Symptoms
- Lug wrench spins without turning the nut
- Corners of the nut look rounded or smooth
- Nut was previously overtightened or removed with the wrong tool
Likely causes
- CommonRepeated use of a poorly fitting socket or wrenchA loose or wrong-size tool gradually rounds the nut's corners.
- PossibleOver-torquing with an impact wrenchExcessive force can deform the nut over time.
What to do
- Try a slightly smaller metric or standard socket tapped onto the nut, which can sometimes bite into the rounded edges.
- Use a specialty lug nut extractor socket designed for rounded nuts if available.
- Try locking pliers (like Vise-Grips) clamped tightly on the nut as a last DIY option, turning counterclockwise.
- If nothing works, a shop can use an impact wrench or cut the nut off with a nut splitter or angle grinder.
- Replace the stripped nut with a new one and torque it to spec by hand or with a torque wrench going forward.
Tools and parts
- Lug nut extractor socket
- Locking pliers
- Breaker bar
Replacement lug nutSearch: “lug nut for [your car model]”
When to call a pro
If DIY extraction tools don't work, a shop can remove a stripped nut with an impact wrench or by cutting it off without damaging the wheel stud.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.