Nut Splitter or Angle Grinder

**Johnny-DIY** · 27th January 2006, 11:32 AM

If all else fails in removing a stubborn old nut, does anybody know if a nut splitter is the best last resort or can an angle grinder (assuming enough room to work one) do the same trick ?

I'm asking because I assume an angle grinder is a more common asset for most DIY-fers on a budget than a specialised nut splitter tool.

Will a nut splitter prevent the threads on a bolt from being ruined? Does anybody else have any other tricks up their sleeve that works just as well ?

cheers
Jono

**Ashore** · 27th January 2006, 11:54 AM

When all else fails go back to basics. Use a sharp cold chisel and hammer , easier than a nut splitter and you can reuse the bolt if your careful

**DanP** · 27th January 2006, 12:12 PM

Heat the nut (only the nut) red hot with an oxy, then turn. Usually works. If not, wait till cool then douse with CRC or WD40 then try again. Quite often the heating and cooling will loosen any corrosion holding it together.

Dan

**outback** · 27th January 2006, 12:50 PM

Just to add some spice. I'll go against ashores advice.
I'd use a nut splitter cos its easier than flogging a cold chisel. Split one side then Robbie's your wife's Mother in laws brother in law.

No worries using your boly again either with this method.

DAn's idea is also cool, or not depending on how you look at it.

**derekcohen** · 27th January 2006, 01:29 PM

Cutting is usually the last resort.

If one gets to that point, for small nuts or precision cutting I use a Dremel.

Regards from Perth

Derek

**Greg Q** · 27th January 2006, 01:43 PM

If time is on your side, apply several applications of penetrating oil (Not WD-40 or the like). You can get stuff at an industrial supply place.

a few raps with a hammer and heat can dislodge the rust enough (as mentioned above).

I had a friend in the Porsche repair business in North Hollywood-he called burning the nut off with oxy the "Mexican hot wrench". Gringo.

**Johnny-DIY** · 27th January 2006, 02:01 PM

Much obliged for all the top advice; will definately check out the various suggestions and report back.

What's the deal on a Dremel - how much will it set me back on ? I'm always after another excuse for a new toy !!

Cheers

**derekcohen** · 27th January 2006, 03:24 PM

Johnny

Go to http://au.dremel.com/HTML/home_fr.html

About $70/75 from Carba-tec, a lttle more from Bunnings.

There are also cheaper knock-offs around (I am happy to use their bits as they are cheaper than the Dremel ones).

Regards from Perth

Derek

**Gra** · 27th January 2006, 03:43 PM

is this were I put in leave ozwinner alone. he maybe a stubborn old nut but he is our stubborn old nut

**echnidna** · 27th January 2006, 04:28 PM

If I can move the object that has the stuck nut I lay a flat side of the nut on an anvil and pound it with a big hammer.
Then apply crc to the threads
I hit every flat face on the nut and apply the crc every time.
Its very rare I can't get loosen it up and get the nut off this way.

It even works on totally rusted water pipe fittings.

**outback** · 27th January 2006, 04:28 PM

just be careful we don't burr him up.

He may fly off the handle and get cross threaded ..............................................................................................................which would make change from cross dressed I guess. :eek:

**Robert34** · 27th January 2006, 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by derekcohen

Johnny

Go to http://au.dremel.com/HTML/home_fr.html

About $70/75 from Carba-tec, a lttle more from Bunnings.

There are also cheaper knock-offs around (I am happy to use their bits as they are cheaper than the Dremel ones).

Regards from Perth

Derek

Johnny

If you go for a Dremel, I would recommend that you also have a look their flexible drive as well. It gives you a few more options on how and where you can use it.

Robert34

**ozwinner** · 27th January 2006, 10:02 PM

Ok,Ok.......Stop
My missus is a good nut splitter, but boy is it good.......??

Al

**micknews** · 27th January 2006, 10:11 PM

Like others have said, a good spraying with CRC. But let it soak and then apply heat from a heat gun, or hair dryer if you haven't got a heat gun. Then try undo with a neat fitting socket or ring spanner. An open ender will probably end up rounding off the nut. If that doesn't succeed try a cold chisel midway accross the flat of the nut and try split it that way, being careful not to hit the stud of course

.

Good luck.
Mick

**JDarvall** · 27th January 2006, 10:28 PM

Originally Posted by ozwinner

Ok,Ok.......Stop
My missus is a good nut splitter, but boy is it good.......??

Al

:confused: Splitter or spitter.....either sounds painful, not good !....don't know what your on about...well sort of do,,,,what does she do to you exactly ?

Regarding the nut.....What I've become very fond of is my angle grinder. Its the most useful metalworking tool I have. I fit the really thin disks in them (1mm)..they cutoff anything really quickly. With a strong two handed grip, with your workpiece in the vise, you can get a great deal of control and confidence with it...

I would just cut a couple of sides off the nut right up close to the bolts thread with this angle grinder, and just flick the rest off with a hammer....quick, no f..stuffing about.

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