How To Remove A Stripped Lug Nut

What happens if you tighten a lug nut beyond the recommended limit? The lug nut can get stuck, making it difficult to repair or replace the wheels. Tightening the lug nut too much can cause damage to the end caps. With time the damaged end cap permits moisture and air, causing gradual rusting. The accumulation of rust causes the lug nut to stick to the wheel hub, making it difficult to remove the lug.

Removing a stripped lug nut is frustrating - the driver spends more time repairing wheels during emergencies. The driver can also end up damaging the stud, increasing repair costs. If you are a handy driver, there is a possibility you have had a stripped lug nut in the past.

In this article, we explore a few methods drivers can utilize to remove a stripped lug nut. It also highlights vital tools required to remove stuck lug nuts.

Methods for removing a stripped lug nut

Drivers can employ several methods to remove stripped lug nuts. It depends on the available set of tools and the amount of damage to the lug nut. Some tools can be readily available, while others can be sourced from a repair shop. What are some methods that drivers can utilize to remove stripped lug nuts?

Using breaker bars, smaller sockets, and pipes

Every vehicle has a standard socket that can unscrew all lug nuts. The socket becomes ineffective when dealing with a stuck lug nut. First, the lug nut might have smaller corners. The damage on the lug nut causes the socket to lose its grip, causing it to slide when attempting to remove it.

When using this method, drivers should find a smaller socket that can hold the stripped lug nut. The driver will also require a breaker bar and a pipe to maximize torque on the stripped lug nut. The smaller socket grips the damaged lug nut firmly and compensates for the irregular corners.

Since the socket used in the process is small, the driver may need to utilize a hammer or other accessory to fit it. Be cautious when using additional force to line the socket onto the stripped lug nut. Excessive force and misalignment may cause more damage to the stuck lug nut.

Connect the lined socket to a breaker bar and attempt to turn it. You can be successful on the first attempt. The breaker bay may not provide sufficient leverage to remove stuck lug nuts. In such a situation, the driver can use a longer pipe. It makes it easier to turn the socket, overcoming the frictional force and resistance caused by rust between the lug nut and the wheel or stud.

Use a powered wrench

Drivers may find the breaker-socket-pipe method ineffective. After several attempts, you still end up with a stuck lug nut - that does not mean you abort the mission. The driver has to step up their game. The next available tool is the impact wrench. The impact wrench is designed to deliver varying torque capacities and can tighten or loosen lug nuts. The torque delivered by impact wrenches can remove different sizes of stripped lug nuts.

Attach the appropriate socket size on the impact wrench and line it with the stripped lug nut. Set the direction of the impact wrench and press the power button on the impact wrench. The wrench will deliver enough power to remove the stripped lug nut. It does this using short blows.

Impact wrenches draw power from different sources. Some are powered by electricity and can be wired or use a battery. Others use compressed air or hydraulic energy. Adhere to recommended safety regulations when using an impact wrench to remove a stripped lug nut.

Using a drill

Have you tried all methods mentioned above without success? Are you on the verge of giving up? Hold on a bit. There is one last method - it is slow and tedious but rewarding in the end. You can remove a stuck lug nut using a drill. When using this method, you need to assemble several tools.

• Drill bits of different sizes

• Center punch

• Coolant

• Burr tools

Use a center punch to create a pilot hole to guide the drill bit and minimize slippage. Use the smallest drill bit to create the initial hole at the center of the lug nut. Gradually increase the hole size using a bigger drill bit while paying attention to its centering. The center of the hole should coincide with the center of the lug nut for easy removal.

The drill bits get hot as it drills through the stuck lug nut. Always have a coolant nearby. The driver can utilize oil to cool the drill bit. Dip the drill bit in the oil frequently to remove heat that builds up during the drilling.

When using a drill bit, chips from the damaged lug nut can impede the process. The driver can use a piece of cloth to remove the chips. The safest tool for removing metallic chips with optimum safety is a burr tool. Removing the chips makes it easier to drill the hole with bigger bits.

After several drilling rounds, the stripped lug nut loosens. At this stage, the wheel can slide. The driver can remove it easily. The stripped lug nut may not necessarily detach from the wheel - it may remain attached. How does one remove it?

The driver or the repair professional will use additional tools to remove the lug nut. They can utilize:

• Lock pliers

• Air hummer

• A torch

Conclusion

Removing a stuck lug nut is a tedious and frustrating process. Drivers should evaluate the level of damage on the stripped lug nut to identify the most appropriate removal method and assemble the requisite tools. You can consult a repair specialist if facing challenges when removing a stripped lug nut.

FAQs

What causes lug nuts to strip?

Stripping occurs when you overtighten lug nuts when repairing or changing wheels. The lug nut also gets stuck when attacked by rust.

How do I remove a stripped lug nut?

You can remove a lug nut using an impact wrench, a smaller socket, a breaker bar, and pipe combination or with the help of a drill bit.