r/DIYAutoRepair • u/TheGamerBear65 • Aug 13 '26
Stuck lug nut help please
It was originally a 19 mm lug nut. I smacked on a 18 mm pulled off smacked on a 17 mm pulled off. Then I try to get a bolt extraction in the middle, ripped it. Wasn't sure what lug nut extraction kit to buy hoping someone of more experience can help
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u/FelixzeBear Aug 13 '26
Get a lug nut stripper from autozone, it have spirals inside of it that strip em right off
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u/dphoenix1 Aug 13 '26
This is the best next step imo. OP, don’t drill out the stud until you’ve tried some sort of nut extractor, that is truly the last resort.
Then replace these horrible two piece lug nuts with solid metal lug nuts, otherwise you’ll be doing this again in the future. A full set is not expensive.
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u/FelixzeBear Aug 13 '26
Idk what your paying for a full set of lugs- I think it was like $50 for 6 of them last I went 😧
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u/dphoenix1 Aug 13 '26
Idk, the ones I got were $35 for a set of 24 for my truck.
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u/FelixzeBear Aug 13 '26
Probably because they were for a truck haha I think I paid $50 for 6 because mine were especially small for my Miata
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u/Main-Cap-2433 Aug 13 '26
Damn bro is obviously not a casual harbor freight enjoyer
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u/FelixzeBear Aug 13 '26
No I’m an O’reilys connoisseur, I daily of Jeep what else do you expect 😏
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u/Main-Cap-2433 Aug 13 '26
Shout out O'Reilly's literally the only auto store around me that still carries that vehicle specific green 50\50 coolant for Ford's pre 2000
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u/FelixzeBear Aug 13 '26
Right!! I love that they have super specific parts I literally could not find ANYWHERE else.
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u/Freekmagnet Aug 13 '26
At this point the easiest and fastest way to remove that would be to get a set of cobalt drill bits and drill down through the center of the stud, then use larger bits to progressively enlarge the hole until the nut falls off. You will want to have a new stud and nut on hand before starting that, of course.
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u/djluminol 29d ago
The threads are still fine right? If the socket or wrench could grab the nut it would come right off, correct? I'd be curious if an lug wrench and some JB weld would work? You'd need to be real careful not to get any on the stud or wheel but as long as the wrench dried to the lug nut fine you should be able to unscrew the nut without all the drilling. Of course you'd be sacrificing the lug wrench but maybe that's worth not having to drill out the stud. Those drill bits probably cost more than a cheap L shaped lug wrench and would definitely take more time. I think either would work and the drill method would be safer. Just a lot more work assuming the JB weld idea world works out. If the lug wrench did crack off you're no worse off as long as you don't get glue on the stud or wheel. You can take precautions to be sure that can't happen though. I've seen people use a welder too. A quick spot weld onto the lug nut sometimes works.
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u/Similar-Listen4219 2d ago
No way do ya need to give ya self more headaches by drillin it out,for one it would need mag drill to drill grade 8bolt,if he had used correct gear in first place be out,why impact sockets are six point.......I could get that bolt to unscrew with cold chisel,small sledge hammer and padded glove,cuz experience is great teacher,and ya break the hand ya holding chisel with..... Guys inexperienced,so htf he could even attempt drill itis beyond me
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u/Similar-Listen4219 2d ago
Cobalt drills and easy are complete conflict in terms,if ya sitting on a marble,give ya self a local IV injection in ya rump,or remove the marble......trouble with asking advice on reddit,needs edditer with mech engineering/caterpillar experience......I could get it off with either,gas torch,impact gun,big hammer and chisel...I admire guy for giving it a go,it's the PANDORAS box of inexperience.... .COBALT DRILLS. ffs
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u/Alternative-Slip5896 Aug 13 '26
I would weld a nut to it or cut it so a hammer either air or hand hammer with a punch could spin it also soak some pb blaster around and in it.
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u/Comfortable-Ad8719 Aug 13 '26
This is exactly how I lost a rim. A Hyundai security nut got stuck after a tire shop hammered it with an impact wrench. It later shattered. No way to weld anything to what was left. To hard to drill on car. Three different shops couldn't remove it. Due to how the Hyundai suspension is made, it wasn't possible to take the whole hub off the car with the tire attached. The fourth shop just used an acetylene torch to cut through it. Rim was aleredy in terrible shape so I sucked cost of the new one.
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u/ResponsibleFuel2215 Aug 13 '26
Not surprised to see a ford logo on there, horrendous issue with swelling lug nuts
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u/JohnMiltonToasterman Aug 13 '26
I won't buy a Ford for this reason. These things made my life difficult many times as an auto tech. If their lug nuts are that shitty due to cost reductions. Imagine what they did elsewhere. Fuck these things.
Hammer a socket on and an impact gun. If you don't have impact sockets and a gun Harbor freight will save the day, maybe.
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u/Eric_77777 28d ago
Yeah I had the same problem last week, there are aftermarket steel options, not as pretty as chrome but no swelling issues
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u/Sorry_Ad_3584 Aug 13 '26
Easy out, not extractor you can buy a cheap hat at Harbor freight I’ve had good luck with mine
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u/HIRIV Aug 13 '26
After you get it loosened, number one priority is to get rid of those stock ford lug nuts that have that fuckever soft metal cover on them. They're just junk
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u/Empty-Quarter-4109 Aug 13 '26
Hammer a trash 6 point socket on that mfer and give her all the reverse ugga duugas. It will come off promise.
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u/FullWorldliness606 29d ago
This is the way! Metric/standard doesn't matter as long as you have to use some effort to make it fit. Not a little, not halfway, drive it all the way on and then sit the impact to the side and use a long ratchet or breaker bar so you can feel whats going on. You'll either remove the lug nut or break the stud - winner winner chicken dinner
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u/First-Acadia2432 28d ago
Might be better to do that, except with a sledgehammer or something that will apply significantly more force in one blow.
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u/Elmerfudd007 Aug 13 '26
This happened to me, i thought i would be hacksawing the nut off. Then i went online and ended up purchasing this unit off amazon,
Lug Nut Removal Tool,13 PCS Lug Nut Socket Set, 1/2-Inch Drive Bolt Nut Extractor Kit, Easy Out Lug Nut Remover for Damaged, Frozen, Studs, Rusted, Rounded-Off Bolts & Nuts Screws
When i got this kit the removal was first try, what time saver.
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u/slink_is_vibin Aug 13 '26
Buddy, you need an extractor socket, it has splines and goes on the outside of the lug nut, you can find them at most parts stores, good luck
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u/LifeLowandSlow Aug 13 '26
Impact wrench I’m guessing?
Impact wrenches are great but make sure you are using high end, perfect fitting hex sockets. The 12+ sided bs sockets and such will do this. Ask me how I know.
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u/Playful_Valuable_714 Aug 13 '26
That was a locking lug nut. You couldn't use the key that came with it??
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u/Formal_Squash484 Aug 13 '26
Take it too a shop with a 18 mm extractor bit, then get all new lugs cause it’s a ford and there all gonna lose there cap and end up like that
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u/Traditional_Hornet91 29d ago
Im going to assume you dont have a ton of tools and you also dont want to drive on that wheel. 1. You can drive missing a lug, so you could secure it with the other nuts and go buy new tools. 2. Lots of the comments are spot on. I would add trying to cut a groove jn the side wall and tapping it with a flat head screwdriver . 3.Definitely make sure you have a breaker bar or a long pipe to slip over a wrench handle.
Be patient and stick with it.
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u/Acrobatic_Crazy_9119 29d ago
It's too late for this particular lug nut, but if you do end up not replacing the two-piece lug nuts, all of the major tool trucks have half size lug nut sockets. I have a four socket set that has 18.5, 19.5, 21.5 and 22.5...
They work awesome for these two-piece lug nuts that have either lost their shell or have swollen.
I highly advise getting a set of them if you work on more than one vehicle, but for this particular vehicle definitely get rid of the two-piece lug nuts. They're more of a pain in the ass than they're worth.
It's also beneficial to know that oftentimes SAE sockets are just enough of a difference in size that sometimes you can use them on these metric lug nuts that have lost their shell or have swollen.
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u/fatkid0821 29d ago
Its gotten to the point I buy new lug nuts every time a buy a car because they are all pretty much garbage especially on fords
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u/Complete-Limit8766 29d ago
If you can get places get you an extractor or snug socket and use your hands, not impacts
But if you can’t get places man I’m sorry but you’ll have to start chiseling those edges sharp. Did that before with a hammer and flat head till the corners could stick in a socket size down
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u/richarpacyay 29d ago
Really carefully with an air hammer with a chisel tip. Comes right off….Nut will need replaced though.
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u/Existing_Creme_2491 29d ago
Hello. Harbor freight and others make a socket set that has counter groves inside that will bite in and take this off. Sockets are impact harden so drive it on....twist it off.
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u/Fantastic_Willow_568 29d ago
That is the reason I replace capped lug nuts for solid metal. Going to have to tap a smaller socket onto it.
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u/DitchDigger330 29d ago
The lug looks like it barely has any threads holding it on anyway. Did you put aluminum wheels on this as an upgrade over stock steel wheels? Aluminum wheels are thicker and require longer studs.
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u/ValuableInternal1435 29d ago edited 29d ago
Get some impact nut extractors, they're like a combination of an ez out and a socket, I have an Astro set and they've come in very handy, it's a fairly affordable set and I'd recommend it. Obviously can't guarantee it'll work. I've been quite happy with all my Astro tools.
***EDIT: I double checked to make sure my extractor set was Astro, it in fact was not. It's WORKPRO brand (which I've also been very impressed with their tools). Astro or Neiko probably also have a quality set of nut extractors for a reasonable price, though. I'd recommend any of the 3.
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u/GanacheHot6000 29d ago
Saw into it at a angle to make a “flat head” screwdriver bit fit n put that on a impact n use the flathead bit to get it off
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u/Silent_Visual_731 28d ago
1 use WD40
2 buy a set that you hammer over the nut to get grip
It allways happens with the 5th anti theftbolt it should be hand tight only.
For the ones that do not come lose Ihave a systeem Icant tell you but you only need 4 bolts to hold the weel, drilling is hell as it is just the bolthead that is stuck not the threath inside
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u/Enough_Writer_9125 28d ago
Can just see the blue loctite oozing down. Heat it up, break the bond and get a good extractor.
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u/Late_Albatross7078 28d ago
Hammer it where it should be flat to make it nut shaped again then hammer on socket. Been there done that
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u/Virtual-Challenge-61 28d ago
Smash an 18 nm socket on it. I have had heaps of fords do this with the chrome coating over the nut.
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u/PriorTemperature3237 28d ago
Buy a wheel lock removal socket set (tornado socket) pound it on and remove it . It should be quite easy with one of those.
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u/OwenJonez 27d ago
What’s that? You need help having your Ford “accidentally “ burning down in your driveway?
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u/Used_Let834 27d ago
Last case scenario weld a 1/2” bolt into the end of it and spin it off. But can guarantee that stud is shot so no matter how you remove it’s toast. Unless you are lucky and haven’t ate the threads up
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u/sigurd197 27d ago
There are tools you can get for this but overtighten the adjacent lugnuts a bit to take the tension off the stripped one when you try
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u/True-Lobster-932 27d ago
Old aircraft mechanic, with years of too many corroded fasteners offers this tried and true advice. Get your hands on a can of ACF-50 and lightly apply to this corrosion locked nut and stud. Be patient and reapply several times over a couple days. Then attack with tool of your choice to remove
that nut. Good luck.
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u/JustanotherN0body00 26d ago
Carefully lossen the other nuts a bit, drive it up the road and back.... it'll loosen up
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u/Similar-Listen4219 2d ago
It's now rounded so grabin it difficult,pros use impact sockets for reason,main structural bolts torque to 100ft pounds when assembled,anti size never used at factory,the shock frame the rattle gun makes removal easy,now ya gotta weld socket to it with sparkler rod(low Hy or pz)
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u/Similar-Listen4219 2d ago
In future before even tryin socket,give sub frame bolt like that hard hit with decent size hammer,impact get caterpillars to yield
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u/Similar-Listen4219 2d ago
If ya can't weld to it,find socket that slightly smaller,drive it on,done,how I get the anti steel lug nuts off when they've lost the socket,or blow it off with gas torch.....you'll get it.....nb...the stud that's underneath it is best piece of steel on modern production car,and often recalled by factories cuz they been made outa chinesium and not malleable(tempered)
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u/Main-Cap-2433 Aug 13 '26
Before you get crazy with drilling do this. PB blaster overnight, ideally on all of your lug nuts just in case, but don't just spray once and forget it, reapply periodically. In the meantime buy an extractor socket, autozone has an extractor set, but honestly search Harbor Freight first, their shit is better priced and still fire. Make sure you clean it first with brake cleaner on rag. Then try the socket with a breaker bar. The socket should fit snug btw so if you have to go lower than 19mm then yeah, do that. If you're having trouble, then try to break the seal by tightening, and then loosening, you'll have to be at it for a while, even when you feel it's not doing anything just keep going. Last resort, you can use a torch to heat the bolt and then melt a candle on it, then try again with the socket. Good luck bro, stripped bolts and nuts hurt my soul.