Sometimes when replacing an alternator, water pump, thermostat, etc. you will run into a stud. A stud is threaded on both ends; one end threads into the engine block, transmission housing, etc. and the other end usually passes through the part to be secured and is capped off by a nut.

Some studs have a small hex head or inverted Torx which can be used to install or remove the stud once the part is removed. As is often the case with a 10-year-old car, corrosion has taken its toll and the stud is always way more than finger tight and can be very difficult to remove even with this hex or inverted Torx. A trick used by mechanics since the dawn of the stud and nut is to butt two nuts up against one another and use them to remove the stud.

 

You simply use a couple of wrenches to tighten the nuts against one another and then tighten or loosen as necessary, depending on which way you’re going. If you’re removing the stud, put your wrench on the nut nearest the engine block. If you’re installing the stud, put your wrench on the nut on the side away from the engine block.

 

When you’re finished simply use the wrenches to spin the nuts apart and finish the job.

 

Let me know if this helped you! If you have any suggestions for Tech Tip Tuesdays, tech articles, or other ideas, comment below or shoot me an email in the “Contact Me” section. God bless!