10-05-2023, 09:07 AM
Dealing with swollen lug nuts can be a real pain, but I’ve been through it before and figured I’d share some tips that worked for me. First, make sure you’re using a six-point socket instead of a twelve-point; it gives you better grip and reduces the risk of rounding the lug nuts. I also recommend spraying some penetrating oil, like WD-40, around the swollen lug nut and letting it sit for a few minutes to help loosen things up. Sometimes, gently tapping the socket onto the lug nut with a hammer can help seat the socket better, especially if the swelling has created a tight fit. When removing the lug nut, take it slow and apply steady pressure to avoid stripping it. If it’s really stuck, consider using a breaker bar for extra leverage, but be careful not to snap the lug stud. If you find one swollen lug nut, there’s a chance others might be too, so check all of them before you start working. Once you get the swollen ones off, I recommend replacing them all since swollen lug nuts are usually a sign they’re wearing out. Hopefully, this helps anyone dealing with the same issue!