how to remove a rusted trailer hitch pin

Proper safety precautions such as gloves and material disposal are key. myimages2[3]="../../../images/top-banner/behindtheforum.jpg" Since heat makes metal expand, the blow torch helps loosen the nut from the threading on the ball. Id suggest pre-drilling smaller holes first from the center out to keep the drill bit centered and prevent damage to you hitch. Keep reading for the best ways to remove a rusted hitch mount or trailer ball so you can start towing again. You could also try soaking the entire hitch in. Then apply Naval Jelly and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutesno longer than 15 minutes. Read More. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Handle Hitch Pin 6" x 1" (Pack 2 Pcs) Tractor Trailer at the best online prices at eBay! I'd say use an abrasive disk or a oxy/acet torch. Heres an easy way to get them out of the hole. When you are done spraying the ball hitch, you will need a wrench. While all U-Haul hitches come with a protective coating, it can still be worn away over time with heavy usage, improper care and overexposure to the elements. To do this, youll need WD-40, BOESHIELD T-9, or any other suitable lubricant. This will prevent rust and corrosion due to moisture, dirt, other environmental factors. Thanks for reading! Copyright A thief might steal your hitch ball in a matter of seconds if you dont use a hitch lock. 4 Simple ways to Remove Rusted or Stuck trailer hitch ball, Andersen: the best Weight Distribution Hitch in the market, Eaz lift Recurve r6 weight distribution hitch Review, Types of trailer hitches and Hitch classes, 5 Best Trailer Hitch for Subaru Crosstrek, 5 Best Hitch for Boat Trailer: A full guide, Best Adjustable Drop Hitches For Lifted Trucks in 2022. This procedure cannot be performed again immediately after the rust is taken off. If it has started to rust already you want to remove that rust with a homemade or store-bought rust remover and then apply the paint over it. If you notice rust, you can lightly sand the hitch and touch it up with paint to stop the rust from growing. There are two types of hitch pins commonly used in trailers: receiver lock hitch pins and hitch pins with clips. When bare metal is showing, it is essential to touch up the hitch to prevent rust from forming. Knocking it in and out usually works, and once it starts to move, you can usually get enough dirt out to make the rest of the job easy. . //specify corresponding links below Drill out the pin using a 5/8th drill. Jim Buis Peterson 10" WPF swingmill. To remove your rusted trailer hitch ball, you need only these tools available near you, which will be enough to remove it properly. Ive often seen them under the tow bar, leading up to the receiver tube. myimages2[2]="../../../images/top-banner/behindtheforum.jpg" Ive also seen them on the sides of cars, though. References. Spray (WD40, BOESHIELD T-9, Permatex is recommended). Allow to sit for approximately ten minutes. Similar to the receiver, the ball mount will be powder coated as well to prevent rust. We tested it out and found that it worked; therefore, I wont recommend it. Its better to maintain your stuff so that it wont create a hassle in the future. Keep doing 4. The guard helps protect you from flying debris and sparks. Pick a jug up at your local Home Depot, AutoZone, or Canadian Tire today! Its disconcerting to remove the hitch ball once its stuck. Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. Use the air hammer on the top area of the receiver after youve finished tapping the bottom and sides. Spray the liquid on the ball mount, then spray your hands and respray the nut. It gets expensive buying pins sets every year from corrosion. But if you have an existing hitch that's rusted, there are several ways to remove the rust. https://youtu.be/8Ik0L0DL-uM?list=PLCkV34WXIYtRfn2cooMnQTdvOsiw-FVcz When it comes to removing corroded trailer hitch balls, a rubber hammer is one of the best investments you can make. With the amount of moisture we endure, it is important to remove, as well as prevent, rust on our material objects and personal belongings. Boiling water does not eliminate rust because rust particles are not living beings. random_imglink() This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The best way to ensure your hitch doesnt get stuck is to take it off every so often. There are dozens of commercial rust removers, but acids in everyday kitchen staples like vinegar, lemon juice, and potatoes will loosen even stubborn rust from some metals. Coating Your Hitch with a Protective Agent. } home improvement and repair website. Have someone get into the vehicle, put it in drive and put tension on the chain (steady pressure - do not go overboard and try to force it out - you could end up bending something). That way, it will loosen up and be easier to remove with other methods too. Also read: Step Bumper Receiver Hitch Installation guide. Hitch pin and clip or hitch lock sold separately; Made in the USA; Specs: Application: 3" x 3" trailer hitch receivers; Gross towing weight: When used with 1-7/8" ball: 3,500 lbs; When used with 2" ball: 7,500 lbs; When used with 2-5/16" ball: 21,000 lbs; Distance from center of hitch pin hole to center of hitch ball: Hitch pin hole closest to . function random_imglink(){ With this in mind, I have compiled a detailed article on how to remove a rusted trailer hitch pin.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'toolsjoint_com-box-3','ezslot_6',170,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-toolsjoint_com-box-3-0'); The problem of hitch pins corroding is common, and it is understandable that the issues caused by rust would make anyone anxious. If you see a small space to work with, use a reinforced inox cutting wheel size of 4.5 inches. You can have as many as you wish I let one get a little too much moisture in the keyhole with out regular cleaning. Using a Wrench Conclusion Why do you need to remove the trailer hitch ball? This is the best way to heat the area of the tow bar assembly where the hitch goes. Depending on how often you use it, you might not even realize that your hitch ball is missing. Once its free you can either pull it out or gently tap it out with the hammer. Store ball mount indoors and away from corrosive weather. When you heat the steel, it will expand, but as it cools, the expansion should stop, and the hitch should come off. If you're going to break a law.. make sure it's Murphy's Law. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This is the finished, rust-free, product. Then apply Naval Jelly and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutesno longer than 15 minutes. Dip the paper towel in a bowl of lukewarm water to get the paper towel damp. In any instance, it may remain trapped inside. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The next step needs to be made with the most care and thought. Apply a fixed load to the hitch (block tires if using a trailer or properly attach a chain or strap to a solid object). Dry the metal and paint with an oil-based paint within 24 hours to prevent the return of the rust. Over 200+ free JavaScripts here! Youll also need to spray the threaded holes in addition to the ball mount. But dont panic. Do not paint over rust as the corrosion will continue underneath. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. rust). The number one enemy of rust is moisture combined with oxygen over a long period of time. However, after repeated use and exposure, areas like the inside of the receiver and the hitch pin holes see frequent use and friction which can cause the coat to wear away, exposing the steel to the elements. All is not lost however, and with these tips you can fight the rust and prevent it from happening again in the near future. You might also hit the ball shank with a rubber mallet to help try and break it free as well. Subscribe to learn more about how our products can take the work out of your workshop!http://www.youtube.com/user/metalrescue?sub_confirmation=1Still not convinced? Look for corrosion around the hitch pin holes and the interior of the receiver opening. Follow up by polishing with two coats of carnuba car wax. Use Air Hammering 3. on Forestry and Logging, Started by Jim_Rogers on Sawmills and Milling, Started by firefighter ontheside Follow the instructions below to remove rust from either type of hitch pin. We have discussed the best ways to remove rusted or stuck trailer hitch balls. Bring along anything you can that will fit in the hitch. So. "flat" key or "round" key? . A pipe attached to the end of the wrench gives it more power.