Impact Wrench not strong enough?

[DirtMechanic]

I am trying to get an anode out of my water heater and even my air impact wrench won't do it. What am I missing?

 

[Silentrunning]

The bolts have probably chemically welded to the threads on the heater. I have a 30” long 1/2” drive breaker bar. This has either loosened or broken every nut or bolt I have used it on. A couple of whacks with a hammer on the bolts may break them free otherwise I would get a breaker bar with a 6 sided socket.

 

[DirtMechanic]

v

The bolts have probably chemically welded to the threads on the heater. I have a 30” long 1/2” drive breaker bar. This has either loosened or broken every nut or bolt I have used it on. A couple of whacks with a hammer on the bolts may break them free otherwise I would get a breaker bar with a 6 sided socket.

Would a battery charger not be a better way to reverse a chemical reaction?

 

[DrCase]

Did you try to go both ways a few times ?

 

[DirtMechanic]

Did you try to go both ways a few times ?

Yes. I actually started with a breaker bar, but the rotation worried me since both heaters are on soldered copper and I would not care to flex it.

 

[DrCase]

As long as you got I good shutoff valve , hammer down

 

[mgmine]

A few things to try. First spray some penetrating fluid and let it stand for a while then tap with a hammer. If needed heat it cherry red and apply ice. When working the nut go in both directions to break the corrosion. Increase the pressure on the impact wrench. As mentioned use a six point socket. Be prepared to buy a new tank because you may break the nut off.