Lug nut ripped in half.?

Question

I ripped a lug nut in half on my 84 Camaro Z28 with a torque bar. The nut is torn up terribly and then my shop teacher suggested putting an air hammer to it to try to get it off so I did and now there's nothing to grab at all on it. I'm thinking that my only option is to destroy the rim by putting a cetaline torch or plasma cutter to it. Is there any other option for me unfortunately I don't think there is.

Answer 1

Actually, there are options. I'm surprised that your shop teacher doesn't know some of the old tricks we used to use.
Here is one, all these require the use of liquid wrench or a similar product. Put the liquid wrench on the remaining portion of the nut and the threads. Let it set for a couple of hours. Now that it's had time to get in there and do what it needs to...take a pretty hefty set of locking pliers like vise grips. Get them on there good and tight, now hammer the bolt a bit, to loosen the nut. Once that's done take a pipe that's made of metal, a pretty strong one, it should fit over the pliers, all the way on, the pipe should be a good length, it gives you leverage to "break" the grip that the nut has on the threads.
The other thing that you can do is weld a long shaft to the nut and use that to break it. Remember to use the break free or liquid wrench after you weld the shaft, you can even put two on and just twist it off.
The final plan is to make the nut square again by grinding the sides. Heat it up to temper it and then try to take it off. When something looses it's edge, it's due to the use of a wrong size tool, make sure the tool you use fit's snugly on the nut. if you feel it slipping try the other side.
Always use the lubricant.
Good luck, Rick

Answer 2

Use a socket. A big just enough socket to hit with a hammer(hard) and get over the nut, then use the impact to get it out. Some WD40 or equivalent would help otherwise, torch it little bit before...you will probably have to sacrifice that socket.
Good luck!

Answer 3

Go to Sears and get a lug nut removal kit (about $20).it is a splined socket kit much like a bolt extractor.
you will hammer the socket on and be able to remove the nut.
if you have deep narrow lug holes , you will have to get it from a tool dealer.

Answer 4

If you are good, you can cut the nut off and never damage the threads. I used an acetylene torch to do it. A boy lost his key to the McGard locks on his Camaro, and he had a flat tire, so I burned it off and let him change the tire. good luck. The worst that will happen is that you have to replace the wheel stud. Just try to not damage the rims. good luck

Answer 5

Using an acetylene cutting torch will cause the least other damage. Then drive the stud out of the brake rotor and replace it by driving a new one in, or unscrew the stud if it is drum brakes, (here is a tool for that!)and screw a new one in, it is an interference or freeze in fit, with the stud 0.003 larger than the hole it goes into!

Answer 6

ummm......hold off with the torch. And remember.....the shop teacher is NOT a mechanic.
A mechanic has a special ribbed, tapered socket that bites into the lug nut so he can use his impact wrench to take it off.
It is made by Matco Tools.
In the event of the stud breaking.....it can be replaced easily by pounding it through the rotor and pulling a new one in place with a special puller or sacrificial nut.

Answer 7

Take it to a tire shop==a regular torch can melt that lug in no time--have them slip a new threaded stud in place and spin on a new lug--and not too tight,

Answer 8

hack saw threw the thing all the way threw the stud go buy a new stud and lug nut 3 dollars is all it will cost this same thing happened to me it sucks and takes a while but you can do it

Answer 9

you better give rick the best answer here he beat me to it i was gonna say weld something else to it and then grip that rick is right on target this is what we always do in the shop and right along with rick i'm disapointed that the instructor dont know this

good luck