What is the recommended practice for loosening a tight bolt safely?

The recommended practice for loosening a tight bolt safely involves applying heat. This method is particularly effective because heat can cause the metal to expand slightly, which helps to break the bonds of rust or corrosion that may be holding the bolt tightly in place. When heat is applied, the thermal expansion can create enough movement to make it easier to turn the bolt, reducing the risk of damage to the surrounding components and minimizing the chances of breaking the bolt.

For maximum effectiveness, heat should be applied carefully and in a controlled manner, such as using a propane torch or heat gun. It's important to heat the area around the bolt rather than the bolt itself to avoid warping or damaging the bolt's integrity.

While using a larger drive size might help in some scenarios, it’s not necessarily the safest or most effective method. Similarly, soaking in penetrating oil is often a preemptive step that can help loosen rusted bolts but doesn't provide the immediate mechanical advantage that heating does. Striking with a hammer can also be effective in some cases, but it carries risks of damaging both the bolt and the surrounding parts, and it doesn't guarantee that the corrosion or rust is addressed effectively.

Therefore, applying heat stands out as the safest and most effective method in this context