The Helpful Tool You'll Want On Hand For Dealing With Stubborn Rusted Bolts

When you've tried everything from vice grips to alcohol to separate a rusted nut and bolt but still can't get them to budge, it's time for an approach you likely didn't know was possible. A nut splitter is a small hydraulic tool featuring a grip on one end with a sharp wedge sticking into it. You place the rusted nut in the circle, tighten the screw at the other end of the splitter, and let the wedge press into the nut until it breaks and falls off.

What the splitter lacks in finesse, it makes up for in effectiveness, making it a great investment if rusted fasteners are a common issue. It's especially critical for tricky spots where you'd have a tough time using many tools built for this kind of work, like breaker bars or induction heaters, which are very useful tools for tackling rusty nuts and bolts. Maybe you have a rusted nut in a tight area, such as a toilet bolt or under the hood of your car, where you can't fit other tools. Then there are the seemingly impossible nuts that are not only coated in rust but also have a rounded shape, making it hard for any tool to get a solid grip. In these cases, a nut splitter is the ideal solution. And with low-cost sets like this KUNTEC 4-piece nut splitter kit, you can have a way to bust away bolts of any size.

To use a nut splitter, you'll need a wrench, ratchet, or drill with nut driver attachments to tighten the end. Since you'll be breaking the nut, there's the possibility of flying materials, so you should also wear appropriate eye protection. Don't use the splitter to turn the nut or apply heat while using it. Using a splitter appropriately sized for the nut you need to remove, put the splitting end over the nut. Ensure the wedge drives into a flat side of the nut at a 90-degree angle. If desired, you can also try to notch a groove in the bolt with a Dremel to give the wedge a point to lock into. With it securely in place, turn the screw at the other end to slowly press the nut into the wedge until you hear it snap.

With the nut broken, it may be loose enough for you to twist off. Apply some PB Blaster or WD-40, and try to take it off with a wrench. If the nut is being particularly stubborn, you may have to break it into several parts. After making the first break, place the nut splitter at another angle on the nut to make another break. While you should rarely opt for a nut splitter before trying less aggressive means, like using oil or heat, its ability to power through even the most challenging nuts can be invaluable in helping you push your project forward when all else fails.