\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. It will gradually emerge after some time. Its hard to believe how many people dont do this and then say it doesnt work. When tightened, they keep the tow hitch from making noise when the car isnt being towed. Keep in mind that when the ball mount is not in use, it is best to remove it. If you notice rust, you can lightly sand the hitch and touch it up with paint to stop the rust from growing. These pins should last years if you maintenance the lock once in a while. This includes the top, sides, and bottom, as well as the hole where the pin goes. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. /* This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. All information is provided "AS IS." Dont go overboard! Then apply Naval Jelly and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutesno longer than 15 minutes. If your hitch mount or trailer ball has rusted, keep reading to find out different ways to get rid of it so you can get back to towing. The best way to ensure your hitch doesnt get stuck is to take it off every so often. When bare metal is showing, it is essential to touch up the hitch to prevent rust from forming. A rusted hitch ball will not perform as well when it comes to towing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We moved to a redesigned stainless steel pin a few years ago to help with this problem. Hammering has a set time limit. You'll also need to spray the threaded holes in addition to the ball mount. if (ry==0) Diamond T trucks. The most likely cause for a stuck trailer hitch is rust between the ball mount and the hitch receiver. Should I lubricate my trailer hitch ball? Thanks for reading! If your ball mount or hitch ball are rusted beyond repair, you will need to remove them from the trailer hitch to be able to replace it under the $5 lifetime warranty through U-Haul. It gets expensive buying pins sets every year from corrosion. With a few tools and a little bit of elbow grease, you can easily remove the rusted hitch or ball at home. Clean out existing rust using a homemade or store-bought rust remover, Apply rust-resistant paint to the newly exposed metal, Use an accessory bag to store your ball mount in when not in use. And last but not least, removing the hitch ball after your work is done keeps your hitch ball excellent and fresh so that you can easily maintain it, and it will last long. Using grease or a hitch ball cap is recommended. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. How to Tighten the Hitch Ball (Step by Step)? An Official Website ofAndersenHitches.com. (Explained), Step Bumper Receiver Hitch Installation (Step by Step), Types of 5th Wheel Hitches: A Guide to Choose The Correct One, 12 Best Weight Distribution Hitches Review 2023 (With Sway Control), Andersen vs Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitch: Find the Differences, Spray / penetrating fluid (WD40, BOESHIELD, Permatex can be considered). //-->. Keep reading for the best ways to remove a rusted hitch mount or trailer ball so you can start towing again. Make sure that the area in range of the hitch popping out under pressure is clear and protected as neededparticle board or something similar can be used behind the chained hitch to protect the area from the hitch. Read more about our Hitch store and services here. 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. Drill out the pin using a 5/8th drill. 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? Use a spray 2. You can spray a bit of aerosol white lithium grease into the lock. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Updated: 00/04/25 Random Image Link Script- By JavaScript Kit(http://www.javascriptkit.com) Inert, will not evaporate or harden in extreme temperatures. Take It to the hitch ball on the trailer and start spraying it. rust). Follow up by polishing with two coats of carnuba car wax. Page created in 1.508 seconds with 40 queries. All rights reserved. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. TAKE THE HITCH OUT WHEN YOU ARE NOT USING IT!! There are a lot of things that can cause rust in trailer hitches. Its everything you need to know about any kind of hitches. Here are some of the guidelines to remove it easily: Its imperative to get a good quality penetrating spray to make your work easy. Apply a protective layer of fluid film to the treated area. Copyright 2023 U-Haul International, Inc. All rights reserved. myimages[5]="../../../images/top-banner/cookie-mizer.jpg" To do this, you'll need WD-40, BOESHIELD T-9, or any other suitable lubricant. Step 3. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Take the wet paper towel and wipe off the naval jelly on the hitch. imagelinks[5]="https://woodmizer.com/Store/Shop/Sawmill-Options/CookieMizer-Clamping-Jig?utm_source=forestryforum.com&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=cookiemizer&utm_term=2021-03-09&utm_content=800x160" How To Remove Rust From A Rusted Trailer Hitch - YouTube 0:00 / 2:08 How To Remove Rust From A Rusted Trailer Hitch Blaster Products 10.7K subscribers Subscribe 95 26K views 2 years ago *BUY. Copyright Its better to maintain your stuff so that it wont create a hassle in the future. Dry the metal and paint with an oil-based paint within 24 hours to prevent the return of the rust. } Read More. imagelinks2[2]="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheForestryForum?sub_confirmation=1" This article was co-authored by Ed Beery and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. The hitch ball sits in the ball mount and will see the harshest effects of any weather or friction-related use. It w adjustable height trailer hitch ball mount. 25 pcs 1/4 x 1-1/2 Round Canopy PTO Trailer Hitch Pin Awning Zinc Clear. 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. A pipe attached to the end of the wrench gives it more power. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. If left inside the receiver, ball mount vibration can begin to erode the protective coating and allow for rust inside the receiver tube. $60.78. It may take some time to come out. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be By using our site, you agree to our. I simply used a 3lb sledge and beat the sucker apart when the locking mechanism on mine siezed up. Removing the ball mount and storing it inside a bag when it is not in use is the most recommended method for preventing rust to both the ball mount and hitch ball. You wont have any problems if you take the time to get rid of it every few months. myimages[2]="../../../images/top-banner/BladesFreeShip.jpg" var ry=Math.floor(Math.random()*myimages2.length) This is the smallest cutting wheel size, and it will be easier to maneuver in a small space. *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. JavaScript is disabled. 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. Spray a good amount of WD-40 or similar lubricant around the ball nut and thread areas. This guide will provide step-by-step procedures on how to remove rust from a vehicle hitch. Lets address the hitch being stuck in the truck. Fit the straw of the penetrating fluid into one of the corners between the hitch and the receiver. Updated: 00/04/25 In this situation, using an air hammer to remove it is a fabulous idea. var ry=Math.floor(Math.random()*myimages.length) Eventually, the oxidation of the metal or steel on an object (in this case a vehicle hitch) will oxide, leading to corrosion and rust. To remove it, all you have to do is use the wrench. 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. Last Updated: November 2, 2022 on Forestry and Logging, Started by Jim_Rogers You should start to see bubbling in this process. The hitch can be cooled quickly with ice or cold water, and it only takes a few cycles of heating and cooling to break the rust seal. In Florida, we are one of the most tropical states this includes heavy rainfall. If left exposed to the air, metal will eventually rust over time. We have also a physical hitch repair store in Poland. Then, we wrapped that strap around the hitch. This will prevent rust and corrosion due to moisture, dirt, other environmental factors. After reading our article, we anticipate you will be able to properly execute your preferred way to eliminate this problem. Ball grease can also help to keep the rust away. Heres an easy way to get them out of the hole. //specify corresponding links below Common Weigh Safe Hitch Problems and Proven Solutions. Metal Rescue removes the iron oxide and holds it in solution, leaving the base part and other materials safely unaffected. I'd say use an abrasive disk or a oxy/acet torch. How about freezing it with freon or liquid Nitro and then hitting it with a hammer? Ive also seen them on the sides of cars, though. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. When you heat the steel, it will expand, but as it cools, the expansion should stop, and the hitch should come off. I hope you found it helpful. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. myimages2[2]="../../../images/top-banner/behindtheforum.jpg" You can also use this method with a hitch pin with a clip. Using the wrench will make it easier to take off the nut that is giving you trouble. If it is, fit a pipe in the hole and tap it with your hammer to push the hitch out. 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. imagelinks[2]="https://woodmizer.com/us/Sawmill-Blades?utm_source=forestryforum.com&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=sawmillblades&utm_term=2022-05-01&utm_content=800x160" Once the rust has been removed, continue to liberally re-apply ball grease during use and use a ball cover or hitch bag to protect it when its not being used. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Dip the paper towel in a bowl of lukewarm water to get the paper towel damp. Chain the ball to a tree and "PIN IT" just kiddingkind ofthat's what I would dochain it to something sturdy.put a little gas to it and while you have tension, have someone with the BFH tapping it.should come yellowjacket Participant Byron, MN Posts: 1013 December 27, 2006 at 4:04 pm #515567 GMTA Jon jon_jordan Participant St. Paul, Mn var myimages=new Array() Penetrating fluid acts as a lubricant that works well for eating through rusted metal. If you have a chrome ball or chrome hitch that's showing signs of rust, simply ball up a piece of aluminum foil, dip it in white distilled vinegar or Coca-Cola and lightly rub the rusty spots. The keys themselves sometimes will benefit from a bit of fine (500 grit) sandpaper rubbed on their surfaces. It could stay inside as well. With the amount of moisture we endure, it is important to remove, as well as prevent, rust on our material objects and personal belongings. There are a several different options: If you heat the hitch and pin using a torch a lot of times it will break the materials free and you can use a hammer and punch to remove the pin. Ive often seen them under the tow bar, leading up to the receiver tube. % of people told us that this article helped them. just another beaver with a chainsaw & it's never so bad that it couldn't get worse. Depending on how often you use it, you might not even realize that your hitch ball is missing. Rusted parts can be restored in 5 minutes to 24 hours, depending upon the amount of rust, type of metal (iron and steel), and temperature of the solution. Its only a matter of striking! This is the before picture of the rusted hitch. It may seem unbelievable, but hitch balls have been reported stolen from vehicles. The wrench will assist you in removing the nut that is causing you problems. Choose a size and copy the code below to embed this guide as a small widget on your site / forum. Be careful on your backswing so you dont accidentally hit or damage your vehicle. You will need a 4.5-inch angle grinder for this project. First, remove any loose or flaking rust with a wire brush. Anyway key broke off in lock and I need to remove the hitch/reciever lock. var myimages2=new Array() The first step is to rap the hitch receivers sides. This is the finished, rust-free, product. 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. 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. 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. Anti-rattle bolts are standard on tow bars these days. You can heat the nut with a blow torch so it's easier to unscrew. This method with a liquid wrench should work even if it is completely stuck. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. var imagelinks2=new Array() View our Privacy Policy here. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). All is not lost however, and with these tips you can fight the rust and prevent it from happening again in the near future. Remember to use caution/gloves when handling the naval jelly. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Use a Hitch Cover Keeps moisture and road debris out of the receiver opening Using a Wrench Conclusion Why do you need to remove the trailer hitch ball? You cant use a standard hammer in this situation. When you get it out let us know, if you send it in we can help remove the rest of the pin at no charge. If youre able to get underneath your vehicle, check if the back of the receiver is hollow. If youre having trouble pulling it, start tapping it with your hammer. You can get rid of a rusted ball hitch at home with some standard tools and good, old-fashioned muscle. In any instance, it may remain trapped inside. After a while it may begin to show signs of wear and tear, causing the metal underneath the paint to become exposed to dirt and water which will cause rust. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. expert reply by: Mike L To remove your rusted trailer hitch ball, you need only these tools available near you, which will be enough to remove it properly. The Forestry Forum is sponsored in part by: If your trailer hitch ball is rusted and youre tensed, how to remove it as it is poorly stuck, or you may think you should call a mechanic, then just relax. myimages[1]="../../../images/top-banner/ez50-banner.jpg" Do not paint over rust as the corrosion will continue underneath. You can do that by using a product like BoeShield T-9 to protect and lubricate the internals of the lock system. The number one enemy of rust is moisture combined with oxygen over a long period of time. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. If you are struggling with this issue, the information in my article can help you. Basically, you need to put the key to widen the lock core for unlocking the hitch lock. So besides running our Hitch store here in Poland, we also write the hitch accessories tips and guidelines on this website. Click to expand. . You may freely link If youre going to leave the mount attached to your hitch, be sure to continually reapply ball grease and use a ball cover to protect it when not in use. Tool Joint is a website dedicated to providing information about fasteners and Joint Tools. Now you can remove the screw from the lock pin joint and the two parts from both sides. In that case, youll need to get more of the penetrating spray and try again. Handle Hitch Pin Bargain 1 x 6 New But Little Rusty (Pack 5 Pcs) Tractor Trailer. If you did, please share it with your friends or family members who may also be struggling with this issue. Check out some more of our videos! Prevent this with proper maintenance, regular use, and wax or paint. myimages2[3]="../../../images/top-banner/behindtheforum.jpg" Have a helper signal the driver as the driver slowly uses the tow vehicle to pull away from the fixed load to remove the hitch. If you have an iron trailer hitch or hitch ball that's beginning to rust you can remove the rust with Naval Jelly. The problem of hitch pins corroding is common, and it is understandable that the issues caused by rust would make anyone anxious. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. How to install a fifth-wheel hitch on a Dodge Ram? Look for corrosion around the hitch pin holes and the interior of the receiver opening. Determine the Best Car Wax for Your Vehicle, How to Repair Peeling Paint on Steel Garage Doors. Any suggestions. Proper safety precautions such as gloves and material disposal are key. All our hitches are powder coated and our ball mounts are either powder coated or zinc finished (galvanized) to protect them from the elements and prevent rust. This website is owned and operated by Web Team Associates, Inc. Oct 13, 2008 Only show this user I hadn't used my hitch for awhile so it the hitch lock was very rusty. After cutting with the angle grinder, use a hammer to hit the pin until it is out from the other side. Hitch pins can become corroded over time due to exposure to the elements, making them difficult to remove. If you are storing it in your vehicle, we suggest using an accessory bag to protect the vehicle and the ball mount. It's going to take lots of 'elbow grease' but it will come apart. To accomplish so, keep an eye on the ball mount and follow the steps outlined above simultaneously and with the same amount of effort. My friend Chuck told me about a simple method that only requires a screwdriver and hammer. imagelinks2[1]="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheForestryForum?sub_confirmation=1" Allow to sit for approximately ten minutes. Metal Rescue works by utilizing a water-based, safe synthetic molecule that is attracted specifically to iron oxide (i.e. You could also try soaking the entire hitch in. Wham! Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft, clean rag. You must also ensure that you spray the thread areas in addition to the ball nut. One standard anti-rattling device looks like a bolt put into the receiver hitch. Last post: September 21, 2014, 02:16:09 PM. //specify random images below. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. After youve finished spraying, youll need a wrench. Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. A ball mount connects the trailer ball to the receiver hitch. But if you have an existing hitch that's rusted, there are several ways to remove the rust. A bit of borax, baking soda, or salt can provide abrasive action, and you might never have to repurchase a professional remover. How to Remove a Rusted Trailer Hitch Pin? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Use the small paint brush to apply a coat of naval jelly over the rusted area. The appropriate gears are required, and the rest is a piece of cake. Itll be enough if you use your air hammer for 10 to15 seconds. Every day we fix different hitches for our clients. Keep doing 4. This procedure cannot be performed again immediately after the rust is taken off. Coating Your Hitch with a Protective Agent. I let one get a little too much moisture in the keyhole with out regular cleaning. Issue: My locking pin is corroded/froze in the bore. Vehicle Repairs If it still wont move, try heating it and cooling it quickly. Insert a screwdriver into the lock hole and press down to remove the inner mechanism. Have a welder melt out the pin with an oxy acetylene torch. (You won't need a sledge hammer when doing this) All the time keeping a lot of tension on the come-along. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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