Is your bonnet nut stuck? Here are different ways to remove a stuck bonnet nut.

Using Pliers

Tools:

• Penetrating spray
• Box-end wrench
• Hollow metal bar
• Large pliers
• Vice-grip pliers

1. Use penetrating oil to lubricate the threading bolt. Spray enough that it goes beneath the bolt’s head and under the bonnet nut. Let the oil sit for at least 20 minutes.

2. Slip a piece of metal over the handle of the wrench (the box end). This is to lengthen the wrench by at least 0.61m, enough space to remove the stuck bolt. Using a hollow wrench may damage some types of wrenches such as the snap wrench.

3. Unscrew the stuck bolt using an extended wrench. On the head of the stuck bolt, hook the box-end of the wrench and hold it at the far end of the bar. With the other hand, grip the nut using a pair of pliers. To loosen the bolt, pull the end of the wrench using a firm grip.

If the bolt or nut is stripped, use a box-end wrench to loosen and remove the bolt. You can also use a vice-gripped pair of pliers to completely remove the bolt.


Using a Propane Torch

Tools:

• Propane torch
• Box-end wrench
• Hollow metal bar
• Large pliers

1. Apply the flame on the bolt for about 15 seconds, and then on the bonnet nut for about 15 seconds as well. Alternate the heating from the bonnet nut and the bolt for about two minutes. The alternate expanding and contracting of the bolt will break the corrosion.

2. Use an extended wrench to loosen the bolt by inserting the box end onto the hollow metal bar. Then loosen the bolt’s hold using a large pair of pliers.

For a Rusted Bolt

Tools:

• Wire brush
• Rust-penetrating liquid thread loosener
• Hammer
• Long-handled socket wrench

1. Use a wire brush first to remove as much rust as you can. Brush aggressively for at least 5 minutes on the rust areas of the bolt and the corresponding nut, until most of the rust is removed.

2. You can also use rust penetrating liquid to loosen the threads. After using the brush, use the rust-penetrating liquid thread loosener to soak the nut for about 30 minutes. Hammer the bolt 6-12 times. (The hammer is meant to produce micro-fractures throughout the bolt, which will ease the process of removing the bolts.)

3. Use the long-handled socket wrench to unscrew the bolt. Pull with enough force to loosen and unscrew the bolt.

Completely Cutting off a Stuck Bolt

Tools:

• Power drill
• Screw extractor (make sure the size matches the size of your bolt)
• Box-end wrench
• Hammer
• Reciprocating saw
• Hacksaw

1. Use a screw extractor to drill out the stuck bolt. Squeeze the drill’s trigger after you have set the point of the extractor directly at the center of the bolt’s head and let it unscrew itself from within.

2. Use a box wrench to remove the bolt. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the bolt.

If needed, you can cut through the bonnet nut using a hacksaw. You can do this by inserting the hacksaw blade into the reciprocating saw. Press the blade right on the shaft of the stuck bolt and cut through it. 

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