How to Remove a Push Nut
Push nut bolt retainers, also simply called push nuts, are metal retainers that are pushed onto a screw or bolt so the screw or bolt cannot back off, or loosen, and come free of whatever it is bolted to. They are also frequently used on children's toys with wheels, such as tricycles. Push nuts feature angled teeth on the side that grip against the shank of the bolt or rod that they are fastened to. Push nuts are slid on for installation, but removing them requires that they be destroyed in the process.
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Things You'll Need
- Sharp screwdriver or chisel
- Vice grips
- Angle grinder
- Eye protection
- Hand protection
- Ear protection
Instructions
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Remove the plastic cover on the push nut (if it uses one) by gently prying it off with a flathead screwdriver. Once the push nut is exposed, use the screwdriver to pry it away from the surface it seats against. Place the vice grips onto the push nut and turn it while pulling it off of the bolt or rod it is installed on. This may take a little effort and a combination of prying with the screwdriver and pulling with the vice grips.
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Break the push nut with a screwdriver or chisel. One way to remove a push nut is by inserting the top of a sharp flathead screwdriver or a chisel between the teeth of the push nut and the bolt. Pry the teeth of the push nut up until they bend or break, allowing the push nut to be removed from the bolt. If you do not want to scratch the bolt that the push nut is installed onto, this is not the best removal method.
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Grind the push nut off of the bolt with an angle grinder. Ensure that you have adequate clearance and working room when using this removal method. If necessary remove components near the bolt and the push nut so they do not get damaged. Place a grinding wheel on the angle grinder. Carefully grind down the teeth on the push nut so it can be removed from the bolt.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not operate an angle grinder unless you know how to use it. Wear hand, eye and ear protection as well when using a grinder.
