Can't get a backwards lug nut off a tire.

August 9, 2008 4:39 AM

Five lug nuts, one needing a key. While looking for the key, I managed to throw the other nuts back on the tire bass-ackwards. I now have two of these silly things that are refusing to come back off. Any suggestions? Should I be trying to loosen them to the left or to the right ( now that they're on backwards? ) Thanks!
posted by xorry to Travel & Transportation (2 answers total)

Best answer: A right-hand-threaded nut can't turn into a left-hand-threaded nut without being re-drilled and re-tapped. So you should be trying to loosen them the same way you always do. It sounds like you might have cross-threaded the tight ones though, so when you do get them off, check the nuts and studs for damage.
posted by flabdablet at 4:49 AM on August 9, 2008

Liquid Wrench if they are particularly obstinate.
posted by ostranenie at 10:42 PM on August 9, 2008 [1 favorite]