A lug nut splitter is an ideal tool for removing stubborn lug nuts that other tools are unable to remove with ease.
There’s a high chance that a bolt or nut becomes rusted or stuck in place after a while. No one likes to deal with a stuck bolt or nut when replacing tires in cars and trucks.
Nut splitters are ideal for any kind of professional who is constantly dealing with vehicles.
The splitter removes the nut by latching it from the top and fitting it onto it. This article outlines some steps to take while using a nutcracker tool.
Steps to Use a Lug Nut Splitter:
Step 1: Select the Right Size of Lug Nut Splitter
You must use the right size of nut splitter for the nut. The size of the lug nut splitter could determine the ease with which you split the nut.
It must also have a design that gives you easy access.
Step 2: Unscrew the Chisel
The lug nut splitter has a screw head that you can turn in any direction while adjusting the space between the chisel and the anvil.
You must turn the screw in the anti-clockwise direction while pushing the chisel back inside the handle of the nut splitter.
You can stop turning as soon as you notice that the nut fits perfectly between the anvil and chisel.
If the screw is too stiff to turn, a spanner or socket could come in handy in turning it.
Step 3: Position the Chisel Appropriately
Once you’ve successfully fit the nut between the chisel and the anvil, you can now proceed to position the chisel against the nut.
The frame of the nut splitter must be directly placed over the nut, while the anvil and chisel should be on the same line as the nut’s flat side.
It is also essential that the chisel is well balanced against the nuts flats; it should be at the center of the nuts flats.
Step 4: Ensure the Chisel is Tight
The stage is now set for you to tighten the chisel against the nut. Turn the screw in the clockwise direction till the chisel pinches the nut against the anvil of the nut splitter.
You must continue to turn the screw in that direction so that the chisel starts to cut into the nut.
The turning stops when you hear a slight crack of the nut as it splits.
The next process involves using a spanner or a socket to generate the needed torque for turning the head of the screw.
Another way to go about this is by using a spanner to hold the nut splitter in place while tightening the screw.
Step 5: Unscrew the Chisel
You can accomplish this task by turning the screw head of the lug nut splitter in the anti-clockwise direction continuously.
While turning the screw head, pull the chisel gradually into the handle of the nut splitter until you notice that it’s no longer on the nut.
Step 6: Pick a Different Side
Once you’ve successfully split the nut on one side, proceed to do the same for the opposite side of the nut.
The same procedure must be followed when splitting the nut from another direction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you use a Nut Splitter on a Flange Nut?
In many cases, you have to switch the head of the splitter to cut a flange nut. However, certain splitters have been modified to cut different nuts with the same screw head.
Other factors determine if a nut splitter can split a flange nut with a single head. One of such factors is the design of the screw head on the nut splitter.
The design makes it possible for the nut splitter to be used on various nuts without necessarily switching heads.
Another important consideration is the cutting power of the splitter.
2. How do you Loosen a Lug Nut that Won’t Budge?
The process of loosening a lug nut that won’t budge requires the utmost attention to detail. You must find a lug wrench that’s longer than the traditional ones to get more leverage.
You could also attach a breaker bar to the normal lug wrench to achieve the same result. Attach the lug wrench to the lug and place it at an angle close to the ground.
Place your foot over the lug wrench and press it down with your body weight. Bounce on the lug wrench carefully to ensure that your weight is transferred to the wrench.
Another method is to use a mallet to hit the lug wrench instead of using your body weight.
3. How do you Remove a Rusted Nut?
In removing rusted nuts, you might have to resort to the use of liquid penetrating oils. A small to moderate amount of such oil could be quite a handful in removing such nuts.
One such example of penetrating oil is a liquid wrench. Apply it in small quantities over the nuts, and it will disappear inside the nuts.
Allow the oil to penetrate the nut for about ten minutes before you proceed with removing the nut.
Conclusion
Lug nuts are special types of nuts used in securing and balancing the wheels of an automobile.
Lug nuts are usually removed when the tires of such automobiles need to be removed or replaced.
However, removing such lug nuts becomes difficult when it’s stuck or rusted. There will always be cases of tight or rusted lug nuts in the wheels of automobiles that are constantly being used.
The process of removing such lug nuts could prove stressful and tedious without the right tools.
The lug nit splitter provides the perfect means to remove such stubborn nuts from the wheels of your vehicle.
The uses of a lug nut splitter are advantageous as it makes the process of removing such nuts more straightforward.
As the name suggests, lug nut splitters split the nut without necessarily damaging the vehicle’s wheels.
This article provides some useful steps on how to use a lug nut splitter when changing your automobile tires.