Remove Stuck Water Heater Anode Rod - Easy Way

This video will show how to remove the anode rod from a water heater that is stuck for 18 years.
Craftsman Impact Wrench - amzn.to/3TE3FWL
Dewalt 1-1/16 inch impact socket - amzn.to/3NHf58t
1/2 inch Breaker Bar - amzn.to/4azyUIp
Water Heater Anode Rod - amzn.to/477bnMh
Magnesium Anode Rod - parts.ruud.com...
Dewalt 1-1/16 inch impact socket - amzn.to/3NHf58t
1/2 inch Breaker Bar - amzn.to/4azyUIp
Water Heater Anode Rod - amzn.to/477bnMh
Magnesium Anode Rod - parts.ruud.com...

[@WayneB-rv1xs]

Last week I bought a Harbor Freight 110 volt impact and a 1-1/16 inch socket, my first mistake was I had mistakenly picked up a 12 point socket like you had and it spun the edge of both anode nuts clean off, I went and exchanged it for a 6 point and the first anode completely stripped the nut inside of the socket and the second would not budge after running the impact for many minutes and even using a long 1/2 inch breaker bar that was BENDING while I had a 2x4 to stop the tank from spinning, the tank is only 5 years old I had to throw in the towel and say the hell with it. Yes I was pissed. 😡

[@DIYWithIndi]

Sorry to hear that you had trouble with a 5 year old tank. Yes, use a 6 point 1-1/16 inch socket instead of a 12 point socket. I used an impact socket so it can sustain the impact wrench. I had to run the impact for few minutes in bursts by pressing with both hands so it does not strip.

[@jamesrecknor6752]

That's a job for a 3/4 inch breaker bar

[@arkrainflood]

i feel your pain. i had tried using penetrating oil then applying ice to the bolt then using an impact wrench....no go.
i will attempt next time applying dry ice to the anode head then use the impact wrench.
btw, it is a rheem w.h. i should have loosened the anode when first installed instead of waiting 2 years, but i never encounter this situation before.

[@bonniedavis9076]

Wonderful video much thx 😊.

[@mdangelo120950]

what setting did you use on your impact drill? I'm concerned about too much spped/impact and don't want to strip the threads and accidentally destroy the water tank

[@DIYWithIndi]

For any stuck bolt including this one, I start with a middle setting for the impact. Usually that is either 3 or 4 on mine. You can start lower and then increase it if needed. But usually the first few impacts are going to loosen the bolt. Very important, use a 6 point socket and not a 12 point socket. The 6 point will not strip the threads.

[@DIYWithIndi]

The links to the tools are below.
Craftsman Impact Wrench - amzn.to/3TE3FWL
Dewalt 1-1/16 inch impact socket - amzn.to/3NHf58t
1/2 inch Breaker Bar - amzn.to/4azyUIp
Water Heater Anode Rod - amzn.to/477bnMh
Magnesium Anode Rod - parts.ruud.com/en/product/RPD-AP14907C