In common cases, when it comes to faucet problems, people will immediately think about plumbers. In removing the faucet nuts, however, there are several things you can try before ringing up your plumber. Now, we’ll introduce you to seven ways on how to remove a stuck faucet nut.
Why Is It Stuck?
First of all, we have to understand the cause of the problem. Faucet nuts are metal. And there are plenty of sources for its oxidation. Such external causes like temperature, humidity, mineral deposits are usual.
Besides, it may be due to inner issues such as material, chemical elements, manufacturing methods, etc. Just be acknowledged that this is a regular problem, and it will not bother you unless you are trying to extract the nut.
How To Remove A Stuck Faucet Nut
Getting rid of a stuck nut can sometimes be quite puzzling. The answer is that you have to remove the rust bits that surround the nut, by physical or chemical impact.
We will mention seven easy ways to extract the nuts when it’s stuck under your faucet in the following section. If you feel like a professional is necessary in your case, we recommend you to get one. But if you want to handle the issue by yourself, below you scroll.
1. Use A Wrench
This method is a very effective and straightforward solution for screws rusted and stuck for a long time in the threaded drive.
Sometimes the problem is not that serious, and no special skills or tools are needed. When a screw gets rusty, the outer layer is oxidized and extremely fragile. Our aim here is to shake the nut so hard that all the rusted parts fall out.
You need to turn back and forth for the screw to slowly slide on the thread. Tightly screwing it back helps insulate the nut from the rust layer attached to the threaded hole, and unscrewing it reduces the load. Repeat until the screw slides completely off the thread.
This method only works yet, with the seriously damaged nuts. Because only then, the shaken off rusty bits can create enough space for the screw to slide out. Or else it will only produce further friction that screens you from removing the nut.
2. Use A Special Tool
Since this is a familiar issue in faucet use, many manufacturers have designed a special tool for this task. This tool is the easiest way on how to remove a stuck faucet mounting nut.
Read more: 5 steps on how to remove a kitchen faucet without a basin wrench
3. Use Heat
This technique is a very effective agent used on how to remove a stuck metal faucet nut. When heated at a high temperature for a sufficient period of time, the expansion will push out the bolts and screws stuck because of rust.
When they cool down, they do so unevenly. That leads to its collision with the internal structure. This expansion and contraction process destroys the rust layer between the bolt and the thread, making it easy to get rid of the screw.
You can use a kitchen torch or a lighter to burn the bolts and screws until they turn red and wait for them to cool down. Then approach with a wrench to unscrew. You have to be very careful not to touch the heated part of the nut, for it will harm you tremendously.
Provided a limited space under the faucet, you must do the torching watchfully to avoid melting other areas.
Using a hairdryer is also a worthwhile way on how to remove a stuck plastic faucet nut. The plastic will get soft enough to be broken free. Plastic nuts, compared to metal nuts, are far easier to remove.
4. Use A Candle
Surprised enough, a candle can help you remove a stuck faucet nut. What you want to do is torch the nut until it gets hot. Then scrub the wax on the nut and start backing off the nut as quickly as you can.
Here the melted wax acts as a loosener, just like when you add penetrating oil. It will get in the tiniest corner of the nut and detach the rusted part.
This method is a cheap, DIY way on how to get a stuck faucet nut off. However, be very cautious of the dripping wax.
Read more: pull out vs pull down faucet – which one should I choose?
5. Use Physical Factors
5.1. Use A Hammer
The principle is the same as the wrench method. You’ll want to knock the nut and its surrounding ring with a hammer to get rid of the rusty bits. The inner layer of rust under the action of strong force will fall off, and you will be able to extract the screws easily.
In some cases, we recommend prioritizing this method because a faucet nut can be too slippery for wrenches.
5.2. Remove The Corrosion
The upcoming technique on how to remove stuck faucet lock nut is brushing off the rust. A wire brush, a chisel, or even a metal spoon is worth trying. No matter what tool you use, as long as it serves the purpose of scraping off the corrosion, it is worth a shot.
6. Use Cleaning Chemicals
Apply some acid-based cleaner to a rag and tied it around the nut. The chemicals will activate and loosen the mineral deposits. Then, you can wipe off the residues with the rag and use a wrench to continue your work.
7. Cut The Nut Off
The worst scenario is that your nut won’t unthread, and you have to cut it off. Use a Dremel tool to cut on either side and have a metal stick to pry the pieces. Once you get one side, you should easily remove the other half.
Conclusion
The above are all about seven simple, effective ways on how to remove a stuck faucet nut. Sure, there can be plenty of other solutions you can come up with while handling this issue. Nevertheless, we hope that this article helped and be careful with the dangerous tools.
Related articles: