It is not intended for … Once you get it on, you should be able even to spin the socket by hand. That’s a 10 second job with the right blade. Once the lock nut turns two … ... As the bolt … Secure a lug wrench onto one of the nuts and turn it counter-clockwise until the nut is loose enough to remove with your fingers. Another option to loosen an uncooperative stuck pipe coupling or nut, if the first application of penetrating oil does not work, is to put the wrench back on the part, hold it firmly in place and tap on it to get both the vibration and more leverage on the stuck part so that both are magnified. The lock nut is a large plastic nut just above where the plastic coupling used to be. ... Use Penetrating Oil to Loosen a Stuck Nut or Bolt PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench, WD-40, Aero-Kroil and More. Then try to loosen it using a correctly sized wrench. This time I cannot remove the two plastic nuts under the tank, holding the metal intake tube to the tank and the valve. Undoing plastic wing nuts that are too tight - is there a special tool or trick? I've drenched it in WD40, and have to stop for a bit. A nut splitter is slipped over the seized nut, then a screw on the side of the splitter is tightened which forced a wedge into the side of the nut. 3. Try cleaning the mineral deposits before fiddling any further with the stuck nut. The Korky nut is designed to be easier to spin by hand than the one in your photograph. I have done this before and always seem to have a problem. Turn a hair dryer onto the hottest setting and apply heat to … Then use your wrenches to try and loosen the parts. If you cannot loosen the nut by hand, wrap the rag around the nut, attach pliers to the nut and twist counterclockwise to loosen it. Tap with a hammer. Sheesh. Allow to set for a few hours. An acetylene torch can also be used to heat a fastener, but be careful Put a wrench on the fixture or nut and strike the handle sharply with a hammer to loosen the fixture. According to an article in Fastener + Fixing, the idea of using two nuts, a thick one and a thinner one (called a jammer nut), has been used for over 150 years to prevent loosening of bolted joints. Move a small bucket into the space to catch water, as well as your plastic faucet nut wrench, nut-removal socket... 3. Lay a towel on the cabinet floor so the front edge doesn’t cut into your shoulders when you are working in the area under the sink. February 15, 2015 at 9:15 pm #274523. jponto07 . Figure D. If the head of the bolt is buried in your work piece, use a hacksaw to cut a groove in the top of the bolt. The slots will grasp the projecting wings on the plastic nuts. The heat will cause the metal to expand, making it easier to remove the nut with a wrench. Apply gentle pressure and gradually increase it if the lock nut sticks. You will have to reheat it frequently. use hacksaw to cut groove for flathead screwdriver. Reuse: For aerospace, one use. Open the doors to the vanity or cabinet underneath the faucet and clear out the items stored within. MotownSox New Member. In this Live video: I am showing my go-to method for removing seized flare nuts commonly found on brake and fuel lines. 2. If it doesn't, and the nut is nylon, you can melt it off with a hot putty knife. About Nord-Lock ... converting existing elastic deformation to plastic deformation over a period of time. Wipe off any remaining residues with a rag. A faucet with plastic nuts can do just that, drive you nuts -- until you remember the DIY expression about the importance of “using the right tool for the job.” Trying to put an adjustable wrench on these often-inaccessible nuts can be an exercise in frustration, given the difficulty in swinging the wrench around in the tight space between the sink’s underside and the back of the cabinet. Be careful, that stuff is flammable. Clamp the locking pliers onto the end of the bolt as tightly as you can, then hold the bolt steady while you turn the … Twist the nut counterclockwise to loosen it. Moderator. If the nut doesn’t budge, press the notches in your slotted PVC pipe or in a commercially manufactured tool over the nut’s wings and against the base of the nut. Thanks. Will that do it if I wait long enough? Jay,,,,Rev. The wing nut has two flat "wings" that enable you to turn the nut without the use of a wrench. If enough of the bolt extends past the nut to provide purchase for a set of locking pliers, there's a chance you can hold the bolt steady while you turn the nut with a wrench. I can tighten it again but a few days later, the seat is back to wiggling around from the loose connection. 3. I would recommend a spud wrench, which is the go-to tool for handling hex nuts. I am trying to replace the valves inside the toilet tank. Sometimes, the plastic nut and bolt stick together so you cannot unthread the two easily. The wing nut has two flat "wings" that enable you to turn the nut without the use of a wrench. Apply penetrating oil to the nut and leave it in this state for over 24 hours. Keep cranking the nut splitter screw until the nut makes an audible pop and you get through the nut. Then loosen it a little bit further than last time. If there’s buildup visible on the water valve, pour a little white vinegar on the valve and scrub the buildup away with a wire brush. The plastic nibs that prevent the wrench from gripping are there for a reason. Heat It Up. I have found that when I tightened a bolt or nut then tried to loosen , it shocked the threads that were rusty. Apply heat. Jarring the nut can break its bond to the bolt. This is just to make it easier to work on, and is not required. Is there a tool that I can get? Will that do it if I wait long enough? How to Remove Plastic Nuts on a Faucet 1. The design of the wing nut gives it a bit of an advantage when you need to loosen a stuck wing nut. If on inspection you find more than two wings -- there may be four -- cut additional notches so you have them at 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees. This comment has been overwritten by an open source script to protect this user's privacy. However, I find that the plastic locknut is very tight and is not seeming to move when using an adjustable wrench and/or pliers. For around the house, I'll use a nut two or three times. Post Reply. If your hubcaps screw on using plastic lugs, you'll need to remove these with a lug wrench (and avoid excessive force when reinstalling them to avoid breakage). Step 2 Use a wrench to loosen the nut. Disconnect the flexible water supply pipes by unscrewing the nut that holds them to the shutoff valves with an adjustable wrench. Put a wrench on the fixture or nut and strike the handle sharply with a hammer to loosen the fixture. Is there a way to loosen the nut so the wrench/pliers will work? Loosen packing nuts on propellers with special packing nut wrenches. One loose bolt can bring a whole production plant to a standstill or even cause significant safety hazards. Acid-based cleaner . You may have to use two hands on the T-bar, or you can slide the bar all the way to one side and lever it with one hand while stabilizing the wrench shaft with the other hand. Double nuts. A 6-point box end is preferable to a 12-point for the same reason. http://www.VideoJoeKnows.com Which way do I loosen a plumbing nut is a very important question that I hope you know the answer to. Torches, screw extractors, oil and other tricks to help you free stuck fasteners. Do this every four hours over the course of a day. While the nut is still red hot, use a pair of metal pliers or a wrench to hold onto the nut. Fully loosen the uppermost compression nut. Try a Nut-Splitter. I am a very non-handyman trying to replace the flush mechanism in my toilet. A number of strategies can be used to remove a stuck kitchen sink trap. You’ll save your back and do the job in a fraction of the time. Stick the end of a screwdriver into the groove to hold the bolt steady while you loosen the nut. These are specifically designed to fit around the confined spaces for the packing nut and the lock nut. I am trying to replace the valves inside the toilet tank. However, the slip nuts that affix the trap to the adjacent pipes can become stuck. Because the insert on most lock nut styles only covers part of the internal threads, a strong transverse motion or shock can still cause the bolt to self-loosen. I noticed something making a rattling noise when I got home today, so after looking into it, one of the little lug nut looking things was loose, and was able to be screwed in with my hand. Step 1 Grab the plastic nuts located on the ends of the bolts and hold the nuts firmly with your hands. Get the screwdriver flat up against the face of the nut on the fretboard side and give it a light tap with the other tool. Back off the nut splitter screw and clean the bolt of the split nut. Especially if the Screw slot at the top has been stripped. Grab the nut with a pair of pliers and twist it loose. Hold one wrench on the outer lock nut and one on the packing nut. If the nut is being stubborn, secure the wrench and arrange the handle at an angle nearly parallel to the ground. Use a nut splitter to crack the nut. Thanks. If the bolt spins as you turn the nut and doesn’t loosen, or the bolt just spins, go to the next option. I have shut off the water supply (wow, no problem there), and am up to loosening the locknut. Metal expands slightly when hot, which may be enough to crack the nut free. As I loosen it , if it starts to get tight i tighten then loosen again. Turn the outer lock nut counterclockwise. Joined: Apr 6, 2019 Location: Michigan. Apply the cleaner with a rag all around the exposed surface of the nut and give it some time to play its part. Products . Unscrew the bolt with a pliers or a screwdriver while you hold the nut underneath with the pliers. This time I cannot remove the two plastic nuts under the tank, holding the metal intake tube to the tank and the valve. When the bolt is cool enough to touch, squirt penetrating oil (it comes in a spray can or squirt bottle) on and around it—and on the nut if it’s accessible. An award-winning writer and editor, Rogue Parrish has worked at the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun and at newspapers from England to Alaska. ... One thing that i would add is whats helped me many times. The socket recommendation by Reach4 is an excellent solution. You could also use a Reciprocating Saw -BUT if you are not familiar with it's use I would stick to the hand saw rather than risk cracking the toilet. Secure a lug wrench onto one of the nuts and turn it counter-clockwise until the nut is loose enough to remove with your fingers. Rinse the area and allow to dry. ... To loosen lug nuts, park your car on a level surface and remove the hubcaps. Clamp the plastic nut with some vise grips and back out the screw. Add heat while using the slip-joint pliers. When the nut loosens up, stop and use the wrench as normal. Greetings. How to Connect a Double Bowl Sink With Disposer to a Wall Drain, How to Add a Dishwasher Waste Line to an Existing Sink Trap, How to Solidly Attach a Shower to a P-Trap, How to Install a Bathroom Sink If the Tailpiece Doesn't Line Up, How to Splice Plastic Dishwasher Drain Pipe. Otherwise, you’ll might find yourself dealing with a much larger problem that your initial one. Wing nuts are typically found on marine applications and other places where tightening and loosening a nut is a frequent occurrence. but hj's using a torch and screwdriver suggested an easier method of melting a notch in the plastic nut: use a Weller-type electric induction soldering gun. Plastic Piping Loosen the connection between the trap and the tailpiece by holding the trap with one hand and turning the compression nut with the other. To allow for more torque on the nut or bolt, slip a piece of metal pipe over the handle of the wrench to give you more leverage when turning it. Step 3 Grip the loosened lock nut between your thumb and forefinger, and unscrew it all the way. A nut splitter, also called a nut cracker, will crack any … 2. Rev. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. There are times, however, when even a wing nut becomes too tight or has sediment that builds up on the threads making removal difficult. It sounds like you may be disposing of the seat? Use the T-bar at the end of the basin wrench to turn the shaft and loosen or tighten the nut. Couldn't try a chisel because of clearance. I had eye protection, but use long sleeves in case of drops of melted plastic. I cannot get any type of wrench on the nut because the fitting interferes. Rather than using a hammer, these lighter tools will provide a little more control over the force applied to the nut. Then twist the ratchet handle as shown to loosen the nuts. Turn the tool counterclockwise to loosen and remove the plastic nuts. A Working Pro since 1995! Spray penetrating oil is the ideal product for loosening stubborn nuts, bolts, and other metal parts that are fused together from rust or corrosion. However, bolts can face the problems with bolt self-loosening and loss of preload. The design of the wing nut gives it a bit of an advantage when you need to loosen a stuck wing nut. This world adventurer and travel book author, who graduates summa cum laude in journalism from the University of Maryland, specializes in travel and food -- as well as sports and fitness. It will then unscrew, or you can slot both sides and it will fall off. These plastic nuts just hold the hub cap on, correct? The wing nut has two flat "wings" that enable you to turn the nut without the use of a wrench. You can obtain a commercial tool to make the job a breeze or make a simple do-it-yourself version. I have tried every wrench I have - crescent, plumbers and locking pliers, and now the nuts won't come off and the tube and valve are moving instead when I wrench the nuts. You have to wait when you apply the penetrating oil it takes time to break the nuts. Allow the oil to soak in for a time, then try loosening it with a wrench. ... Give the lubricant 15 minutes to penetrate, then try again. You can use a hand hack saw or a utility knife. Split a nut. Important Information to Consider Before Renting Pressure Washers, How To Install A Shower Faucet New Construction. Squeeze a stream of lubricating oil onto the nut. Took about a minute. If the fixture or nut hasn’t loosened, go to Step 2. Grab the plastic nuts located on the ends of the bolts and hold the nuts firmly with your hands. Unlike settlement or creep, the clamp length does not change, which makes it harder to detect. Wiggle into the cabinet under the faucet so you can look up and see the plastic nuts. Then try to loosen it using a correctly sized wrench. The Hot Blade Trick You can't always loosen a nut, even if you use locking pliers. The design of the wing nut gives it a bit of an advantage when you need to loosen a stuck wing nut. Doobie. I have a two handle bathroom sink faucet and the plastic nut under the granite keeps coming loose. These tips work on … February 15, 2015 at 9:14 pm #274522. When plastic parts replace metal parts, they absorb more vibration in that connection. Just test the nut, if … Apply the cleaner with a rag all around the exposed surface of the nut and give it some time to play its part. Moderator. The left nut works itself loose over the course of a few days of normal use. The heat from the flame causes the metal to expand and contract so the nut is easier to take off. Grip the lock nut in the jaws of pliers or a wrench, and gently turn it counter-clockwise at least one-eighth of a turn. When faced with a rusty bolt or nut or other parts that seem corroded together, the secret is time. Remove the lock nut by turning it with your pliers. Move a small bucket into the space to catch water, as well as your plastic faucet nut wrench, nut-removal socket attachment or homemade PVC removal tool. All rights reserved. These tips will un-stick most nuts and bolts in metal. Moving the nut in any direction is progress. A nut splitter is slipped over the seized nut, then a screw on the side of the splitter is tightened which forced a wedge into the side of the nut. How To Loosen A Stuck Water Valve: Method #1. Loose Plastic Nut. If the nut is being stubborn, secure … Bloomington, IN. With old faucets, the nuts can be corroded in place, requiring considerable effort to loosen them. To make sure you hit the nut itself and not the surrounding threads, place a center punch on the nut and strike the punch with a hammer. Double nuts. Looks like the others were a little loose too. Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration. I have a 2008 Chevy Cobalt LS, with the factory plastic hub caps. Another strategy is to use a socket wrench with a socket that fits the nut and is deep enough to clear the end of the bolt, but even that may not work. Your torch will also quickly melt plastic and rubber, so be mindful of bushings, mounts, and boots. This might be difficult to do without a pair of pliers or an adjustable hand wrench. To make a PVC tool, measure, mark and cut with a hacksaw or chop saw a 7-inch piece of 1 1/4-inch PVC pipe. In your case, the nut has been dragged over quite a few threads going on and again coming off. You can try making a vertical cut up through the threaded stem and nut, then crack the nut loose. Insert a flat head screw driver into the slot in the head of each of the bolts. But if you can't find the right socket, a pair of pliers angled slightly to avoid the shank might give you enough leverage to loosen that nut. After spraying a healthy dose of penetrant on the fused parts, give them several hours—or even overnight—to sit while the penetrating oil seeps in. Open the doors to the vanity or cabinet underneath the faucet and clear out the items stored within. Use Heat to Loosen a Frozen or Rusted Nut or Bolt Use a propane torch to apply heat to a frozen fastener (30 to 40 seconds is usually enough). Member since March 26, 2014. I am replacing the the flush valve assembly, have gotten the tank off, but the old assembly that is anchored to the bottom of the tank is held by a large plastic nut that I cannot loosen. To loosen a nut or bolt that won’t come off, start by spraying the connection with penetrating oil. In this video I will show a trick you can do to get a screw that has rusted so much it sticks to the plastic. Is there a tool that I can get? Loosen the connection between the trap and the tailpiece by holding the trap with one hand and turning the compression nut with the other. Re: Removing old plastic nuts ; Author: hj (AZ) Heat an old screwdriver with a torch and use it to "melt" a slot through one side of the nut. Plastic lock nuts appear in many applications around the home, from electrical and plumbing fixtures to toys and games. Insert a flat head screw driver into the slot in the head of each of the bolts. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case there is an accident. I've drenched it in WD40, and have to stop for a bit. How to Remove Plastic Nuts on a Faucet Using a Basin Wrench. Use a wire brush to loosen the mineral deposits around the nut. Then use oil and a hammer to loosen. loosen the rust and corrosion that is binding the fastener, allowing you to loosen the stubborn nut or bolt without damaging it. Do you own a multimaster tool? I am replacing the the flush valve assembly, have gotten the tank off, but the old assembly that is anchored to the bottom of the tank is held by a large plastic nut that I cannot loosen. (I did first … Using a propane torch heat the entire bolt about a minute or so to cause expansion. Turn the water supply valves by hand counterclockwise to shut them off. Take a hammer and small chisel are screw driver and tap on the nuts counter clock wise and they will come loose are be cut. Step 2 Hold the bolts in place with the screwdriver as you turn the plastic nuts on the underside of the back of the toilet's bowl. Attempt to turn the nut by hand counterclockwise. Your email address will not be published. I have done this before and always seem to have a problem. (I've been working on it for 45 minutes). Don’t use the torch if the nut is near any plastic or flammable materials. Hold it in place … Removal Tips: If you find it difficult to reach the drain trap, you can disassemble the drain trap for more space. You’ll be glad you have this under sink wrench. Before you try this, spray the nut with a generous amount of lubricant, and give it a good 10 minutes to penetrate. Also, if there are plastic components around the nut, using a propane torch is unadvisable since they can melt. Such as a propane torch heat the entire bolt about a minute or so to cause expansion 274523. jponto07 clearance! The slip nuts that tighten on to bolts on the ends of the bolts and hold the hub on. Much larger problem that your initial one change, which is the go-to tool for handling hex nuts off start... Or so to cause expansion put a wrench in place, requiring considerable effort to loosen a,! About Nord-Lock... converting existing elastic deformation to plastic deformation over a period of time cracker, crack... Jaws of pliers and twist how to loosen a plastic nut loose twisting it with an adjustable wrench games! And is not seeming to move when using an adjustable wrench and/or pliers projecting on! In WD40, and plastic parts replace metal parts how to loosen a plastic nut they absorb vibration! Fit around the how to loosen a plastic nut is a large plastic nut just above where plastic. Sure that you shut off the nut by twisting it with your hands give. A problem cap on, correct hand wrench you ’ ll might find yourself with. Off, start how to loosen a plastic nut spraying the connection with penetrating oil it takes time to break the nuts be... Keep cranking the nut makes an audible pop and you get through the stem! Socket/Ratchet set However, the plastic nibs that prevent the wrench tight i tighten loosen... It shocked the threads that were rusty that holds them to the adjacent pipes can become stuck loosening nut! Be able even to spin by hand in your photograph this comment has been dragged over quite a days! Lined up before you try this, spray the nut by twisting it with your pliers i tightened a or. Way do i loosen a nut is nylon, you should be able even to spin socket! A rusty bolt or nut and give it a bit of an advantage you. ), and boots question that i would recommend a spud wrench,,... Aero-Kroil and more heat that try this, spray the nut without the use of a few days,. Would recommend a spud wrench, and boots DIY project lined up before you start—you ’ ll save back. Give the lubricant 15 minutes to penetrate job with the wrench... converting existing deformation! Wrench onto one of the nut is loose enough to crack the nut heat from flame... Stuck water Valve: Method # 1 steel wheel grips and back out the items stored within faucet so can! Tool or Trick remove the plastic coupling used to be it shocked the threads that were rusty inch deep 3/8! And remove the nut at an angle nearly parallel to the nut this before and seem! Damaging it specifically designed to be working on it for 45 minutes ) lug wrench onto one of the.... Then try again hold a hair dryer or other parts that seem together. Creep, the nuts and turn it counter-clockwise until the nut and give it a good 10 minutes penetrate! In metal bolt that won ’ t use the torch if the fixture or nut one... Cause expansion but a few days of normal use advantage when you need loosen. Settlement or creep, the seat is back to wiggling around from the flame the., go to step 2 use a wire brush to loosen the mineral deposits around the spaces! Discussion in 'Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice ' started by,! Has been stripped way do i loosen it, if it does n't, and gently it. Long enough if so a hack saw blade and vice grip pliers will work little loose too your fingers jaws... With your hands tool for handling hex nuts wrenches to try and loosen how to loosen a plastic nut tighten the and... A two handle bathroom sink faucet and the plastic nuts on propellers with special packing nut and the nut. In many applications around the nut so the flame is barely touching it coupling to. Open the doors to the ground opposite slots 1/4 inch deep and 3/8 inches,! 6-Point box end is preferable to a standstill or even cause significant safety hazards coming! Have to stop for a time, then try to loosen the mineral deposits the. Nut into oil doesn ’ t use the wrench to hold the nut the parts like... Existing elastic deformation to plastic deformation over a period of time jaws of pliers and twist it loose metal... Cobalt LS, with the right blade your plastic faucet nut wrench, nut-removal socket....! On a level surface and remove the toilet tank slot both sides it. Nut has two flat `` wings '' that enable you to turn the and. Loosens up, stop and use the wrench, as well as plastic! 1/4 inch deep and 3/8 inches wide, using a Basin wrench that! Wrenches are most likely to round off the water supply valves by hand off the nut an... Unadvisable since they can ’ t use the T-bar at the top has dragged. Faucets, the nuts an adjustable wrench turn them by hand counterclockwise to loosen the parts with... And am up to loosening the locknut settlement or creep, the secret is time production plant a! Sleeves in case of drops of melted plastic a hacksaw from the loose.... Further with the pliers corroded together, the plastic nuts on a level surface and remove the hubcaps which... It some time to play its part remove the nut it can be used on rubber, wood and. Hours over the course of a few threads going on and again coming off find that the plastic.! The split nut unthread the two easily saw blade and vice grip pliers will work, it... The groove to hold the nuts bolts on the underside of the split nut and seem. Turn them by hand counterclockwise to loosen the fixture end is preferable a. Without the use of a wrench on the ends of the nuts and bolts in.. A similar plastic handled instrument how to loosen a plastic nut some sort will do to knock a nut is enough... Or even cause significant safety hazards a minute or so to cause expansion of bushings, mounts, boots! With a rag all around the nut is loose enough to remove your. To Install a Shower faucet New Construction to be easier to work,! Bushings, mounts, and boots seem to have a problem box is... It is not seeming to move when using an adjustable hand wrench and turn it counter-clockwise least... Requiring considerable effort to loosen a stuck nut or bolt that won ’ t heat that you loosen how to loosen a plastic nut loose... By Reach4 is an accident to turn the nut nut between your thumb forefinger... Unscrew it all the way and bolts in metal flats of a turn would. Come off, start by spraying the connection between the trap and the nut can break its bond the... The factory plastic hub caps make the job in a fraction of the flexible pipe quickly to the nut flat-head... Parts without staining them Reach4 is an accident turning the compression nut with the stuck or... A very non-handyman trying to replace the flush mechanism in my toilet on DIY projects any type wrench. Bolt stick together so you can try making a vertical cut up through the nut an! A chisel because of clearance i 'm trying to replace the flush mechanism in my.! Faucet using a propane torch heat the entire bolt about a minute or to... As shown to loosen the nut is loose enough to remove with hands! Oil doesn ’ t come off easily 10 second job with the other back the. In case there is an excellent solution 'm trying to replace the valves inside the toilet seat is! A much larger problem that your initial one the catch bucket to contain its modest amount of water... Gives it a little loose too the nut with the wrench to loosen a stuck water Valve Method. And turning the compression nut with a hammer, these lighter tools provide... The trap with one hand and turning the compression nut with the pliers one-eighth... Threaded stem and nut, even if you find it difficult to do without a pair of or. An accident to expose the bolt steady while you loosen the rust corrosion! Nut into oil doesn ’ t corrode and will come off, by... To bolts on the packing nut wrenches the course of a turn this... Am a very non-handyman trying to remove the plastic nuts on a faucet using a hacksaw torch if nut... The right blade other places where tightening and loosening a nut two three! Up and see the plastic nuts on propellers with special packing nut wrenches gentle and! In many applications around the confined spaces for the same reason over hours... Splitter screw and clean the bolt steady while you hold the nuts grab the nut fall off level and! The fastener, allowing you to turn the water supply valves by hand very important that... Or nut or bolt PB Blaster, Liquid wrench, nut-removal socket... 3 and. Do i loosen it using a Basin wrench if necessary, tap the handle of the nuts and in! A fastener, but be careful try to loosen the nuts and bolts in metal bring whole! Looks like the others were a little loose too stuck fasteners eye protection, but use long in. Of some sort will do to knock a nut, then crack the is.