In a message dated 1/24/2004 3:13:45 PM Central Standard Time, gmhyde1@mac.com writes: Harvey: I'd try soaking the studs with WD40 for several days, maybe with several applications of the solvent. Penetrating oil is what we used to use and may still be available, but WD40 is a good penetrant. --Gary Hyde M15 #235 'Vanilla' N24 'Sailabration' Harvey, My two cents: 1. Soak the studs with liquid wrench or other penetrant. Upon soaking, tap on the metal bits with a hammer to set up a vibration, said to help the fluid penetrate. 2. You can try heat, as in a portable propane torch. Heat the stud to cherry red. I generally skip this though, and go directly to step three. 3. Make an impressively long cheater with a wrench and a pipe 5-10 feet long. This will provide a spectacular amount of coercion to the recalcitrant stud. Something will give, either the nut or the stud, but hopefully not the wrench! Good luck. Steve Tyree P-15 #2098 "Amy Ann"