Rounded wheel bolts-now what?

[WmWatt]

Soak with penetrating oil and rap with big hammer. As a last resort heat the head of the bolt with a propane torch for 60 seconds. Something like vice grips or large adjustable pliers might do the job if the sockets don't because you can use pressure to get a better grip on the bolt.

[pr0nst4r]

I would've gotten my large size vice grips and snapped them on there super tight, put a pipe over the main handle side and just twisted them puppies off.

[ckm91377]

I probably should have mentioned that I am dealing with the alloy wheels so access to the bolt heads is a little limited-it's raining right now so I can't check but not sure if vice grips would even be an option.

[batstiva]

Oh, well dealing with alloys kind of changes the whole game. My opinion is your best course of action is going to be the first one offered. Smaller impact socket, beat it on there, hope for the best. Never had to do that with lug bolts, but I have done that with other nuts/bolts on other vehicles.
My 73 CJ comes to mind. EVERYTHING on that beast was either rust welded or rounded off. :banghead:

[pr0nst4r]

I agree with batstiva here. On the upside, you'll have a cool new set of sockets... or the experience to be able to do something like this again, if you go for the smaller socket methosd. Remember to use a 6-point socket if you do. They have more grabbing power and thicker side walls, so they're more difficult to crack and/or stretch. Almost all of my 12-point sockets are cracked because of this.