Try spraying the areas around the receiver opening with WD-40 and then use a rubber hammer to help knock the ball mount loose. Re: How to free a rusted trailer hitch ?? 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. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. 2005-2022 Overland International, Inc. All rights reserved. if (ry==0) You want your hitch ball to be in the most outstanding possible condition while its connecting thousands of pounds to your tow vehicle. Boiling water does not eliminate rust because rust particles are not living beings. It's going to take lots of 'elbow grease' but it will come apart. You can usually access it from the back side of the hitch. Read more about our Hitch store and services here. You can also use this method with a hitch pin with a clip. Keep in mind that you are spraying liberally while spraying. Use the small paint brush to apply a coat of naval jelly over the rusted area. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. However, remember that we always recommend taking preventive steps to keep the rust at bay rather than removing it later. Use a non-solvent based product like Fluid Film to add additional protection to the receiver hitch and receiver opening from rust causing agents like moisture and debris, Use a hitch cover to prevent water and dirt from getting into the receiver opening. Almost all mechanical and engineering problems can be solved with a sawzall or duct tape. You may freely link If it is, fit a pipe in the hole and tap it with your hammer to push the hitch out. You'll also need to spray the threaded holes in addition to the ball mount. Twice and it popped off. Ball grease can also help to keep the rust away. . *BUY NOW-https://www.metalrescue.com/buy/In this video, we show you how to easily and safely remove rust from your rusty trailer hitch in 3 easy steps using our water based rust remover, Metal Rescue Rust Remover Bath. This is the finished, rust-free, product. So we thought why not create an informational blog for the hitch users from all over the world. You could also try soaking the entire hitch in. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, Affiliate Disclosure We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, A Cost Breakdown of Moving a 5th-wheel Trailer (Per mile), EAZ LIFT Weight Distribution Hitch Reviews: Things You Must Know, Subaru Outback Trailer Hitch Installation Guide and Cost Breakdown, Step Bumper Receiver Hitch Installation guide, https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Rusted-Trailer-Hitch-Ball-Off, https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/removing-a-trailer-hitch-ball/, 4 Types of Travel Trailer Hitch Ball Sizes (A Complete Guide), Can I back up with the Weight Distribution bars? Hammering has a set time limit. https://youtu.be/u31SJzLVIFILike what you see? Method 1 In the first method, you will need, Mini Hacksaw Frame with HSS Blade Claw Hammer (Alternative- flat prybar) Knife or chisel (Optional) Step - 1 The first step is to start cutting the protruding part of the body of the Hammer Drive Anchor with the Mini Hacksaw Blade. Dip the paper towel in a bowl of lukewarm water to get the paper towel damp. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This article has been viewed 8,929 times. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. No trunk. We have discussed the best ways to remove rusted or stuck trailer hitch balls. Use a Sawzall with a thin metal cutting blade to get between the receiver and the stinger of the rapid hitch to cut the pin. on Sawmills and Milling. I got the pin out that goes through the ball with no problem , but cant get the ball off of the stem on a convert a ball hitch, to switch the ball size. If you get the pins out, or have to cut the nipples off, I would recommend using a wet hinge pin, like part # HP412G which will hopefully prevent this from happening in the future. Its hard to believe how many people dont do this and then say it doesnt work. function random_imglink(){ All is not lost however, and with these tips you can fight the rust and prevent it from happening again in the near future. Coating Your Hitch with a Protective Agent. Spray it with a good penetrating oil (like you've done), and run a chain from the ball to a stationary object (such as a tree). wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Rust can occur for a number of reasons, including exposure to moisture and friction. Add a comment. Then, we wrapped that strap around the hitch. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. Use a Sawzall with a thin metal cutting blade to get between the receiver and the stinger of the rapid hitch to cut the pin. imagelinks[3]="https://woodmizer.com/Store/Shop/Portable-Sawmills/LX25-Portable-Sawmill?utm_source=forestryforum.com&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=lx25&utm_term=2023-02-10&utm_content=800x160" . Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. The trailer hitch pin should be loosened with a hammer. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft, clean rag. Read more, Affiliate Disclosure My friend Chuck told me about a simple method that only requires a screwdriver and hammer. Spray (WD40, BOESHIELD T-9, Permatex is recommended). random_imglink() Depending on the brand, a high quality protective spray can last for up to a year and withstand temperature . When you are done spraying the ball hitch, you will need a wrench. Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. When driving down the road, always check to see if your vehicles license plate is visible. Tool Joint is a website dedicated to providing information about fasteners and Joint Tools. Most of the time, an air hammer, a punch, some WD40, and sometimes is enough to get them out. Step 3. Absolutely! Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye and ear protection, when using an angle grinder. Spray a good amount of WD-40 or similar lubricant around the ball nut and thread areas. Choose a size and copy the code below to embed this guide as a small widget on your site / forum. Look for corrosion or wear around the hitch pin hole and receiver opening, Cover exposed metal with a rust stopping paint, Use a hitch cover to prevent dirt and water from getting inside your hitch. Set a flathead screwdriver inside the lock hole of the receiver lock hitch pin. function random_imglink2(){ var myimages2=new Array() I have an SUV. */ Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Remember to use caution/gloves when handling the naval jelly. myimages[2]="../../../images/top-banner/BladesFreeShip.jpg" Use the hammer so as not to damage the receiver hitch. document.write('') You must log in or register to reply here. You may need to remove the spare tire if its kept underneath your vehicle. When WD40 and a good knock are used with the right amount of stress (but not too much), the hitch can shift and come out quickly. Keep doing 4. A rusted hitch ball will not perform as well when it comes to towing. } You can have as many as you wish The materials used for this fix, especially the naval jelly, need to avoid skin contact at all times. If you find dents or spots that are starting to rust, clean them thoroughly with a homemade or store bought rust remover and then apply rust-resistant paint to the area. The best tools are a copper hammer/air chisel or a dead blow, but you should use whatever you have. Take the trailer ball hitch off of your vehicle or cover it with a. If the tapping method does not work, apply a fixed load to the hitchblock tires if using a traileror properly attach a chain or strap to a solid object. Insert a screwdriver into the lock hole and press down to remove the inner mechanism. Lets address the hitch being stuck in the truck. Let it soak for a bit and see if that helps release it. 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). myimages[1]="../../../images/top-banner/ez50-banner.jpg" Youll be able to finish your task after that. Inert, will not evaporate or harden in extreme temperatures. To loosen the inside of the lock hitch pin, use a hammer to hit it around the face side several times. Login with username, password and session length, Frick saw mill '58 820 John Deere power. Penetrating fluid acts as a lubricant that works well for eating through rusted metal. 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 . This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Since heat makes metal expand, the blow torch helps loosen the nut from the threading on the ball. Hitch Ball Rust Maintenance Remove the rust with homemade or store-bought cleaners USF Sarasota-Manatee, Team S1-G1, Stewart Spring 2019. This is the best way to heat the area of the tow bar assembly where the hitch goes. The appropriate gears are required, and the rest is a piece of cake. This website is owned and operated by Web Team Associates, Inc. Fit the straw of the penetrating fluid into one of the corners between the hitch and the receiver. Remove a rusted trailer hitch with penetrating fluid and an air chisel, not a sledgehammer. Look for corrosion around the hitch pin holes and the interior of the receiver opening. By purchasing your hitch, ball mount and hitch ball through U-Haul ensures that you will be protecting your investment and continuing your towing adventures. You can heat the nut with a blow torch so it's easier to unscrew. If you are struggling with this issue, the information in my article can help you. //specify corresponding links below The Forestry Forum is sponsored in part by: Should I lubricate my trailer hitch ball? to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. View our Privacy Policy here. #vanlife). myimages2[3]="../../../images/top-banner/behindtheforum.jpg" Proper safety precautions such as gloves and material disposal are key. Its disconcerting to remove the hitch ball once its stuck. Dont worry, if a ball mount is rusted in your hitch and you cant remove it, U-Haul will still replace your receiver hitch under the $5 warranty.The best form of maintenance is prevention. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Using grease or a hitch ball cap is recommended. WINS!!! This guide will provide step-by-step procedures on how to remove rust from a vehicle hitch. on General Board, Started by flatrock58 Its everything you need to know about any kind of hitches. We moved to a redesigned stainless steel pin a few years ago to help with this problem. Rinse and repeat if any rust still remains. Note that a towel is not needed if the hitch is attached to the receiver of a trailer or other load because the hitch ball should be locked into the trailer tongue. You can also use a chisel-shaped bit on your air hammer. The next step needs to be made with the most care and thought. Despite your best efforts to prevent rust, it may still find its way onto your hitch. If youre doing a lot of towing, ensure the travel trailer has a weight-distribution hitch. Allow the fluid film to sit for about 5 minutes. (You won't need a sledge hammer when doing this) All the time keeping a lot of tension on the come-along. //-->. If it still wont move, try heating it and cooling it quickly. //specify random images below. Rinse and repeat if any rust still remains. This is the smallest cutting wheel size, and it will be easier to maneuver in a small space. Click to expand. To do this, you'll need WD-40, BOESHIELD T-9, or any other suitable lubricant. I simply used a 3lb sledge and beat the sucker apart when the locking mechanism on mine siezed up. Do not paint over rust as the corrosion will continue underneath. With a few tools and a little bit of elbow grease, you can easily remove the rusted hitch or ball at home. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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