We have all encountered a stubborn lug nut at some point in our life. It can be really frustrating when one nut can completely ruin everything at a time when you just want to get over the tyre change and rush to your destination. However, no matter how difficult it may seem, there are still ways through which you can get the bugger out without pulling out half your hair. Here's how-
Use a lubricant/ rust blaster or a penetrating oil
These oils are multipurpose penetrants that are composed of fast dissolving solvents. They break the layer of rust formed between the rings and the lug nut which helps in reducing resistance. However, they may take a while to work, so keep things wet and give it some time to soak in.
Heat cycling
Heat the lug nut up slowly and let it cool. Repeat this cycle a few times. A lot of physics going on here but a simple explanation is that the heat expands the nut more and the wheel stud (the structure onto which the lug nuts are screwed onto) less. Thus, with each cycle, the nut expands more than the wheel stud and eventually becomes loose. If you oil it up and point a propane torch at it, you may start a fire, so be careful. Do not try to heat just the nut or just the stud.
Vibrations and shocks
Rapping the nut with a hammer is another method that can help you loosen the nut. Don't hit it very hard but aim for small consecutive hits that will help you loosen the nut and break the layers of corrosion. Once you've rammed it a few times, use the oil again to increase your chances of success.
You also have the option to use a handheld impact driver to loosen the nut. You can use all the three methods (the oil, the hammer and the driver) together as well if it's stuck real bad. Just attach the driver to a socket, put it on the lug nut and twist. You can also do what the pros do - use a pneumatic impact wrench if you're able to get your hands on one.
Note: Use eye protection while you use impact drivers or a pneumatic impact wrench to protect yourself in case something shatters.
Also Read: Tightening Lug Nuts: What Is Lug Nut Torque?
How to remove broken/stripped lug nut which no tool is able to grip?
If your lug nut has lost its shape, no tool will be able to help you remove the nut. The only solution here will be to melt the nut from the wheel stud. However, once you melt the lug nut, you will also have to replace the wheel stud as it will get damaged from the melting. To get this done, you will have to go to a proper tyre shop or a mechanic who is capable enough to do the deed for you.
Here are the steps he should follow:
- Step 1 : Blow torch/melt the nut from the wheel stud without melting the wheel stud along. Make sure you take real care of this and inform the technician before he starts that he shouldn't melt the wheel stud significantly. This is to make sure that enough of the wheel stud is available to pull it out with a remover tool or an impact wrench so that you can replace it once the lug nut is out for good.
- Step 2: Swiftly remove the wheel, then the center locking nut and bearing and then remove the drum.
- Step 4: Use an impact wrench with the required impact sockets to remove the wheel stud. You can also use a specific stud remover tool that can found in specific shops.
- Step 5: Replace the wheel stud damaged due to the melting and re-install the wheel.
Precautions
Here are the key things we recommend you keep in mind to prevent your lug nuts from getting stuck :
1. Always be careful when you tighten a lug nut using a power/pneumatic tool. Make sure the threads align properly and don't tighten the lug nuts so hard that you're not able to unscrew them later.
2. Avoid using a pipe attachment on your wrench to tighten the lug nuts. It can become extremely tight and it will be nearly impossible to unscrew them later on.
3. NEVER EVER stand on a wheel wrench to tighten the nuts. You'll face the same difficulty as mentioned above and possibly break the bolt as well.
