how to remove a rusted trailer hitch pin

The Forestry Forum is sponsored in part by: We moved to a redesigned stainless steel pin a few years ago to help with this problem. 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. Sorry to hear about the corroded pin, this does happen when the pin is left in place for a long time, especially in areas where they salt or chemical spray the roads in the winter. //-->. Now you can remove the screw from the lock pin joint and the two parts from both sides. } The hitch ball sits in the ball mount and will see the harshest effects of any weather or friction-related use. If it still wont move, try heating it and cooling it quickly. 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. Take It to the hitch ball on the trailer and start spraying it. Over 200+ free JavaScripts here! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If just the hitch ball needs replacing but its stuck inside the ball mount then youll want to follow a similar strategy to the ball mount. All rights reserved. To remove your rusted trailer hitch ball, you need only these tools available near you, which will be enough to remove it properly. Read more about our Hitch store and services here. Depending on how often you use it, you might not even realize that your hitch ball is missing. Try spraying the areas around the receiver opening with WD-40 and then use a rubber hammer to help knock the ball mount loose. This will render the hitch pin unusable, so it will need to be replaced. Block the vehicle wheels and with the torch, heat up the receiver almost white hot and hit the outside (all four sides) of it with a two pound hammer. It could stay inside as well. Rust is the chemical reaction that occurs when iron, steel or other alloys are exposed to oxygen and air moisture and become corroded. myimages[6]="../../../images/top-banner/EZ-junior.jpg" If you did, please share it with your friends or family members who may also be struggling with this issue. In this situation, using an air hammer to remove it is a fabulous idea. Take the trailer ball hitch off of your vehicle or cover it with a. var ry=Math.floor(Math.random()*myimages2.length) How about freezing it with freon or liquid Nitro and then hitting it with a hammer? */ This procedure cannot be performed again immediately after the rust is taken off. Ok, so the PO of our Sportsmobile had a locking hitch pin in the 2" receiver and he gave me the keys, but they seem to be the wrong set of keys for it. 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. #vanlife). Drill out the pin using a 5/8th drill. 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. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. This is the best way to heat the area of the tow bar assembly where the hitch goes. Apply a little penetrating fluid every day if you arent able to pull your hitch out right away. Follow up by polishing with two coats of carnuba car wax. 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. Why do you need to remove the trailer hitch ball? Remove the hitch mount from the receiver if you can so you dont have to cut the ball off while its attached to your vehicle. } myimages[2]="../../../images/top-banner/BladesFreeShip.jpg" Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. ry=1 Over 200+ free JavaScripts here! If you see a small space to work with, use a reinforced inox cutting wheel size of 4.5 inches. It's easier and won't bend or break anything. myimages[5]="../../../images/top-banner/cookie-mizer.jpg" wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. So besides running our Hitch store here in Poland, we also write the hitch accessories tips and guidelines on this website. So we thought why not create an informational blog for the hitch users from all over the world. 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" You can usually access it from the back side of the hitch. myimages[4]="../../../images/top-banner/ez50-banner.jpg" 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? Heres an easy way to get them out of the hole. Updated: 00/04/25 Ive often seen them under the tow bar, leading up to the receiver tube. First, we wrapped a long strap around a strong tree. Key wouldn't turn. You want your hitch ball to be in the most outstanding possible condition while its connecting thousands of pounds to your tow vehicle. Set the reinforced inox cutting wheel on the angle grinder. When driving down the road, always check to see if your vehicles license plate is visible. For those items that you can't soak, check out our Metal Rescue GEL! var imagelinks2=new Array() Has anyone made removable hitch for WM trailer? After that, when youve finished with the sides, grab the bottom of the trailer hitch receiver and begin hammering. % of people told us that this article helped them. Rinse and repeat if any rust still remains. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. If using a chain or strap, wrap the hitch in a suitable towel. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Determine the Best Car Wax for Your Vehicle, How to Repair Peeling Paint on Steel Garage Doors. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. if youre facing the same problem still, then all you have to do now is keep hammering until you see the trailer hitchs ball mount loosening. Spray the liquid on the ball mount, then spray your hands and respray the nut. Tool Joint is a website dedicated to providing information about fasteners and Joint Tools. var imagelinks=new Array() on Forestry and Logging, Started by Jim_Rogers 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. Add a comment. Spray as much as you believe you need fluidly. Step 3. This website is owned and operated by Web Team Associates, Inc. Keep in mind that when the ball mount is not in use, it is best to remove it. https://youtu.be/8Ik0L0DL-uM?list=PLCkV34WXIYtRfn2cooMnQTdvOsiw-FVcz Use during assembly to prevent galling, corrosion and seizing and to assure easier disassembly. Read More. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. 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 youre having trouble pulling it, start tapping it with your hammer. Common Weigh Safe Hitch Problems and Proven Solutions. You must also ensure that you spray the thread areas in addition to the ball nut. Depending on the brand, a high quality protective spray can last for up to a year and withstand temperature . just another beaver with a chainsaw & it's never so bad that it couldn't get worse. The most likely cause for a stuck trailer hitch is rust between the ball mount and the hitch receiver. Spray the liquid on the ball mount, then spray your hands and respray the nut. Absolutely! You will need a 4.5-inch angle grinder for this project. Its hard to believe how many people dont do this and then say it doesnt work. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye and ear protection, when using an angle grinder. Vehicle Repairs document.write('') When you heat the steel, it will expand, but as it cools, the expansion should stop, and the hitch should come off. Be careful on your backswing so you dont accidentally hit or damage your vehicle. function random_imglink2(){ 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. 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" As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). //-->,