No direct experience.  The Bolt Buster was the highest reviewed, but its also $474 on Amazon.  For that price you could basically buy a mini oxy acetylene torch kit with bottles brand new.  The second option was less than half that though.  Any reason you want to go this route instead of a torch?  Asking because you may be able to find a used torch at a reasonable cost.  Even if it needed some parts, those are cheap (tips, etc.). 

I have no experience with induction heat tools  but I agree with TKO … seems a oxy-acetylene setup would offer many other uses besides rusted bolts, and would be a better investment in the long run.

What about a MAPP gas hand held torch?

I had an opportunity today to take some pictures of the induction heater at work.
Kind of like the various uses…according to sales information.
Especially the bearing heater and silicone heat pad for sticker/body trim piece removal.

Perhaps one of our Electrical gurus would be willing to make one and share in the “How to” section.
The pre-made coils appear to be stainless ( of course could not find a magnet in the shop this morning).
The flexible coil is like a heavy flexible ground braid wire.

I may try to repair a copper/brass heater core with this thing.
Just need some high temp jumpers with clamps.

Back in mid 90’s, I remember looking at the 10 amp power supply at the radiator shop.
It was about the size of a 12/24 battery charger in a small box with welding cables attached to it.

120 volt
10 amps

Last edited by Nos681 (3/07/2023 5:33 PM)

If I were you, I would just borrow the tool from work!

I need to pull the bed on my rust belt truck.  There are 8 bolts.  I have soaked them a few times, and am about to go break the heads off (LOL).

One of my co-workers used to be a service writer at a reputable auto repair shop.  He told me about the induction heaters, and said they used it every day.  I am still skeptical about successfully getting 8 bed bolts out of nutserts.  Time will tell.

MAPP gas has not been made since 2008, and the replacement MAP gas is barely hotter than propane, which was useless when I replaced a leaf spring shackle last month.  If this were a bowtie forum, I would keep you updated.
 

I used MAP gas and a spray bottle of water (stream settling) to break loose the broken studs on my shorty headers with engine in the 92.  It definitely got the studs hot.  The torch head had a nice pencil flame to focus on the studs.  I only went to a low red glow before shocking it.  I had barely enough to grab with Vise Grips…basically the unthreaded section of the stud.

It probably would have been easier to remove the headers.  I just didn’t want to open up the can of worms of broken header bolts at the time.  I already had the transmission out for clutch replacement that started the ordeal.