How to Remove a Stuck Nut (without Stripping Threading)

If you saw my Instructable on How to make a wooden 6" bench-vise, you'd know that I recently stumbled across a pretty big collection of threaded rods. The only problem was that some of them had hex-nuts that were stuck, and I wasn't able to un-screw them.

Now of course I could grab one end with my locking pliers, and twist the hex-nut off, but that would result in ruined threads...

This "Quickie Instructable" will show the method that I came up with. It's really simple, doesn't require any fancy tools like propane torches and impact drivers, works for all types of nuts, bolts, screws, threaded rods, and more...

You'll need 2 more hex-nuts, 2 locking pliers, a spray lubricant, a vise, and less than 5 minutes to do this.

Let's get started!

EDIT: I've made a video! You can watch by clicking on "How to Remove a Stuck Nut (without Stripping Threading)" if you're on mobile.

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Step 1: Lubricate the Hex-nut

The nut is probably stuck because of rust, so spraying it with some kind of lubricant would help release it. I recommend either WD-40 or PTFE, but grease or vaseline might also work.

Step 2: Add 2 More Hex-nuts, & Tighten

I screwed on two hex-nuts on the other side of the threaded rod, and tightened them together with pliers. This needs to be tight, but there is no need to overtighten. See the pictures for more information.

Step 3: Clamp the Hex-nuts in a Vise, & Remove the Nut

I clamped both hex-nuts in my vise, as shown in picture 1. Now, guess what? I clamped my big locking pliers onto the nut, and turned. The more force you apply, the stronger the force which stops the hex-nuts that are clamped in the vise from moving. I used a vise, but you can also use locking pliers, which work just a well

Tadaa! You've removed the hex-nut. But wait... Almost done!

Step 4: Unscrew Both Hex-nuts

All you have to do now, is to unscrew the two hex-nuts that were screwed on in step 2. You can see the second picture to see how that's done.

Hooray! You've now got yourself a free threaded rod! All I have to do now is remove the rust, and build myself another wooden vise ;)

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