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Rounded Lugnuts


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s2manchew
New User

Oct 16, 2012, 10:52 AM

Post #1 of 8 (2022 views)
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     I recently discovered that there was 2 different sizes of lugs on my Ranger. The impact gun went on nice and I thought I was twirlling the bolt off nicely but it wasn't coming off. Realizing this I then consequently rounded the bolt. It is a metric size, I hate metric. Any cheap and easy solutions??


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Oct 16, 2012, 11:32 AM

Post #2 of 8 (2001 views)
Re: Rounded Lugnuts Sign In

If this is a lug nut with the chrome cover type and missing it is now 18mm in many cases. Try if a six point socket even gets a grab on it. If there's anything left there are tricks like go thru both metric and SAE sizes some real close but tight and hammer the socket on tight enough to hopefully grab it and remove it. May wreck a good socket.

There are kits for the funky theft proof (laugh) lug nuts with like a cloverleaf pattern or something that are made to just jam over them and do the same but made just for that.

If a stud breaks off then there are assorted ways for assorted types to replace one but if more than one that hub should be replaced IMO and a pretty general consensus on that.

Ranger? A Ford or some Land Rover? Isn't that name used for both manufacturers?

T



nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
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Oct 16, 2012, 7:19 PM

Post #3 of 8 (1981 views)
Re: Rounded Lugnuts Sign In

They make a spiral extractor socket just for that problem. I have a set in my box. Try hammering on a 6 point 18 socket like Tom mentioned. I know Ford liked those cheap tin cap types instead of real chrome nuts. Obviously you will want to replace your lugnuts with new ones of the same size once you get them all off. If you can't find the socket for sale at the parts and tool stores in your area it might only cost a couple bucks if you buy new nuts, go to a shop and have them get them off for you. They can throw on the new ones quick. I'd shoot for a locally owned independant shop as they don't have corporate bosses breathing down them and if you slip them a quick $20 bill they won't feel a need to do any paperwork on it. That equals savings fast.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Oct 17, 2012, 12:46 AM

Post #4 of 8 (1970 views)
Re: Rounded Lugnuts Sign In

Crack me up Nick - "tin cap" lug nuts. If those are the type get rid of all of them as Nick suggested and now! Just wait till you are out in nowhere trying to change a flat with those with a good spare ready and just as stuck. Don't get new covered ones but whole one piece ones. Short bucks for saving big headache always when the least convenient.

Laugh but they sell those spiral extractor sockets right next to the anti-theft lug nuts in most parts stores!

T



s2manchew
New User

Oct 17, 2012, 10:35 AM

Post #5 of 8 (1953 views)
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Thanks for your help guys, and I saw the sockets at Sears. Gonna get me some. May need them "down the road". Appreciate the input.


nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
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Oct 17, 2012, 4:30 PM

Post #6 of 8 (1943 views)
Re: Rounded Lugnuts Sign In

Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Craftsmen one should work fine. Bear in mind that they do bite in well in order to get a nut off, so you would need a bench vise or at minimum a pair of vise grips and strong hands to take the nut out of the socket (simply hold the nut still and turn right). Works great with and impact, it seems the harder you can hit them the better they bite in.

Tom, I've actually seen extra lock nut sockets sold next to the "theft proof" nut sets. So as long as hoodlums don't go to the parts store your rims are safe. Although I have seen people who actually like to just take the locknuts. Apparently they can be spendy to buy. I don't think anyone is going to take my stock rims unless they really like rusted steel. I just get the plain acorn nuts. But now that I've said that I'm betting some hillbilly will boost them for scrap steel.


re-tired
Veteran / Moderator
re-tired profile image

Oct 17, 2012, 6:59 PM

Post #7 of 8 (1934 views)
Re: Rounded Lugnuts Sign In

Over the years i accumilated quite a collection of "keys" I dare say i have 75% coverage . some of the cheaper sets of "puzzel" locks only have 4 combinations


LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH


s2manchew
New User

Oct 18, 2012, 10:46 AM

Post #8 of 8 (1914 views)
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     Thanks to the lot of you, I got everything fixed, and bought a set of chrome lugs as well. All the same size. Can't make a mistake with the impact, it's all fool proof.






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