Rounded Lug nut

[RhodeStiva]

so i have this rounded lug nut on the driverside front and i have tried a torch, wd-40, and an easy out lug nut set and i have even start to drill but it dulled all my drill bits. and it is way worse.
Any suggestions?
i have one other idea and it is to weld a socket to it but it is recessed and im scared i will mess the wheel up.
So anyone near me with a welder please come by and help. Thanks

[Flw Sock]

How long did you torch it before you started trying to turn it?

What I've done:
Get a slightly smaller socket than the lug nut, and pound that bit** in with a BFH.
Usually torch 1 lug nut for around 20-45mins.
Get a little extension if you can so you can jump on the rachet too.

It should turn then. There have been times where I've sat on the cold garage floor torching 1 lug nut for over an hour, sometimes you just have to be patient and take the abuse.

[RhodeStiva]

oh i'm plenty patience i have try 3 days straight. i have torch it so long the rim starts chiping paint everywhere. and they are stock GL rims.
i might have to invest in a welder. or take it to a shop and let them remove it.
but that idea sucks because the car is all apart right now engine wise and i was going to use the tires on my other festiva.
But i guess s*** happens.
i have some friends with welder i texted and awaiting their message.

[1990new]

I was able to get my stripped lug off with one of these:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-10-pc-damaged-bolt-nut-remover-set-low/p-00952166000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

[RhodeStiva]

yeah that is what i tried and it rounded it worse than what it was .

[1990new]

yeah that is what i tried and it rounded it worse than what it was .

Sorry...should have read more carefully. I understand your frustration....was a great relief when mine finally came loose.
I guess you already tried hammering on a smaller sized one then too. (This is your Aqua with the alloy wheels right?)
It was alloy wheels on my Aqua that I had the same problem with..I never had the problem with my steel wheels.

[georgeb]

They are factory alloys with the lugs in a recess? If so, you are screwed. You will have to drill through the head with a bit at least the size of the threads, 12mm, until the head falls off. Go slow when you are near the end. Then you can remove the wheel. The remainder of the bolt should unscrew easily unless it's rusted then use the usual (PB and vice grip) to extract it.

[1990new]

Ditto...about PB Blaster... Used WD40 in the past until I learned about PB... definitely an improvement over WD40 for getting thing loose.

[RhodeStiva]

Rounded Lug nut

Thanks I'll keep drilling the head.

[RhodeStiva]

Rounded Lug nut

[Skrapbob]

When drilling steel, be sure to use low speed with lots of pressure. High speeds will only heat it and temper it, making it harder to drill into. Be patient. Good luck!

[Bert]

When you do finally get the darn thing loose it may be time to consider going to larger head bolts. I'm running 17 mm bolts (VW/Audi) at the moment instead of the 14mm Aspire/Festy OEMs. You get lots more purchase on bigger heads. Another thing to consider is switching to steel wheels in the winter; galvanic action between alloy rims and steel bolts contributes to seizing, just as you have experienced.

[RhodeStiva]

thanks just bought a set for $15 off ebay set of 16 so perfect.

[TominMO]

If you remove the other three lug nuts, can you wiggle the wheel enough to loosen the stuck one? That might make it easier to get it out by one of the methods you have already tried.

[RhodeStiva]

Rounded Lug nut

No unable to wiggle.