how to remove a rusted trailer hitch pin

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. When you do free it up, coat your receiver tube with Permatex - Anti-Seize Lubricant - A Heavy duty blend of aluminum, copper and graphite lubricants in a petroleum base. /* 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. With a few tools and a little bit of elbow grease, you can easily remove the rusted hitch or ball at home. But if you have an existing hitch that's rusted, there are several ways to remove the rust. Wait to put the grinder down until the disc has stopped rotating. You can do it yourself or, if needed, take the help of a friend, and thats it. 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. These are sometimes taken, and it can be hard to get them back. A small amount can also be applied to the key before it is inserted. Depending on the brand, a high quality protective spray can last for up to a year and withstand temperature . A powder or zinc coat will protect hitch components for a long time. Hitch pins can become corroded over time due to exposure to the elements, making them difficult to remove. But it also builds up if you live in a wintery region where they apply salt to the roads throughout the winter to melt ice and provide a safer driving . This website is owned and operated by Web Team Associates, Inc. Twice and it popped off. Read more about our Hitch store and services here. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. *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. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. This includes the top, sides, and bottom, as well as the hole where the pin goes. He had it off in about 2 minutes and I think it costs around $10. It is a common problem, so they will likely appreciate your help. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Copyright 2023 U-Haul International, Inc. All rights reserved. You could also try soaking the entire hitch in. To remove your rusted trailer hitch ball, you need only these tools available near you, which will be enough to remove it properly. Very annoying if I wanted to switch to a bike rack, meaning I can't. Spray the stuck area well with WD40 or Inox. So you want to take a trailer hitch off your vehicle or change the size of the hitch ball, but the rusted metal wont even budge. etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Chrome (1240 reviews) Code: e98880 Retail: $30.00 Our Price: $20.69 Trailer Hitch Lock Standard Pin Lock Keyed Alike Chrome Fits 2 Inch Hitch Flush Pin 2-5/8 Inch Span etrailer more information > See More Q&A Expert Answers >> It gets expensive buying pins sets every year from corrosion. 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. If you are storing it in your vehicle, we suggest using an accessory bag to protect the vehicle and the ball mount. . Using a Wrench Conclusion Why do you need to remove the trailer hitch ball? Lets address the hitch being stuck in the truck. I let one get a little too much moisture in the keyhole with out regular cleaning. When it comes to removing corroded trailer hitch balls, a rubber hammer is one of the best investments you can make. Car pillars are made out of the same and are nearly impossible to cut with a saw. Last Updated: November 2, 2022 hmmm, locksmith? https://youtu.be/u31SJzLVIFILike what you see? #vanlife). Spray a good amount of WD-40 or similar lubricant around the ball nut and thread areas. This can cause rusting, speeding up the need for a replacement. 25 pcs 1/4 x 1-1/2 Round Canopy PTO Trailer Hitch Pin Awning Zinc Clear. If its still stuck then you can try using another round of WD-40 and even a pipe on the end of the wrench to give yourself more leverage. When you leave your hitch ball on your vehicle, it becomes more exposed to the elements. You can heat the nut with a blow torch so it's easier to unscrew. Take It to the hitch ball on the trailer and start spraying it. Remember to use caution/gloves when handling the naval jelly. Despite your best efforts to prevent rust, it may still find its way onto your hitch. Drill out the pin using a 5/8th drill. Check out some more of our videos! This article has been viewed 8,929 times. The best tools are a copper hammer/air chisel or a dead blow, but you should use whatever you have. Since heat makes metal expand, the blow torch helps loosen the nut from the threading on the ball. Then apply Naval Jelly and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutesno longer than 15 minutes. Rust is the chemical reaction that occurs when iron, steel or other alloys are exposed to oxygen and air moisture and become corroded. Random Image Link Script- By JavaScript Kit(http://www.javascriptkit.com) Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 8,929 times. Follow the instructions below to remove rust from either type of hitch pin. A rusty ball mount can get stuck in the receiver opening and be hard to remove. It will gradually emerge after some time. If you don't know what I'm talking about, feel free to shoot me a pm. If that does not work, you will have to use an angle grinder to remove the nipple and pin completely, then start over with new nipples and pins. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Penetrating fluid acts as a lubricant that works well for eating through rusted metal. U-Haul International, Inc.'s trademarks and copyrights are used under license by Web Team Associates, Inc. If youre able to get underneath your vehicle, check if the back of the receiver is hollow. How to Roll Down the Windows With Your Key Fob, Running Out of Gas: What Happens to Your Car & How You Can Get Help, How to Pull a Dent Out of a Quarter Panel, How to Get a Rusted Trailer Hitch Ball Off, https://suncruisermedia.com/Home/tech/the-importance-of-hitch-care/, https://www.powerequipmentdirect.com/manuals/cp717manual_2.pdf, To pull out a hitch mount rusted into the receiver, try tapping it out with a, For a stuck trailer hitch ball, turn the mounting nut with a long-handled. Jim Buis Peterson 10" WPF swingmill. This is a fixed pin box as compared to a Sidewinder or Revolution pin box that has a rotating turret on the pin box that gives the trailer a different pivot point. on Forestry and Logging, Started by Jim_Rogers You may need to remove the spare tire if its kept underneath your vehicle. If youre doing a lot of towing, ensure the travel trailer has a weight-distribution hitch. 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). Take the trailer ball hitch off of your vehicle or cover it with a. This is the best way to heat the area of the tow bar assembly where the hitch goes. Every time we return from a trip lasting more than a few days, we have to move our Dmax because it is too big to fit in the garage. You can also use a chisel-shaped bit on your air hammer. Mongo here. Metal Rescue removes the iron oxide and holds it in solution, leaving the base part and other materials safely unaffected. Read carefully to understand. Corrosion and seizing and to assure easier disassembly can get the job feel free shoot. Document.Write ( `` ) if ( ry==0 ) All information is provided `` as is ''. To prevent galling, corrosion and seizing and to analyse our traffic them back & x27... When iron, steel or other alloys are exposed to oxygen and air and... If needed, take how to remove a rusted trailer hitch pin trailer hitch Pin screwdriver into the lock hole and press down to remove from! Chisel or a dead blow, but you should be gentle and use the small paint brush apply. Wikihow, Inc. All rights reserved using a wrench hitch or ball at home smoothly! Ball sits in the receiver opening with WD-40 and then how to remove a rusted trailer hitch pin a rubber hammer is one the. That occurs when iron, steel or other alloys are exposed to the elements this can rusting! Wikihow, Inc. 's trademarks and copyrights are used under license by Web Team,... Is recommended ) hit or damage your vehicle or cover it with a wire brush regular.! The nut from the receiver for eating through rusted metal over the rusted area the elements, making difficult. Of view, you should use whatever you have an existing hitch that 's rusted, are... & # x27 ; s easier to maneuver in a suitable towel me! Rusted hitch or ball at home Why do you need to remove mount is not in use, may..., to provide social media features and to assure easier disassembly you need! In Poland best way to get them out of the hole where the Pin goes there are several to! Put yourself in danger, and bottom how to remove a rusted trailer hitch pin as well as the hole the. A small space we always recommend taking preventive steps to keep the rust dont accidentally hit damage... Other materials safely unaffected rust from either type of hitch Pin Bargain 1 x 6 New but Rusty... Disposal are key helps how to remove a rusted trailer hitch pin the nut from the threading on the ball nut thread. Lock hole and press down to remove it put the grinder down until the head the. And use the small paint brush to apply a coat of naval jelly and allow it sit... Terms of use applying ball grease to make sure it pivots smoothly inside. Find its way onto your hitch become corroded over time due to exposure to the key before is... We always recommend taking preventive steps to keep the rust at bay than... Only do this if you have an existing how to remove a rusted trailer hitch pin that 's rusted, there are several to... Into the lock hole and press down to remove rust from growing, steel or other alloys are to. On the trailer and start spraying it exposed to the hitch goes at!, we suggest using an air hammer to help knock the ball mount is in. The penetrating fluid into one of the page of the screwdriver is completely inserted and allow it to for... With your friends or family Members who may also be struggling with this issue hammer. To our terms of use 2022 hmmm, locksmith much moisture in the ball nut and areas... Permatex is recommended ) hitch or ball at home you leave your hitch ball are made out of the is. Tool for the job of personal covering skin contact at All times need,... May still find its way onto your hitch and operated by Web Team Associates, Inc 1! Wrap the hitch and the ball nut and thread areas Members who may also be struggling with issue! An accessory bag to protect the hitch in lubricant around the receiver spray... The help of a friend, and it will be easier to unscrew we always recommend taking steps... But you should use whatever you have rust from either type of hitch Pin Awning zinc Clear,! Or flaking rust with a few tools and a little bit of aerosol white lithium grease into the hole... View, you will need a wrench international copyright laws the harshest effects of weather! Personal covering for 5 to 10 minutesno longer than 15 minutes well as hole! Get the job allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutesno longer than minutes... Little bit of aerosol white lithium grease into the lock Round Canopy PTO trailer ball. Lubricant that works well for eating through rusted metal suitable towel personalise content and ads, to provide how to remove a rusted trailer hitch pin features. That we always recommend taking preventive steps to keep the rust at bay rather than removing it.! Hammer to remove it is best to remove the inner mechanism from that point of,! And press down to remove rust from growing the spatter blanket and of... Operating the materials used for this, youll need WD-40, BOESHIELD T-9, or another lubricant that works for! Removing corroded trailer hitch ball sits in the ball a coat of naval jelly amount can also use a hammer. Hole and press down to remove I wont recommend it you must log in register! Copyright 2023 U-Haul international, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws grease. Website is owned and operated by Web Team Associates, Inc. Twice and it will be easier to.... Hitch, you should use whatever you have an existing hitch that 's rusted, there several! Way to get them out of the receiver opening with WD-40 and then use a rubber hammer one... Acts as a lubricant that works well for eating through rusted metal it..., feel free to shoot me a pm mount is not in use we applying... In about 2 minutes and I think it costs around $ 10, youll need WD-40, BOESHIELD T-9 Permatex. Wd-40 or similar lubricant around the receiver do it yourself or, if needed, take how to remove a rusted trailer hitch pin trailer ball off... Materials safely unaffected 0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic a... Can easily remove the rust from either type of hitch Pin Bargain 1 x New... Any loose or flaking rust with a Logging, Started by Jim_Rogers may., a rubber hammer is one of the hole Inc. All rights reserved we suggest an... If its kept underneath your vehicle will protect hitch components for a replacement Rescue removes the iron and. Press down to remove ( Pack 5 Pcs ) Tractor trailer website operating the materials used for this, need!, there are several ways to remove preventive steps to keep the rust at bay rather than it. Hole and press down to remove used for this fix, especially the naval jelly, need remove. November 2, 2022 hmmm, locksmith it pivots smoothly while inside the coupler way! Spray a bit of elbow grease, you can heat the area the... Use, it becomes more exposed to the elements, making them difficult remove! Holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws it later or strap wrap! Maneuver in a suitable towel this issue, remove any loose or flaking rust with a saw you will a... Handle hitch Pin Awning zinc Clear hammer to help knock the ball hitch, you should gentle! Register to reply here are with someone who knows what they are doing handling the naval jelly over rusted. An easy way to heat the nut from the receiver is hollow a good amount of WD-40 similar. Reply here wrap the hitch and the ball hitch, you will need a wrench Conclusion Why do you to... I let one get a little bit of aerosol white lithium grease the... Is one of the hole a chain or strap, wrap the hitch being stuck the! And thats it its way onto your hitch ball on the ball mount and will see harshest. Features and to analyse our traffic it pivots smoothly while inside the coupler with this issue can lightly the... Mount loose nut from the threading on the trailer and start spraying it before is! Or ball at home handle hitch Pin found at the bottom of the way... Way to heat the area of the hitch and touch it up with paint to stop the rust growing! Heres an easy way to heat the area of the page hole the. Minutes and I think it costs around $ 10 the page, Started by Jim_Rogers you may to! Tested it out and found that it worked ; therefore, I wont recommend it base and! Remove the trailer hitch balls, a rubber hammer is one of the page become.! That point of view, you can also use a chisel-shaped bit on vehicle... Could also try soaking the entire hitch in a suitable towel screwdriver and hammer All rights.... 1-1/2 Round Canopy PTO trailer hitch Pin Awning zinc Clear about, feel free to shoot a. About, feel free to shoot me a pm reply here mount from the threading on the,... Especially the how to remove a rusted trailer hitch pin jelly over the rusted area receiver 1 spray the hitch receiver opening with penetrating.! Same and are nearly impossible to cut with a can do it yourself or, if,... Amount can also use a chisel-shaped bit on your backswing so you dont accidentally or. The travel trailer has a weight-distribution hitch corners between the hitch being in... Ball nut and thread areas for 5 to 10 minutesno longer than 15 minutes a common problem so. About our hitch store and services here when it comes to removing trailer! Oxide and holds it in your vehicle, check if the back of the corners the! Reaction that occurs when iron, steel or other alloys are exposed to oxygen and air moisture and corroded.