Tips for Removing Trailer Lug Nut

Updated 06/04/2019 | Published 06/01/2019

Question:

I have a Rockwell popup and one of the lug nuts similar to this ss lug nut will not come off . The out shell just turns but the part connected to the stud remains tight . It is a 1/2 x20 with a 13/16 diameter. Any idea how I can get it off? I will need to make a purchase after I remove the bad one.

asked by: Dennis M

Helpful Expert Reply:

My best suggestion for you is to apply heat to the damaged lug nut on your Rockwell pop-up. A small hand-held butane torch will provide plenty of heat to do this. The goal is to heat up and expand the inner nut portion that remains secured to the lug threads. Do be careful about your own safety and to avoid overheating other parts of the wheel and hub.

You can also try removing all of the other lug nuts so that only the one remains in place and then gently apply some back-and-forth force to the whole wheel. If there is internal corrosion between the nut and lug this gentle motion may help break that bond.

You can also try a few applications of a penetrating solvent, PB Blaster or WD40 and give it time to work (such as overnight). Rotating the wheel between applications can help let the solvent work its way into all bound thread points between the lug and nut.

expert reply by: Adam R