How to Remove a Stuck or Stripped Lug Nut

In this article we are going to look at the problem of stuck and stripped lug nuts as they relate to wheel removal. We will talk about what can cause these issues and most importantly what we can do to get around them to finish our task.

What Can Cause a Stripped Lug Nut?

There are several reasons that a lug nut may become stuck or stripped and some may be avoidable. Others are a little harder to control but with some maintenance tips you may be able to greatly reduce the risk of this annoying situation.

The Elements

The wheels are on the lowest point of our cars and they are in the closest contact with the road surface. This means when it's wet out then the wheels get wet and so do the metal lug nuts holding the wheels in place.

Exposed to water, dirt, grime and in colder winter climates road salt these metal lug nuts are going to take a beating. Corrosion can easily develop and when it gets into the threads of the lug nuts this can deform them.

Over time the shape can become so changed that the lug nuts simply will not move when you try to unscrew them. This is often the most common reason for a stuck or stripped lug nut and it is of course frustrating to deal with.

You're Using the Wrong Socket

There is always the possibility that the lug nut is actually okay and the situation is more about human error. You need to ensure that you are using the right tool for the job because if the size of your socket is too big then it will simply slip and not grip the lug nut.

If you try and use a socket that is too small then it simply will not fit over the lug nut. Frankly if you don’t realize the socket is too small when it doesn’t fit the lug nut you may have bigger problems.

It should be noted that you might get a lug nut off with an oversized socket but doing so can actually cause damage. Make sure you have the right sized socket and that the tool itself is in good condition. You might end up completing your task today but come the next time you may have caused a problem.

Incorrect Torque

You might think that you don’t need to consider how tight the lug nut is and how much torque to use. In fact lug nuts are supposed to be tightened to set factory specifications. You will find this value in your car's service manual.

Tightening your lug nut with the wrong amount of torque can actually cause it to become stuck the next time you try to take it off.

How Do You Remove a Stuck or Stripped Lug Nut?

In a perfect world your torque wrench and socket should do just fine but when those lug nuts get stuck you may have to get a little medieval on them. Depending on how you manage to extract the lug nut you may even find that you need to replace it.

Extractor Socket/Breaker Bar/Hammer

This is a somewhat involved process but the vast majority of the time this has a great chance of working for you. The tools involved should be part of most home garages especially if you make a habit of doing some of your own basic repairs.

Aside from the extractor socket, breaker bar and the hammer you will also want some penetrating oil on hand as well. Below is a basic step by step guide to try and extract that stuck or stripped lug nut:

• Park your vehicle on a flat surface, engage the emergency brake and ideally chock the wheels to prevent any rolling.
• Start by soaking the offending lug nut with penetrating oil. If it shows signs of rust do not be stingy with that oil. Use a hammer to dislodge any large chunks of rust you can see.
• Using a long socket with the correct size for your nut, place it over the lug nut. Use your large hammer to hit the socket a couple of times to make sure it gets a good grip and to loosen the tightness of the cone. You may now be able to unscrew the nut perhaps all the way (remember you turn counter-clockwise to loosen). If this does not get the job done there are some other steps:
• Change your socket to a nut extractor socket of appropriate size and again use your hammer to get this tight onto the lug nut.
• Attach your breaker bar to your socket for extra leverage and apply force to the handle. If it is not working you can also add a length of iron pipe to your handle to help increase your power. Alternatively use an impact wrench.

Final note: be careful when hammering the socket onto the lug nut that you do not hit the rims or do any additional damage.

Blowtorch

This method works great and is sometimes one of the quickest options but does have its drawbacks. If you do happen to have a blowtorch in your arsenal however it is a quick fix.

Science tells us that when we heat metal it expands and this is what will help us in the blow torch method. You will need a little patience and also to be very careful as heat is involved.

The first point to remember using this method is to not use oil to help loosen the lug nut first. Oil can ignite and this is not something you want to happen. You will need a wheel spanner and pliers on hand for this method and to remember grabbing a hot lug nut with your bare hands is going to hurt.

Gradually heat the problematic lug nut and then let it cool, repeating the process a couple of times. The wheel nut will expand in size so you should be able to remove the lug nut with ease after a few heating cycles.

Final note: If you have expensive rims this process can damage them so bear this in mind. It might be one of the easier methods but it can do damage.

Grinder and Wrench

Sometimes you have to change the shape of your lug nuts so you can use a more suitable tool for the extraction. In this case you will be using a hand held grinder to make edges around the nut that will allow you to grip it with a wrench.

You will however first start off with penetrating oil and rust removal to make things a little easier. It should be noted that this method is harder to achieve if you have aluminum rims so you might want to choose another option.

Screwdriver/Hammer/Chisel

If all else has failed you may want to try this option. It does take more patience but may work when other options have come up short.

Again you want to get penetration oil to work on that lug nut and to try and remove as much surface rust as you can. Use your chisel to create a notch in the surface of the nut.

You can now wedge the screw driver into the newly created notch. The hammer can now be used to tap the screwdriver in a counter-clockwise direction which should start to rotate the lug nut. You should gradually be able to incrementally turn the nut until it finally breaks loose.

How Can You Avoid Stripped Lug Nuts?

As with all things automotive you want to try and head off an issue before it becomes one. Lug nuts are no exception to this thinking so taking steps to prevent stripped lug nuts is just smart.

The first thing you should do is make sure that if you ever remove your wheel that you do it correctly and to specifications as laid out in the car's manual. Also if you pay for tire replacements or other wheel based services make sure you use reputable technicians.

Poorly removed and reattached lug nuts can develop problems and if the person doing the work does not know what they are doing they can easily strip the lug nut in the process.

Another good tip is to minimize the effects of the elements by frequently washing and drying your vehicle including the wheels. Dirt build up helps corrosion take hold and before you realize it your lug nuts have started to rust and you have a future problem on your hands.

You can also regularly treat the lug nuts with a spray of WD40. This is a penetrating oil that will sink into the threads keeping them lubricated and protecting against the development of rust. A liberal spray on and around the lug nut can be a great preventative step.

Conclusion

Stuck or stripped lug nuts can be a nightmare especially if you need to change a flat tire. If you are stranded out in the road this is not the time to be unable to remove a lug nut. Take preventative steps to keep these lug nuts in good condition.

A good home garage should be well stocked with tools including sockets, hammers, break bars and various spanners. Plan for eventualities such as stuck lug nuts because there are many nuts and bolts that can become rusty on your vehicle and you may find you need some tools to get a job done.

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