dgdarien

I have an open ended lugnut that has been rounded off on the inside by an impact/air wrench and can't remove it with the key. (The key cannot grab the inside of the lugnut)

What can I do to remove it now?

This picture is just for reference. This is the type of lugnut and key I am talking about. But the one I have is a Zenki aluminum lugnut.

alphalanos

Either weld or hammer something that fits in there and get it out that way. Maybe you can find a pretty big 'easy out' like this.

http://media.uxcell.com/uxcell/image...x0076_ux_c.jpg

EG-nath

hammer it round with a screw driver?

smack a slightly smaller socket over it and then undo it with a ratchet?

or drill it off? carefully and you wont have to replace the stud

gwl

Get some high quality vise grips and stick a pipe on the end for some extra leverage.

hushypushy

stick a bolt in there with some JB Weld, let it cure, then use an impact gun or a breaker bar on it.

dgdarien

I've never used JB Weld before in my life. Would the epoxy really be able to bond the bolt to the inside of the lugnut, strong enough to withstand 80+ pounds of pressure/torque?

shattersplat

is your goal to put it back on?

stevieteg

I'd just pound a socket on it.

newalbanylgnd39

heat it up with a torch and see if that doesnt get it.

dgdarien

No I will toss the damaged lugnut. My goal is just to remove it at this point.

dgdarien

As you can see in the picture. The lugnut is completely circular on the outside and has nothing for a normal socket to grab onto.

Frost7177

get a socket that's very close to the lug nut size and pound it on like the guy said it works. I do it in work all the time when morons lose their keys.

R666_EK

If its a cheap aftermarket lug nut then you might be able to break it off. Otherwise I would suggest as the others have, and pound a socket on there. The vice grips MIGHT work but as you said, its completely smooth and probably not a good surface for it to grip.

207prelude

they sell a tool at sears for this. its a wheel lock remover but should work

thumper64

Bingo! Get one of those. Probably the least likely to screw your wheels up.