An issue that people frequently run into while trying to fix a malfunctioning faucet is a metal nut that is stuck on the faucet. With old faucets, this problem is common. When a metal nut becomes jammed, it is exceedingly difficult to remove it and the faucet component cannot be removed. It would be a frustrating and time-consuming operation if you don’t know how to remove a stuck metal faucet nut.
But, after reading this article, you may quickly remove the faucet’s nut and begin fixing the faucet. A stuck nut is difficult to remove without the proper equipment and knowledge. To avoid damage to the faucet throughout this process, patience and care must be taken.
Why Is Metal Nut Stuck on The Faucet?
Dealing with a stuck metal nut on your faucet can be frustrating, but having an understanding of the primary causes of this problem can make the removal process easier and help prevent it from happening again in the future.
- Corrosion: Corrosion is one of the most frequent causes of a stuck metal nut. The metal nut may corrode over time as a result of exposure to heat, water, and other factors. The nut may stick with the faucet due to rust, making removal challenging.
- Overtightening: Overtightening is another cause of a metal nut that is stuck. Too much tightening can make it challenging to remove the nut without using excessive force. This may result in the nut getting locked in position and being challenging to remove.
- Age and Wear: The pieces of a faucet can wear out over time, making it more challenging to remove the metal nut. The nut’s threads may eventually become stripped, making it challenging to turn or remove.
- Poor Maintenance: A metal nut getting stuck due to poor maintenance of your faucet is another possibility. Around the nut, dirt, filth, and other debris can accumulate, making it hard to turn or remove.
- Low-Quality Material: The nut itself may sometimes be made from a low-quality material that is vulnerable to rust and corrosion. As a result, it could be challenging to remove the nut if it becomes trapped on the faucet.
How To Remove a Stuck Metal Faucet Nut?
A stuck metal nut wastes lots of your time and also may damage the faucet if you don’t remove it carefully. Here are 5 tested methods to remove a stuck faucet nut.
Method 1: Use Penetrating Oil or Lubricant
A metal nut of the faucet is stuck due to rust or corrosion. Here penetration oil becomes very helpful. This oil is designed to penetrate into the threads on the metal nut and loosen it. The penetration oil breaks down the rust or corrosion from the nut.
For this, apply penetration oil on the metal nut and let it sit for a few minutes. This oil will penetrate into threads. This is a low-cost solution to a stuck metal nut problem.
Method 2: Using a Wrench or Pliers
After applying the penetration oil, it’s time to use a wrench or plier on the nut. Make a grip of the wrench on the nut and try to turn it.
For this, you need an appropriate size wrench or plier that will fit snugly around the nut. Due to penetration oil, the wrench or plier might not be able to make a grip on the nut. Clean the nut with a cloth to remove the oil.
Put steady pressure on the wrench and try to turn it counterclockwise. Too much force may damage the faucet. The wrong size wrench or plier won’t work and will damage the faucet.
Method 3: Use a Hammer
When there is a stuck metal faucet nut, it can be frustrating to remove the nut. You have tried wrench and penetration oil but both didn’t work. Now take a hammer to knock the nut and its surrounding ring.
When you tap the hammer on the nut, the rust and corrosion will be broken up and making it easier to remove the nut.
For this, don’t use a heavy hammer. The hammer head should be sturdy. Don’t tap the nut too hard, as this could damage the faucet and nut surrounding area. Gently tap the nut to loosen the rust and corrosion.
As you tap the nut and surrounding ring, you may notice bits of rust and debris falling off. It means this method is working. Continue tapping the nut and surrounding ring until you feel that enough rust has been dislodged. Now with help of a wrench or plier, you can easily extract the screw.
Method 4: Heat Up The Nut
The next method to remove a stuck metal nut from the faucet is heating up the nut to loosen it. When you heat up the metal nut, it expands and easily comes out. Don’t try this method, if the nut is attached to any plastic part of the faucet because heat will melt the plastic.
For this, you need a heat source. You may use a heat gun or a propane torch to apply heat to the nut for a few minutes. It will expand the nut.
The temperature of the heated nut would be high so don’t touch it after heating. Wait for a few minutes and let it cool down and then try to remove it with a wrench or plier. e sure to wear protective gloves and eyewear to avoid burns or injuries while using a heat source.
Method 5: Using a Specialized Tool
You might need to use a specialized tool made especially for unsticking stuck metal faucet nuts if none of the processes outlined above are successful. These tools are made to fit over the nut and offer more turning leverage. Basin wrenches, faucet handle pullers, and nut splitters are some examples of specialist tools for extracting stuck metal faucet nuts.
Read the instructions thoroughly before using a specialist tool to be sure you’re utilizing it properly. The faucet or piping can be harmed by improper use of a specialist tool. Also, specialized instruments can be pricey, so you might want to think about using this option as a last resort.
What Should I Do If The Metal Faucet Nut Is Stripped?
It may be more difficult to remove a stripped metal faucet nut, which means that the grooves on the nut have worn away. In this case, you might want to try utilizing a nut splitter, which is a specialist tool.
A nut splitter is a tool that is placed over a stripped nut and tightened until the nut cracks open. This will give you enough room to extract the nut with pliers or a wrench.
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Alternatively, you might attempt carefully removing the nut with a hacksaw. Work slowly and wear safety goggles to prevent harming the faucet or pipes.
It’s important to keep in mind that removing a stripped nut with pliers or a wrench might severely corrode the nut and faucet, making removal considerably more challenging. In this case, it’s preferable to utilize a specialized instrument or call a licensed plumber for assistance.
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Final Thoughts
It can be irritating and difficult to deal with a stuck faucet nut. To guide you in how to remove a stuck metal faucet nut, we have prepared five straightforward methods. You’re sure to find one that works for you among these approaches, which range from the use of lubricants to specialized tools.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all method for removing a stuck faucet nut. But many homeowners have been able to resolve this issue using the tried-and-true techniques we’ve outlined. These methods, which include using penetrating oil to loosen the nut and tapping it loose with a hammer and screwdriver, are simple to use and can help you save time and money.
James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.