While engaging in automotive repairs, household maintenance and home improvement chores it is common to come across a nut that is stubbornly tight and seemingly immovable from its bolt. The effects of exposure to the elements, corrosion, oxidation and even lack of use can add to or create this problem.

Loosening a tight nut is achieved by removing particles of dirt, rust and other contaminants which adhere themselves to the threads of the nut and bolt union.

The process is an incremental one. Often times one will be able to remove the stubborn nut with the first step outlined below. Others times it will be necessary to apply the second and third step, or even repeat them to get the nut to move. So read on and you will learn How to Loosen a Tight Nut.

Before you get started, gather the following items. Not all may be be necessary, but it is advisable to have them standing by.

1. Penetrating oil (WD-40, Liquid Wrench, or similar product)
2. Long nosed lighter (the kind used to light stoves and fireplaces)
3. Wrench sized for the nut and/or vice grip pliers
4. Hand held propane torch
5. Hair Dryer
6. Hammer or mallet
7. Extension bar for wrench/pliers

Many times simple movement and vibration will be sufficient to loosen a tight nut. The first thing that you should do when encountering a tight nut is apply pressure clockwise. Normally one turns a nut counterclockwise to remove it, but in applying slight pressure as if though you were tightening it, and then immediately returning to a counterclockwise removal motion, rust, debris and other contaminants become sufficiently freed so as to loosen the nut.

If attempting to tighten it did not produce any motion, then you should proceed to tap the nut with a hammer or mallet. Take extra caution to apply the tapping pressure only to the nut itself and not any of the exposed threads on the bolt above the nut, as striking them could deform them, causing problems further down the road in the nut removal process.

After tapping the nut a few times use your wrench or vice grips to see if you feel any movement on the nut. You may use an extension bar on the wrench to get better leverage. Repeat this process 3 to 4 times. If it does not function, proceed to step 2.

Any metal will expand slightly when heat is applied. This expansion and contraction as it cools can often create enough freedom of motion to loosen and remove the nut. Heat may be applied with a hair dryer set on high for 2-3 minutes directly over the nut, or the flame of a long nosed lighter for 60 to 90 seconds, or for larger nuts a propane torch.

Please note when using an open flame to apply the heat that there is nothing flammable nearby, or that the surrounding areas are protected from contact with the open flame.

After you have heated the nut, try removing it with the wrench or vice grips as it cools. If you detected partial motion you may reapply heat again after it has cooled.

If the nut is still unloosened, proceed to step 3.

If direct efforts using motion, vibration and heat have failed to loosen the nut, then you should proceed to soak the nut in a penetrating oil. Penetrating oils seep into the areas between the threads of the nut and bolt slowly, in the process freeing it of friction and loosening the nut.

Penetrating oils can be found at any hardware store. Common brands are WD-40 and Liquid Wrench, but any brand of penetrating or loosening oil may be used.

Spray and coat well the nut surface with the penetrating oil. Wait at least 45 minutes to allow the oil to penetrate all of the threads, then use your wrench or vice grips to turn the nut.

With penetrating oils, the longer you let them work the better they perform, if you can let the nut soak 24 hours, it will increase your chances of loosening the nut.

If the 3 steps above did not loosen the nut, you may have to repeat them. In doing so, when applying heat, especially from an open flame on the nut, make sure that any left over penetrating oil has been wiped clean off the surface areas and that the can is safely stored away from the flame, as they are flammable.

Rarely, one will encounter a nut that is not loosened by repeating these steps. In those cases one will have to cut it off with a hacksaw or reciprocating saw.