Everything You Need to Know about the Bolt Buster BB2X-ACC

Every so often a game changing tool comes to the automotive repair market which checks all of the boxes for saving time, saving money, and increasing safety. The Bolt Buster BB2X-ACC is one such tool. The tool made a splash in its initial version in 2013 as the BB2-ACC and was updated in its second generation as the BB2X-ACC, as an 1,800 Watt powerhouse in a compact form. 

The main advantages of using a heat induction tool to heat parts are:

• Safety: There is no flame, so its safe to use in almost any environment in close proximity to heat sensitive parts.
• Speed: It takes seconds to heat most parts. A 3/4" steel nut can be brought to 1200° Fahrenheit in 30 seconds. Without a flame in the way, it becomes easy to see when the nut reaches the desired temperature without overheating.
• Precision: The heat induction tool allows you to heat only the parts you want to heat, sparing nearby parts from damage.

Here are some highlights of the Bolt Buster:

The All New Bolt Buster BB2X-ACC Heat Induction Tool with Advanced Coil Kit provides a fast, safe, and more precise way of heating parts without using a torch. An all-in-one design that produces 1,800 watts of power at 95% + power efficiency. This patented design produces MORE Power Transfer at LESS current draw which allows it to run cooler while exceeding the previous model's legendary effectiveness. The Bolt Buster comes complete with an Advanced Coil Kit, Owners Manual, and a 1 Year Manufacturer Parts and Labor Warranty. 

• Made in the USA
• Twice (2X) the power of the prior design
• Maximum output (120VAC x 15 amps)
• Eliminate the hazards of working with an open flame. Torch-less heating is faster and safer
• Heat a ¾” Steel nut to 1200 degrees in 30 seconds!
• Extended coils for hard-to-reach spots.
• Make your own custom sized coil with the 23” flex wire. Hand wind the coil and
  form 3 loops around the part to be heated.
• The bolt buster has a wide range of applications such as:
  o Alignments
  o Brakes/hubs/knuckles
  o Brake Calipers
  o CV Axles
  o Trailer Hitch bolts
  o Tie Rods
  o Control Arms
  o O2 Sensors
  o Wheel Bearings
  o Suspension Bolts
  o Nuts & Bolts secured with Loctite
  o Exhaust Manifold Nuts
  o Door Hinges
  o Gas Tank strap bolts
• 1 year limited warranty
• Owners Manual
• Heavy Duty canvas carry bag
• Bolt Buster Advanced Coil Kit includes:
• BBC-150L – 1.5″ ID Long Work Coil
• BBC-125L – 1.25″ ID Long Work Coil
• BBC-100L – 1.0″ ID Long Work Coil
• BBC-134L – 3/4″ ID Long Work Coil
• BBC-178 – 7/8″ ID Standard Work Coil
• BBC-134 – 3/4″ ID Standard Work Coil
• BBC-158 – 5/8″ ID Standard Work Coil
• BBC-112 – 1/2″ ID Standard Work Coil
• BBC-FLEX23 – Flex 23 Inch Work Coil
• BBC-LITZ41 – 41″ Litz Wire Rope
• Locking molded plastic case

Here are some videos of the Bolt Buster in action:

Bolt Buster FAQs:

• Where is the Bolt Buster made? The Bolt Buster is made in the USA, in Addison, Illinois.
• How does the Bolt Buster work? The Bolt Buster uses electro-magnetic induction to heat the nut. The heat expands the inner diameter of the nut, which brings it away from the stud or bolt which stays cool and stays the same size.
• Which metals will the Bolt Buster work on? The Bolt Buster is designed to work on any metal which is a good electrical conductor, but it works best on ferrous metals containing iron, such as steel. It will be less effective on brass, aluminum, and copper. The Bolt Buster will not heat non-conductive materials such as glass, plastic, wood, cloth, etc.
• How long should I heat the nut for? Only heat the nut for a few seconds until you start to see it turn slightly red. You don’t need to heat the bolt until it is completely red hot. Overheating the nut will soften the metal and you may round off the corners of the nut when you wrench it. It will also cause premature wear on the coil and diminish its life.
• Which size coil should I use with the Bolt Buster? Make sure to use the right size work coil which allows 1/8” space around the nut. Using too large of a coil will not heat as effectively. It is best to avoid touching the coil to the metal.
• How long do the Bolt Buster coils last? The Bolt Buster coils are designed to last for 100 uses. Using the right size coil will give you many repeated uses. You will know that it is time to replace a coil when the coil’s fiberglass insulation starts coming apart or if you start seeing any sparks in the coil head. Using a worn coil for too long will start creating a short condition which may short your tool. The coil’s fiberglass sleeve is rated at 1,000° Fahrenheit. To extend the life of a coil, make sure not to use it to bring the bolt to cherry-red. Replacement coils can be purchased HERE.
• How can I use the litz rope wire? The litz wire is made of braided copper to allow for more heat transfer than a standard coil. It is designed to heat larger objects which won’t fit into a coil, such as U-Joints and axle bearing tubes, tie rods, O2 sensors, transmission gears, etc. Limit the litz rope to 400° Fahrenheit to avoid damaging it.
• How can I use the Bolt Buster to remove a bearing out of a bearing tube? Heat the axle tube a bit so that it expands and grows away from the bearing and then use a slide hammer to remove it.
• How long can I continuously use the Bolt Buster for? The Bolt Buster is designed with a duty cycle of 2 minutes on and 2 minutes off. This gives the internal circuitry time to cool down and will prevent damage to the unit. If the unit stops working, wait 4-6 minutes for the internal thermal protector to cool.