Removing a stripped lug nut can be a nightmare if it’s your first time. It may occur when unexpected, and you’re alone on the road. There are numerous methods you should know to remove the nut. Some may work almost immediately, and others require some patience while applying them or consulting a mechanic.
How Do Lug Nuts Get Stripped?
A stripped lug nut has its edges rounded off, thus difficult to remove it using a socket. A stripped lug nut occurs when it’s improperly torqued either overtightened or over-torqued without following the nuts lug specifications. Other causes of the stripped lug nuts include;
- Use of a larger socket to remove the nut causing slippage
- Use of wrong torque numbers. It’s wise to keep rechecking your specific torque number and informing your mechanic to avoid damage.
- When you expose your lug nut to dirt, debris, and water forming rust, corrosion destroys the threads and changes the nut’s exact shape.
Why is the Stripped Lug Nut a Bother?
The lug nut can lead to more significant damage when removing it, which adds extra repair costs.
How to Avoid It?
- Always dry your lug nuts after driving through the rain
- Store your car in a sheltered place or heated area to evaporate the water quickly
- Apply protective clothing to your car exposed areas
- Always observe a habit of replacing lug nuts occasionally
Getting a Stripped Lug Nut Off Tire
There are numerous ways used to remove the lug nut;
-
Socket and Hammer Method
Tools to remove the stripped lug nut are as follows;
- Breaker bar
- 1-inch diameter iron pipe
- Penetrating oil
- Hammer
- Nut/bolt extractor socket
- New nut lug
When changing a flat tire, ensure you park your car at a safe, leveled area. Also, apply parking braking for safety as you will significantly use more force to get off a tire with stripped lug nuts.
Apply Penetrating Oil
One of the reasons for a stuck lug nut is due to rust. You will require to spray the nut to remove the rust. WD-40 works fine, but you can still use any spray-type lubricating oil. If the rust is too much, use a hammer to strike the nut and break off some. Later spray the WD-40 on the nut and allow the oil to soak for 5-10 minutes.
Use the Nut/Bolt Extractor Socket
Use a socket to help free the seized nut. Make sure to use a socket that’s the correct size for your lug nut. Take your hammer and ram the socket head into the lug nut. Hammer it several times until it’s very tight.
Attach the Breaker Bar
Attach the breaker bar to the socket. As an extra measure, take the iron pipe and slide it over the breakers bar handle. Apply force in a counterclockwise direction to loosen the nut. Do it gently until the nut loosens up and turns smoothly.
Remove the stripped lug nut and replace it with a new one.
Blowtorch Method
What You Need
- Blowtorch
- A wheel spanner or pliers to wiggle out the hot lug nut
It’s applied in combination with other tools. Heat your lug nut slowly and allow it to cool. The nuts expand more than the wheel stud, thus becoming loose. You have to repeat the procedure severally until the nut becomes loose. Be careful not to oil and point a propane torch on it to avoid causing a fire.
Chisel, Screwdriver, and Hammer
What You Need
Penetrating oil
Sharp chisel
Flathead screwdriver
- Lubricate the lug nut to get rid of all the gunk. It helps loosen up the nut and remove rust.
- Make a notch into the nut using a chisel to allow the screwdriver to wedge into the nut.
- Loosen the nut- wedge the screwdriver into the notch. Take a hammer and tap the screwdriver in a counterclockwise direction. Keep tapping until the nut is loose to remove by hand.
Grinder and Pipe Wrench
What you Need
- Penetrating oil like WD-40
- Hand-held grinder
- Wrench
Method
- Spray a substantial amount of oil on the nut lug
- Create edges on the lug nut where the wrench can hold on. Make contours on the top and bottom parts of the lug nut using the grinder.
- Loosen the nut with a wrench that grabs onto the sides, and turn left to loosen it.
Use of Vibrations and Shocks
Tap the nut with a hammer to make it loose-fitting. Aim for consecutive small hits that will loosen the nut and break the corrosion layers. After ramming it a few times, use oil to reduce friction and increase chances of loosening.
Destroyed Lug Nut Removal
If the lug nut has lost its shape, it may be difficult to remove it. You will need to melt the nut and replace it with a new one. Melt the nut carefully from the wheel stud, be keen not to melt the wheel stud fully to ensure you can pull it out after melting.
Later remove the wheel, center locking nut, bearing, and nut. Use an impact pipe wrench to remove the wheel stud. Replace the damaged wheel stud and reinstall the wheel.
Removing a Stripped Lug Nut Without Tools
In a situation you don’t have tools, you will have to seek help from a mechanic. You may also use pliers to pull the lug nut as you loosen it. You can again ram it severally until its loose for you to remove. These methods may not be easy and require you to be patient if you don’t have another way out.
Conclusion
Probably a combination of two methods may help solve your stripped nut problem. But what’s important is that you need to be extra careful, especially when dealing with dangerous tools such as grinder, blowtorches, sockets, and pipe wrenches. If not familiar with any of the tools, seek help from a mechanic. Again, make sure to protect your care from rust by covering exposed parts, using correct socket size, and following its lug nut specifications.
