Cutting torch to lug nut

Here is my situation. I've got a frozen rounded off lug not that is inset into an aluminum wheel. I've done everything conventional to get it loose to no avail. I am thinking off taking my cutting torch and first trying to blow the nut apart and if the doesn't work just going straight in on the stud. I'm thinking of taking the other nuts off the wheel so I can apply pressure to the nut while i'm cutting. I have a spare matching wheel so if I mess up the one on the jeep I'll survive. What do you all think?? I've never used a cutting torch around aluminum before. I have blown apart steel from cast iron and that works. Anybody know what a torch does to cast aluminum??

 

Can you clean it up a little and weld a lug nut to it?

 

Thanks, I've been trying by driving on a socket. Because of the inset I can't weld onto it. I tried. I'm thinking if I use a small flame and go straight into the stud I might get lucky. The wheel can end up on my spare if need be as it will still have 4 good holes left. :=}}

 

Can you drill it out instead of torching it?

 

Yeh I think I would drill first. But that is just me. Aluminum is not like steel where it tells you when it ready to melt, it just melts.

 

Definitely drill it. Maybe go a little bigger on the drill bit that the diameter of the stud.

 

Anyone ever try one of those Craftsman damaged nut removers?

 

I think maybe you guys are on to something. I tried drilling into the center of the stud with a half inch drill but it is really hard. I like the idea of drilling between the nut and stud then splitting the nut. I will try that tomorrow and get back to you all. thanks

 

Yes, but not on a lug nut. Works great on manifold bolts and studs.

 

Get some cutting oil to help the drilling and to keep it cool. Once you get most the way through, the stud would probably just snap with a good twist.

Good luck.

 

The torch will probably melt, or at least deform the aluminum wheel. Are you sure it's not a magnesium wheel. If it is, and you torch it, you stand a good chance of burning down the wheel, your jeep, and most likely, your garage. Be VERY careful! Drilling is the safer method.

tommy b

 

if you have a tire warehouse near you thay will have the tool you need it looks like an inverted easyout i worked at the one neer my house and had to use it a couple of times and worked great

the only place ive seen anything like it is on a snap on truck the crapsman nut extracter thing might be what im talking about but have never seen one

 

the guys are right the best way is to start with a small drill bit for the first hole then go up 5 or 6 sizes and drill again the stud will break easy with a little sideways pry. A new stud is cheaper than a new wheel.the closer to the center of the stud the better.

 

Yes the Craftsman does work but not on a left hand thread.
Did you try a nut cracker? That too worked for me.

 

DO YOU HAVE ACCESS TO A WELDER IF SO YOU CAN TAKE A LARGER NUT AND PLACE OVER YOUR DAMAGED LUG NUT AND ON THE INSIDE WITHOUT GETTING IN TO YOUR STUD SPOT WELD TO NEW NUT THIS WILL ALSO HEAT IT ENOUGH TO HELP LOOSEN but if you have to drill out use a smaller bit first to make a pillot hole then follow with larger bit and turn drill bit slow to keep it cool a little oil on bit will help save your bit hope this helps.

 

Thanks everyone for all the good advise. I called my tire guys and they didn't have the tool for a rounded nut. Sounds like the torch isn't a good idea. I'm glad I posted as I was getting frustrated with this thing. I think after church I'll just start drilling and then use my air chisel. I'll report back.

 

Use a smaller drill bit first then step it up to 1/2" turn the bit slow and use oil to help it cut into the stud. The idea is to weaken the stud so it will break off , obviously you will need a new stud then.