Using a nut splitter is one of the best methods to remove stuck or rusted nuts. Removing a rusted nut without a nut splitter requires a lot of effort. You can use a nut splitter tool to splitting nuts smoothly.
Are you aware that using a nut splitter on a lug nut is very important? It is a smart selection and an effective way to pull out the rusted nut.
If you do not pull it out, it can cause significant damage. Moreover, it is better to remove a rusted lug nut using a nut splitter.
How Does a Nut Splitter Work
A nut splitter consists of a sharp blade or cutter inside. The blade and the ring latch onto the rusted nut. It has a screw which you need to tighten. In this way, you can either remove it or split it using a sharp blade.
Before opting for this method, you need to know a few more things, i.e.
- After buying a nut splitter, read the instructions attached. Some models have a specific way to use. It will make your work easier.
- Before using a nut splitter, make sure that they are of the same size. Using the different sizes of nut splitter will create a mess and waste your time.
- A nut splitter will make a nut unusable. Opt. For other alternatives, if you want to reuse them.
How to Use a Nut Splitter
There are many alternatives to nut splitter, which you can use. Using a nut splitter is a bit tricky but not complicated. There are two types of nut splitter:
- Manual nut splitter
- Hydraulic nut splitter
Through this article, you will learn about both the nut splitters and the steps to use them.
Using a Manual Nut Splitter
You can easily remove most of the nuts using a manual nut splitter. Make sure that the manual nut splitter is of the same size as the nut. It is operated by hand.
To remove a nut, you need to follow these five steps:
Step 1: Untighten the Screw
Untightening the screw will cause ring expansion. After that, you can put the nut splitter onto the nut easily.
Step 2: Place the Ring of the Nut Splitter on the Nut
Target the nut you want to remove and place the ring of the nut splitter onto it. Thoroughly cover the nut with a ring before latching it.
Step 3: Rotate the Nut Splitter
Rotate it in a way that the ring faces the flat side.
Step 4: Tighten the Screw
Keeping the nut splitter in this position, start to tighten the screw. Tightening will cause clamping, and the cutter will dig inside of it.
Step 5: Pull it Apart
If it is successfully clamped, try to pull it with forceful motion. If it is not removed, then continue tightening the screw. It will cause the cutter to split it and remove it.
Sometimes nut won’t be removed after tightening it to the maximum. This indicates that a manual nut splitter does not have such strength, and you have to use a hydraulic nut splitter.
Using a Hydraulic Nut Splitter
Hydraulic nut splitter helps to remove a nut by using hydraulic pressure to operate the blade. This pressure is much greater than hand pressure and makes your work easier.
Unlike manual nut splitter, you can remove the rusted nut or bolt following these four steps:
Step 1: Connect the Pump to it
There is a space on a hydraulic nut splitter where you can join it with a hand pump or battery-powered pump. Make sure the pump is not on.
Step 2: Place the Ring on it
Now place the ring on the frozen or rusted nut. Keep it in the position that the blade must face the flat of the nut.
Step 3: Turn on the Pump
Now, turn on the pump.
Step 4: Removing the Nut
The pump will produce pressure that will tighten the screw. Now, it will require a few seconds to remove the nut. Less effort, best result.
The methods mentioned above methods may cause damage to your nut, and you can never reuse it. If you only want to loosen a nut using a nut splitter, then follow these steps:
- There is a hole in the nut splitter, put the nut into it
- Tighten the screw until it starts losing
Make sure not to over-tighten the screw. Overtightening the screw can cause breakage of the nut.
Pro tips:
Removing a nut using a nut splitter won’t cause any harmful effects, but here are some tips on getting accurate results.
- Use a wire brush and remove rust from it before removing the nut. It will not help loosen the nut but also in removing it.
- Put a groove around the rusted nut. It will make the grip stronger. Hence, it will be easily removed.
Final Verdict
Removing a nut is an easy task if you have a proper tool. If you are not careful, then you might end up in an awkward situation. Both nuts have their steps and ways to use. Make sure not to mix them up.
To make it easy for you, we have mentioned each and every detail you need to know. Also, make sure to follow tips as it will give you an efficient result when spitting a nut.
