Lug nut from hell!
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,208
Likes: 5
From: Ocean County, NJ
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I don't understand why you would be scared to use heat just because it's an aluminum wheel. Ever feel how hot aluminum wheels get after a good drive and plenty of braking?
I've done it before for customers with the disclaimer that they might have some discoloration on the wheel from the torch. It usually doesn't require a ton of heat anyway. Heat, hammer on a socket, long breaker bar w/ cheater bar, twist. Done and Done
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Candle and a lighter. Hold the candle on the top of the nut and against the wheel. heat the lug until the candle starts to melt. The nut breaks free with minimal effort.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,208
Likes: 5
From: Ocean County, NJ
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 8
From: Northern New Mexico
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
More heat than a lighter works better but heating up the nut/bolt/whatever to the point it melts the candle will allow the heat to draw the melted wax into the threads.
Works on a similar principal to brazing copper pipe.
Works on a similar principal to brazing copper pipe.
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 8
From: Northern New Mexico
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
No can do, you've already been branded.

Then again if you have an hour to kill and 5 lighters to get rid of.. be my guest.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 799
Likes: 4
From: usa
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6 cylinder

To the OP'r, as mentioned just use the 'persuader' 5 foot pipe along with a 3/4" breaker bar and snap the dam thing off using preferably an impact socket. If you use a regular cheap ie. Harbor Freight socket, better have spares on hand.


