What advice would you give to someone trying to loosen a rusty nut with a wrench?

Applying lubricant to the nut is an effective approach when dealing with a rusty nut, as it helps to reduce friction and corrosion that may be binding the nut. Lubricants can penetrate the rust, allowing the nut to loosen more easily. In scenarios involving rust, applying penetrating oil or other suitable lubricants can make a significant difference. This method not only minimizes the risk of damaging the nut or wrench but also makes the job easier due to the reduced resistance.

Considering other actions such as pulling harder on the wrench may not be effective and could lead to slipping or damaging the tool or nut. Additionally, using a larger wrench might not always be feasible if the nut is in a tight space or the larger wrench doesn’t fit. Moving your hand farther from the nut generally does not provide any mechanical advantage and could actually reduce control over the wrench, making it harder to apply the necessary torque effectively.