The best nut splitter fits the nut well, breaks it with ease, is long-lasting. A stuck nut can make deconstruction and repair of your vehicle, furniture, or any other mechanical equipment extremely difficult.
The easiest and safest way to remove it is by breaking or splitting the nut. Now, you might be concerned about damaging the bolt threads in the process. Well, the best nut splitter makes sure no damage is done to the bolt.
However, choosing the right nut splitter can be equally challenging as removing the stuck nut.
Yes, it’s a handy tool, but many factors, including the splitter’s type, design, construction, and brand, play a vital role in making the tool suitable for your purpose.
So, to help you out, here’s a list of some reliable nut splitter options on the market.
Quick Comparison: Best Nut Splitters
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Best Nut Splitters
1. CRAFTSMAN Universal Nut Splitter
A damaged or rusted nut can give you a hard time by not coming off easily, leaving you with no choice but to smash it.
While you do not want to crack a nut with a splitter often, you would most definitely love a splitter that lasts a lifetime.
With this thought, this list starts with the CRAFTSMAN Universal Nut Splitter that would surely be your once-in-a-lifetime purchase.
Indeed Craftsman makes durable, and quality tools, and this particular nut splitter tool is proof of that.
The robust tool is crafted from forged steel and features a cutter made of hardened steel. So, both the outer frame and cutter are built to last. The ring houses nuts that range from 5/16-inch to ⅞-inch.
You can use a ¾ inches wrench to tighten the screw head. And with the screw head-turning, the chisel is forced against the nut, cracking it open in the process. And this has to be done manually.
The manufacturer doesn’t recommend the splitter to be used with any power tools. As you manually crack the nut open, it makes sure the bolt threads are undamaged, and you can use the bolt again if you like.
However, you might face difficulty maintaining the proper alignment of the chisel as the screw head is comparatively small.
While some customers reported having issues with the head, you can overcome it by careful use of the correct wrench.
Also, according to some customers, the splitter tool performs best when held at an angle of 90°. However, don’t conclude this as a drawback; knowing the tool’s specialty is helpful while working.
The tool is very convenient to use, weighing only 0.8 pounds. Also, it’s only about 1-inch wide and 4-inch long, making it easier to operate in tighter spaces.
At a reasonable price, this handy tool might be one good addition to your toolbox. And you never know when you need one. Craftsman’s customer care and warranty also make the product an appealing choice.
Pros:
- Robust construction with the forged steel frame
- The tool is lightweight and compact, offering effortless operation
- Usable for nuts of sizes ranging from 5/16 to ⅞ inches
- Hardened steel made chisel is a durable one
- Ensures the bolt threads remain intact while cracking the nut
- It comes at an affordable price
Cons:
- The screw head is somewhat small
- Sometimes difficult to align the angle
2. K Tool International Universal Nut Splitter
A rusted nut refusing to come off is already frustrating enough. And if you find it in an impossible-to-reach place, well, we are out of words to express the nightmare.
But we do have one tool to recommend, and it’s the K Tool International Universal Nut Splitter. The C-frame splitter’s compound design makes it accessible for tough-to-reach areas with ease.
And the rotating chisel allows you to operate at any angle.
That being said, the cutter rotates up to 360°, enabling it to break through even the most unconventional nuts. In addition, the open jaw of the tool fits nuts ranging from ⅛ to 15/16 inches.
Also, the tool’s 6-¼ inches length makes it quite compact to accommodate it in tighter spaces.
And to use it, you need a ¾ inches wrench to tighten to screw head until the chisel cracks open the nut.
The cutting edges apply pressure using the parallel action mechanism, which in turn splits the nut at one side. It eliminates the risk of damaging the bolt threads in the process.
So, no matter how corroded the nuts are, the tool removes them properly while ensuring the bolts remain intact.
The rugged construction of the nut splitter tool is also remarkable. The frame’s metal is strengthened with drop forging to induce this level of robustness into the tool.
Even with such sturdy construction, the tool weighs only 1 pound, making it convenient to use.
However, one drawback you might encounter with this tool is the not-so-sturdy bottom blade.
While the whole device is designed strong, the less strength of the bottom part might limit you in some instances.
Nevertheless, the minor limitation does not seem to affect its ability to crack corroded nuts, as per some customer feedback.
Pros:
- Can cut at any angle with the 360° rotating cutter
- Designed to reach tighter spaces with ease
- Cracks nuts with parallel action pressure without damaging the bolt
- Medium-duty splitting tool cracks nuts of ⅛ to 15/16 inches
- Drop forges metal made frame for strength and durability
- It weighs only 1 pound, easier to handle
Cons:
- The bottom blade is somewhat less sturdy
- Requires you to have a ¾ inches wrench
3. Mophorn Hydraulic Nut Splitter
If you enjoy dismantling old electronic units, trucks, and others, you might want a heavy-duty splitter that allows you to break large nuts easily. Well, in that case, an industrial-grade hydraulic splitter is the way to go.
But this comes with a concern; will you be able to handle it or not. Fortunately, there are hydraulic tools like the Mophorn Hydraulic Nut Splitter that are heavy-duty yet easily operable.
One greatest advantage of using this tool over manual ones is that hydraulic action multiplies the impact, allowing you to crack heavier and larger nuts easily. The tool is designed to cut nuts of ranges 32 to 41 mm.
The product includes a hydraulic cylinder that you can operate manually to generate a maximum pressure of 20 tons.
Its cylinder comes prefilled with oil, has no leakage, and produces adequate pressure to split the nuts.
There’s also a pressure relief valve to control the pressure.
Also, the 0.8 m long oil pipe that connects the steelhead to the cylinder enables you to operate from a distance.
The insulated handle further provides ease of use. It’s anti-slip, comfortable to hold, making it easier for you to apply pressure just with the push of the handle.
In addition, the head is made of premium quality alloy steel, and the cutter is hardened and heat-treated to maximize its strength and durability.
All these features make the tool a versatile one, used in various stores, industries, and vehicle repair shops.
While the splitter is indeed an industrial-grade one and used by professionals, it’s easily operable by one person only. And the heavy-duty tool is rather compact, comes with a tool bag, making it easier to carry around.
Pros:
- The hardened and heat-treated blade is solid and durable
- It comes with a cylinder that generates a maximum pressure of 20 tons
- Insulated, anti-slip handle grips make the operation effortless
- A robust tool; can crack nuts of 32 to 41 mm
- Industrial-grade tool, operable by one person only
- Includes a tool bag for easier storage and maneuver
Cons:
- The hydraulic splitter is somewhat heavy
- It can be overkill for personal use only
4. Cal-Hawk Tools Nut Splitter
The Cal-Hawk Tools Nut Splitter is another good addition to our list. And it includes two pieces of tools that enable you to operate on a range of nuts in different locations.
A quality splitter does the job of cracking nuts well; however, you might face some challenges while accessing tighter spots. So, this product can be a decent investment for you as it includes a smaller and slightly larger splitter.
While the smaller one fits the sizes ranging from ½ to ⅝ inches well, the larger one cracks ⅝ to ⅞ inches nuts with ease.
Also, where bigger tools won’t enable you to, this smaller one will allow you to reach the remote and tiny nuts.
So, it’s like double benefit from a single investment. That investment is again very reasonable.
Both the pieces function like traditional ring splitters. You just need the right wrench to tighten the screw until the nut is cracked.
The seamless cracking of the pieces ensures the bolt threads are not damaged. So, unless the bolts are severely rusted, you can surely use them again.
For the two different-sized pieces, you will need two socket wrenches. A 12-16 mm one will be good for the smaller one and a 16-22mm socket wrench for the larger one.
One of the biggest concerns of many users with splitters is the strength and durability of the product.
And that is understandable as the designed tool to crack nuts itself has to be unbreakable.
This nut splitter tool will somewhat ease your concern as being made of high-quality hardened steel. You can effortlessly break the softer brass nuts and the regular steel ones.
Also, the pieces are highly convenient to use as being lightweight, sturdy, and compact.
However, make sure not to tighten the screw too much as it might damage the tool. Also, high-grade steel nuts might give you a hard time while trying to break with this set.
Nevertheless, the product would certainly be a valuable addition to your toolkit, allowing you to crack all of the highly rusted nuts with ease.
So, when you are out of options to think about how to remove a nut, this handy set can be the solution.
Pros:
- Includes two pieces of tools for breaking nuts of different sizes
- Easy to reach the tighter spots with the smaller one
- Hardened steel made pieces are robust and durable
- Convenient to use as being lightweight and compact
- The nut-cracking swill does not damage the bolt threads
- It comes at a very affordable price range
Cons:
- Not suitable to use on higher-grade steel nuts
- Too much tightening of the screw can break the tool
5. VCT Hydraulic Nut Splitter Cracker
Ring nutcrackers are some of the most robust-made ones. However, the encircling shape might not reach every confined space. So, herein comes the universal C-frame nut splitter tool.
The half-circle-shaped tool is sure to reach even the most compact area. And it features a 360° rotating cutter so that you can align the cutter with the nut and cut at any angle.
Operating is quite easy as well. After ensuring a minimal space between the anvil and the chisel, house the nut in-between.
Then, by tightening the screw at the handle’s end, the anvil would force into the nut’s opposite flat until the chisel splits the nut.
You can remove any stubborn, rusted, or corroded nuts from the most awkward places this way. Thanks to the offset handle. It fits on any filter side fitting quite easily as well.
Also, being very lightweight, it’s almost effortless to handle and maneuver.
The quality tool can split nuts of sizes ranging from 7/16 inches to ¾ inches. However, this might not be the most heavy-duty nut splitter, and you would have to be careful while cracking high-grade steel nuts.
Nevertheless, the heat-treated forged frame is substantially strong and build to last. So you shouldn’t have any problem splitting brass and stainless steel nuts.
Also, it does not come as a surprise that the tool ensures that the bolt and threads remain intact.
You might also notice that the description says it’s a hydraulic splitter, while clearly, it’s not. But it serves its intended purpose, and you certainly won’t regret having this in your toolbox.
Pros:
- C-ring splitter; reaches where ring splitters can’t
- 360 degrees rotating cutter lets you cut at various angles
- Cracks nut ranging from 7/16 inches to ¾ inches
- Lightweight tool and easier to operate
- The frame is made of heat-treated and forged metal for strength and durability
- It causes no damage to the bolt threads
Cons:
- Misleading description, not a hydraulic nut splitter tool
- Not ideal fit for high-grade steel nuts
6. AB Tools-Toolzone TE499 4pc Nut Splitter Cracker Remover
Whether you are a hobbyist or professional, you surely would love to have splitters of different sizes in your collection.
Having several different sizes will make sure no rusted or corroded nut can derail your project.
This TE499 Nut Splitter Cracker set comes with four robust tools to operate on a range of nuts.
The smallest one is the 9-12 mm range and the largest one of 22-36mm, you get to split nuts from 9 to 36 mm.
Each one of the tools is again a heavy-duty nut splitter. And you won’t have to worry about damaging the bolt threads while breaking free the nut.
When it comes to construction and material, the set seems to be one superior quality.
Chromium-steel alloy with Molybdenum and Vanadium made tool is undoubtedly a robust one with ample strength.
The blades are further hardened and heat-treated for excellent service over the life span and add durability.
You can never go wrong with splitting any rusted, stuck, or overtightened nut with this bolt splitter tool. Just make sure you use the right-sized one for cracking a bolt.
Also, no more worrying about damaging the bolt. The toolset makes sure you only crack the nut above and don’t damage the bolt threads.
It’s also noticeable that the toolset is quite convenient to use. The lightweight and compact tools won’t give you a hard time while using them.
In addition, it gives you a range of choices from a spanner, socket, or a wrench to tighten the screw head. But keep in mind the sizes.
For your easier understanding, let us elaborate. The smallest one goes with a 12mm spanner. And use 14mm, 19mm, and 22mm spanners for the 12-16mm, 16-22mm, and 22-36mm splitters, respectively.
However, taking user feedback into account, we found out that the splitter’s body might wrap over time.
Other than that, the budget toolset works better than most on the market. And with careful operation and maintenance, it’s sure to last longer than you expected.
Last but not least, the product comes with a storage case for safer storing of the tools after use and easier carrying around.
Pros:
- Four different sizes of splitters for various nut sizes
- Smaller ones help you reach areas where larger ones don’t fit
- It can be used with spanners, sockets, and wrenches
- A superior quality steel alloy made tool is long-lasting
- Cutting edges are further forged and hardened for greater strength
- A case for secure storage
Cons:
- Requires you to have different sizes of spanners or wrenches
- The tool’s body is prone to wrapping over time
7. OEMTOOLS 25738 1/2 Inch Nut Splitting Tool
Expensive doesn’t always ensure quality. Well, our last addition to the list, the OEMTOOLS 25738 Nut Splitter, is proof of that.
So, if you are a hobbyist who doesn’t wanna spend so much on a cracking device, then this might be a tool worth checking out.
The OEM bolt splitter tool is like most traditional ring splitters. However, the ring head is ideal to fit smaller nuts up to a size of ½ inches. That translates into a purpose-built device designed to split small nuts only.
And for this reason, the device is of compact shape to enable you to access tiny nuts in tight spots. Also, it weighs only 6 ounces, making it even easier to handle in confined spaces.
But if you have larger stuck nuts that need cracking, you would have to go with some other products.
The cutting edge forces the nut as you tighten the screw head, resulting in cracking of the nut. And it does so while ensuring no harm is done to the bolt threads.
The tiny yet robust tool is made of quality material. The chromium-vanadium high carbon steel induces strength in the device while making it durable as well. Also, the quality material makes the product resistant to corrosion and rusting.
Apart from making the tool so robust and durable, the OEMTOOLS backs this splitter with a limited lifetime warranty.
While the bolt splitter tool includes all the qualities to be listed as the best nutcracker tool, it’s not ideal for heavy-duty jobs. Applying too much pressure might cause the tool to bend, if not break.
Nevertheless, for small jobs, it makes an excellent choice.
And such an affordable price also makes the tool an appealing choice to most hobbyists.
Pros:
- Designed to split smaller nuts up to ½ inches in size
- The compact shape makes it accessible to tough areas
- Weighing only 6 ounces, it maximizes ease of use
- Quality material ensures strength and durability
- Has OEMTOOLS limited lifetime warranty
- A quality tool at an attractive price
Cons:
- Not suitable for cracking heavier nuts
- The head is prone to bending when too much pressure is applied
Best Nut Splitter Buying Guide
You are already frustrated with the nut being stuck; no, you can’t afford to have a product that breaks before the nut.
Have a look through the buying guide so that you don’t find yourself in a situation like this. Indeed, finding a quality bolt splitter tool is challenging, especially because most splitters look the same.
Size
Size is the first thing you should check in a splitter. Without the right size, your tool is almost useless.
It might come as a surprise to you, but a splitter doesn’t work on all nut sizes. It only cracks the nuts it fits. For instance, a tool with a nut range of 5/16 to ⅞ inches won’t fit a 2-inch nut.
For this reason, every tool includes a range of nut sizes for which it is ideal.
So, if you are going to crack a nut, first, make sure what size the nut is. Then search for the splitter tools accordingly.
If one instrument isn’t enough to smash all of the nuts that halted you, you can find a set of two or more as well.
Brand
When it comes to a splitter, you can’t just go with the cheapest or most expensive option. The brand name of the tool translates into the product’s reliability and performance.
That is why purchasing from a well-known brand is indeed a smart choice. We included some trusted brand products like K Tool, Craftsman, and Cal Hawk splitters in our list. So, have a look, and feel free to pick one that suits you.
However, we are not saying a product can’t be of quality without a brand name. And if you find some cheaper yet quality options, read the genuine customer reviews thoroughly.
This way, you make sure the manufacturer is not just boasting about the product.
Construction
Similar types of splitters look more or less the same, and that confuses the buyer the most. Only by looking at the product, you can’t say how sturdy it is.
So, make sure the tool is made of quality materials like high carbon steel alloy. Some tools include the cutting edge made up of forged and heat-treated metal.
And such sturdy construction and materials contribute to the strength and durability of the product.
Also, as a thumb rule, the heavier a splitter is, the more robust it is. But, again, if the manufacturer doesn’t provide enough information about the material, rely on the user feedback.
Design
Another factor worth looking for is the design. The tool’s design makes sure whether it’s usable for an instance or not.
For example, you can’t fit a bulky ring splitter at a tighter spot; you need a small tool for the purpose.
Also, a splitter’s reach is determined by its type, and we will get to that in a bit. So, if you need something to operate in confined spaces, choose one that provides you access to the area.
Different Types of Nut Splitters
Although most nut splitters look almost similar, some differences exist based on the type of tool. A brief discussion of three basic splitter types is presented below.
Ring Splitters
The most traditional and common cracking tool you will find is the ring splitter. As its name suggests, the head is ring-shaped, and it encircles the nut, holding it in position as the chisel is pushed into the nut.
These tools don’t feature an anvil; instead, the nut is pushed against the ring’s inner flat surface.
While the type is more robust than C-ring one, the encircling ring limits the tool’s reach in tight spots.
C-Ring Splitters
These tools come with a half-circle or C-shaped ring. And because it doesn’t encircle the nut fully, you can easily reach the spots where a ring frame doesn’t let you.
Also, the rotating chisel enables you to operate at any angle. That translates into a tool suitable for awkwardly positioned nuts.
However, C-ring ones are somewhat less strong than ring tools as they only half circles the nuts. For this reason, these tools are crafted from heavier metals.
Hydraulic Splitters
These tools don’t require tightening the screw with a spanner or wrench. Instead, they feature a hydraulic ram or cylinder that multiplies the force as the handle is pushed.
And you can easily break larger and heavier nuts which are otherwise impossible to crack with a handy C or ring tool.
These are mainly heavy-duty tools used for industrial purposes. They are heavier, costlier, and sometimes harder to operate for one person only.
How Do You Use a Heavy-Duty Nut Splitter?
A heavy-duty nut splitter cracks the hard and high-grade nuts with ease. The heavy-duty also translates into a tool that won’t break due to frequent uses. And using the splitter to crack open a rusted nut is not very difficult.
Following the simple steps below, you will be able to remove even the most stubborn nut that annoyed you for so long with ease.
Step One:
First, you need to fit the nut between the anvil and the chisel. To do so, rotate the screw head anti-clockwise to increase the gap.
Step Two:
As the stuck nut is in position, align the chisel to the center of the nut’s flat side.
Step Three:
Now, tighten the screw head. For this, you will have to rotate it clockwise with a spanner, wrench, or socket. Keep doing so until the nut cracks on one side.
Step Four:
Next, loosen the chisel again as in step one by rotating the screw head anti-clockwise. And detach the splitter from the nut.
Step Five:
In step three, only one side of the nut is cracked. And since the tool doesn’t feature chisels on both sides, you’ll have to repeat the procedure to split the nut on the opposite side.
As the nut is cracked from both sides, you can easily remove it without damaging the bolt threads.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s a Nut Splitter?
Nuts can get stuck to the bolt due to over-tightening, corrosion, or rust. And when it becomes almost impossible to remove them using spanners, wrenches, or other tools, you have no other option but to split the nuts.
And nut splitter is a tool designed to crack the nuts you can’t remove. It’s probably the easiest and least time-consuming way to remove a damaged nut.
And these handy tools achieve so without damaging the bolt threads.
These tools are available in different sizes and shapes, making them suitable for almost all nuts.
2. Does Nut Splitters Really Work?
Well, yes, if you use the right sized ones for your purpose, then a nut splitter most definitely will work.
In fact, nut splitters work when you are out of options, and nothing seems to help you in removing the stubborn nut.
So, when all methods fail you, use a nut splitter. But first, you need to make sure the tool fits the intended nut and reaches its location. Remember, with a wrong-sized tool, you won’t be able to crack the nut.
3. How Do You Split a Big Nut?
Splitters are only usable in their nut range. So, for a bigger nut, you would need a larger nut splitter as well.
Once you have the right tool, splitting the nut, whether it’s big or small, is almost effortless.
First, fit the nut between the chisel and the anvil and use a spanner to tighten the screw head.
Next, make sure the chisel is in line with the center of the nut’s flat side.
Then tighten the screw head gradually; it forces the chisel against the nut, splitting it into two in the process.
Once you split the nut on one side, you can detach the tool and fix it on the opposite side to have both sides cracked.
So, What’s the Best Nut Splitter?
Well, if you are looking for a durable one from a trusted brand, the CRAFTSMAN Universal Nut Splitter makes an excellent choice.
Need something to reach awkwardly positioned nuts? The K Tool International Universal Nut Splitter might be the ideal choice.
However, we cannot stress the point enough that whichever option you choose, make sure it’s of the correct size.
Read through the detailed reviews and buying guide of these top 7 best nut splitters to make no mistakes before purchasing one. We hope our comprehensive discussion helps you decide on one.