How do YOU deal with "rounded" nuts?

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Oct 19, 2006 | 06:03 PM
  #1  
Anyone got suggestions on how to take out a nut that has been rounded out? (like when the tool keeps turning and tunring and the nut has no edges anymore)

Tried (while it was still good):
WD40
Ratchet w/socket
Wrench
Heating it up
Hammer (to hit the bolt)
Impact gun
Vise Wrenches

There isnt really much room to force a smaller socket in to "create" new grooves.

Any other suggestions?
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Oct 19, 2006 | 07:47 PM
  #2  
try get creative with a dremel and sculpt new grooves.
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Oct 19, 2006 | 07:48 PM
  #3  
Dremel it out..
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Oct 19, 2006 | 07:52 PM
  #4  
This is one idea
I have had some success with tools like these Link
Sometimes you have to actually cut the nut off the bolt.
Good luck!!!
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Oct 19, 2006 | 08:30 PM
  #5  
get a bolt out kit. it comes in handy, and it's great for future mishaps.
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Oct 19, 2006 | 08:52 PM
  #6  
Any suggestions on where i could get a "bolt out" kit locally?
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Oct 19, 2006 | 09:03 PM
  #7  
1st where in the bolt and what is it connected to? Second sears has the bolt out kits but vice grips with good teeth cranked down should hold it. The dremel with a fiber reinforced wheel will definitely do it as long as you are careful.
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Oct 19, 2006 | 09:09 PM
  #8  
Quote: Any suggestions on where i could get a "bolt out" kit locally?
Sears or any other hardware store, more likely someplace like NAPA. An idea of what they look like........

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools...e=snapon-store
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Oct 19, 2006 | 09:15 PM
  #9  
Also if it's a nut you might try chiseling it to crack the nut off, you need to be careful that you aren't too enthusiastic about it and go too far though.
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Oct 19, 2006 | 10:00 PM
  #10  
I'm trying to take out the extension for the exhaust, one nut came off, the other one is the messed up one.

Vicegrips only managed to strip the nut... even as hard as i could lock them on the teeth would just shev more and more of the sides of the nut.

I checked Sears online to see if they had it in store and they said no... though i should go check in person... i got to buy some other tools anyways...

Thought about the dremel... knowing myself i'd end up cutting the bolt out of frustration... =D

Chisel huh... i guess its worth a try if all else fails... =D

Thanks guys!
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Oct 19, 2006 | 10:24 PM
  #11  
^ if you deside on the dremel idea, i got one with the fiber reinforcement stuff.
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Oct 20, 2006 | 07:03 AM
  #12  
slam a smaller sized socket onto it (if your desperate)
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Oct 20, 2006 | 07:21 AM
  #13  
Ok, at this point my suggestion would be if possible take it to a muffler shop so they can apply heat to it. If nothing else they may charge you a few bucks but you will not need to mess with it. If its a stud w/ a bolt and you cut it off, you can drill the stud out or use an extractor.
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Oct 20, 2006 | 12:46 PM
  #14  
Quote: ................ knowing myself i'd end up cutting the bolt out of frustration... =D.............
Depending on the cost of the nut & bolt, it might be your best option. If the nut & bolt costs $8.00 and you've already spent 1 hour of your time trying to take it off, then you probably could've just bought a new one.

When I was pulling off my midpipe, I ran into the same problem as far as difficulty taking the nut off, luckily I didn't need to reuse it.

I say cut that sucka off and buy a new set.
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Oct 20, 2006 | 01:54 PM
  #15  
^ true. plus, it sounds like your stripped the threads like crazy if your vise grip rounded the nut.
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