Are you struggling to remove a nut from a bolt? Normally, you can loosen and remove nuts by twisting them counterclockwise. Over time, however, nuts can fuse to the bolts on which they are installed. Here are several ways to remove a stuck nut from a bolt.
Use a Hex Socket
Rather than trying to remove it by hand, use a hex socket. Assuming it’s a traditional hex nut, it should support a hex socket. Hex sockets feature a six-sided drive opening on one end and a ratchet connector on the other hand. You can place a hex socket over a nut, after which you can use a ratchet to loosen and remove the nut. A hex socket will provide you with more torque than hand-twisting a stuck nut.
Hold the Bolt
If the nut is simply spinning when you turn it — either by hand or with a hex socket — try holding the bolt. Sometimes nuts will spin with the bolt, in which case you won’t be able to loosen or remove them unless you hold the bolt. Push down on the head of the bolt and hold it in place. Continue to hold the bolt while turning the nut. The nut should now loosen.
Check for Cross-Threading
Cross-threading can make nuts difficult to remove. This phenomenon involves a nut’s threads becoming misaligned with the threads of the bolt on which it’s installed. How do you deal cross-threading exactly? If the nut’s threads aren’t properly aligned with the bolt’s threads, try tightening or loosening it just enough to push the threads back in place. Once aligned, you can then turn the nut counterclockwise to remove it.
Apply Penetrating Oil
A little penetrating oil will go a long way at removing a stuck nut. Penetrating oil is a type of specialized liquid that contains powerful corrosion-cutting compounds. They are designed to break down rust and corrosion so that fasteners, such as nuts, are easier to remove. Just spray a penetrating oil around the nut’s threads and let it soak for about 10 minutes.
Apply Heat
Another way to remove a stuck nut from a bolt is to apply heat. Make sure there are no flammable materials or liquids, including penetrating oil, nearby that could ignite. Assuming it’s safe, you can then direct a heat gun toward the nut. As the nut heats up, it will become easier to loosen and remove.