying a stud remover on a SHORT socket wrench. Using the short wrench lets you see if the stud will come out unassisted, without letting you put so much force on it that it breaks.

05-17-2026, 10:08 AM	#5
jb-ob Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 898	Re: Bolt Buster Heat Induction Tool Excellent point Alex. I use 1/4" drive to install valve covers & oil pans for the same reasons.

05-17-2026, 10:41 AM	#6
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 6,854	Re: Bolt Buster Heat Induction Tool Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have used the induction heater to remove studs from a block. Some studs were broken off flush to the surface. I welded a nut to the studs and they came out. Some of the studs I had to weld a nut on a couple of time. The heat is what does it trick. It expands the stud which puts a strain on the stud. When it cools it is a slightly smaller diameter. Any kind of penetrating oil also helps. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

05-18-2026, 12:23 AM	#7
Dodge Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Sonoma, CA. Posts: 1,633	Re: Bolt Buster Heat Induction Tool They work great and easier than digging out a torch.

05-21-2026, 07:48 AM	#8
corvette8n Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: 36 miles north of Albany NY Posts: 3,324	Re: Bolt Buster Heat Induction Tool I bought a cheap one from TEMU last year, used it to remove the studs from my flathead V8, the only issue is that sometimes it overheats and shuts off. I just let it cool for about an hour and then continue on with my work. I stopped buying from TEMU as they have raised prices and added $3.99 shipping to almost every item. I can find stuff on eBay or Amazon for the same price.