Gold Hiding in this Lump of Old Iron?

[Moparx]

an old trick to remove frozen pipe plugs is to heat them with a propane torch, then rub a birthday cake candle around the threads. the wax will wick into the threads, allowing for an easy[ier] removal.
i have used this technique on screws as small as 4-40, and it worked, even with ones that had a "cammed-out" straight screwdriver slot.

 

[Gerald Morris]

an old trick to remove frozen pipe plugs is to heat them with a propane torch, then rub a birthday cake candle around the threads. the wax will wick into the threads, allowing for an easy[ier] removal.
i have used this technique on screws as small as 4-40, and it worked, even with ones that had a "cammed-out" straight screwdriver slot.

Good suggestion. I figured I'd try the torch w penetrant, but come 2 think of it, parafin will do better at that temperature range. Might try a wad of beeswax if that's the most handy also. You reckon I should heat the PLUG or the block around it more? I would think the latter, but if your experience got better results heating the plug, I'll see how that does first!