Rounded off locking wheelnut

[Markta]

Hi all, I have a rounded off sheared off head type nut, whose half moon edges have rounded off. The key is in perfect condition, I just think the nuts were wizzed on too tight.

Anyway, is there a tool / method to get these off without damaging the alloy?

Thanks

[GiveMeABreak]

Nothing worse than tight nuts.

If the head has shorn off already, then I think it's a trip to the tyre fitters to get it drilled out.

[CitroJim]

Sometimes, and depending upon what's left, a reverse-flute socket may bring forth results. These sockets are designed especially for gripping onto rounded-off nut and bolt heads to enable them to be undone. Irwin make some very competent ones... Look up 'Irwin Reverse Flute' on Giggle search...

I've had success using them to remove the four pin key type locking wheel studs found on many 90s PSA vehicles following lost/broken keys...

Another method is to get hold of a hollow bolt and mig weld it to what's left of the old stud... Such bolts are available for this very purpose...

Tyre fitters doing wheel studs/nut too tightly is a very serious problem and can in some instances leads to damaged threads...

[Gibbo2286]

Most tyre fitter companies have the tools and will have them off in under five minutes.

[bobins]

<tongue in cheek : ON> That must be a profitable little sideline for the tyre fitters. Wind the nuts on too tight, then charge to remove them. <tongue in cheek : OFF>

[jgra1]

my LWN caught me out in Feb, after a pothole puncture on route to a funeral! AA called, he cut the top of the LWN (at a weak spot) off and then got it out.. I think he used a slide hammer / impact driver to sort it.

Bought 4 normal bolts the next day!

[Markta]

I have these on my vehicle, and the nut is complete with the protruding bit still intact

http://www.jamesandtracy.co.uk/mainimag ... l_tool.jpg

Have tried six or seven tyre filters who say the only way to get them off is by welding a nut onto LWN but surely there must be another way.

I can imagine drilling the top off then through the middle and hammering in a torq or spline socket and turning it with a breaker bar but I’d imagine it’s very tight

[slackgarry]

When i Bought my C1 it came with no Locking key for the Nuts. Drilled down the center and Banged in a T50 and would them off with a breaker bar. Had to-do all 4.

I found it easier with Cobalt drill bits and cutting fluid.

Good Luck

[bobins]

I've read of a fairly brutal but effective way of shifting some of them. Park the offending wheel about a foot away from a sturdy wall or immovable object. Use a screw jack between the wall and wheel to wind on the original LWN tool or similar socket and hold it on there tight, then brutalise (however you can) the socket around to undo the stuck bolt or nut. This isn't universally effective, but might work with the right tool on a suitably stuck nut or bolt.

[white exec]

The Irwin removal sockets are on Amazon.