Socket stuck on lug

passmeby · #1 Aug 21, 2008, 12:03 PM

How would you get a piece of a tire iron out of an aluminun rim that is currently stuck on a vehicle? In other words, the socket part of a tire iron broke off on a lug and is snugly stuck around the lug and I can't get the wheel off the vehicle. I have no air tools, just a modest collection of everyday tools. The vehicle can't be driven anywhere, it's not raodworthy. Any suggestions?

Just to note, the lug is "sunken" into the rim, so it's very hard to get to.

kitch428 · Aug 21, 2008, 01:47 PM

A Very Powerful Magnet And Pull. USE LOTS OF WD-40. Use a hammer and chisel to try and turn it in the opisite direction you were when this happend. It's probably half stuck on the hex of the nut.

passmeby · Sep 1, 2008, 05:17 AM

OK, I tried everything, but no luck. Is there any other way? I don't care about the rim, the only use it has is as scrap metal so I don't care if it gets destroyed in any way. I do care about the tire, it's basically brand new and will fit on another vehicle I have. So any other ideas? All the other lug nuts are off, it's just this one that is stuck. Any ideas would be appreciated. Is there a tool that can take the tire off while it's still on the vehicle? The vehicle is getting junked, so I don't care one bit about it besides for the parts I want to keep which are just the tires, some interior and the engine. Body and frame is shot/rusted out completely. Thanks again.

edit: It's a Ford Bronco if that makes any difference, with aftermarket aluminum rims.

Stratmando · Sep 1, 2008, 06:46 AM

Can you drill through the end of the lug? us a small bit first as centered as you can, then use larger bit(s).

kitch428 · Sep 1, 2008, 09:44 AM

Time to get out the yellow pages. You need a mobile welder with some Oxy-Acetylene torches. Heat works wonders. You could try a small propane torch yourself, but it really needs cutting.
Since you put it as basically junk, then it's a small price to pay.
Just don't do it with air in the tire and the valve core out. Saftey first!

Stratmando · Sep 1, 2008, 10:53 AM

You might also try a hammer and chisel try to turn the opposite from the way you turned that broke it off.
Also Jack up the wheel to keep from binding.
If you have a Die Grinder, try cutting right through the lug socket, then maybe split with hammer and chisel. use eye protection.



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