ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Rusty bolt effect

Have you ever seen a bolt in a yard or on a playground that looks like it has brownish-red stuff all over it? That's called rust. Rust happens when metal gets wet and starts to slowly break down over time.

Now imagine you wanted to take that rusty bolt off the playground equipment, but you couldn't because it was stuck. That's where the Rusty Bolt Effect comes in. When bolts get rusted, they get stuck in their spot and are hard to move.

Think of it like a door that's been closed for a long time. When you finally try to open it, it's really hard at first because the hinges have gotten stiff. That's what happens to rusty bolts. They get stuck in one place and are very hard to move. Sometimes, you might need a special tool or lots of strength to turn the bolt and get it unstuck.

So, the Rusty Bolt Effect is when a bolt gets stuck because it has been rusted for a long time. It can be frustrating, but with a little patience and effort, you can usually get it unstuck and move on to your next project.