Remove a rusted trailer hitch with penetrating fluid and an air chisel, not a sledgehammer. It’s easier and won’t bend or break anything.

Remove a rusted ball mount
When the ball mount on your trailer hitch is rusted in place, don’t whack at it with a sledgehammer. Here’s what to do instead. Buy a can of CRC Freeze Off penetrating spray and an air chisel fitted with a “hammer bit.” The air chisel will run about $15 and the extra bit will be about $8. Spray the opening to the hitch receiver. This newest style of penetrating fluid chills the metal, causing it to contract to help break the rust seal. Then use an air chisel fitted with a hammer bit to knock everything loose. The air hammer will break up the rust, spread the penetrant and free up the ball mount. Once it’s free, just tap the rusted ball mount out with a hammer. If you plan to reuse the rusty mount, coat it with a rust converter or waterproof marine grease.
Polished:To remove a rusted trailer hitch or ball mount, using a sledgehammer is not recommended due to the potential for bending or breaking the hitch. Instead, the use of penetrating fluid and an air chisel can be a more effective and safer method. A can of CRC Freeze Off penetrating spray, along with an air chisel fitted with a “hammer bit” (costing approximately $15 and $8, respectively), can be used. To begin, apply the penetrating spray to the opening of the hitch receiver. This type of fluid causes the metal to contract, which aids in breaking the rust seal. Next, use the air chisel with the hammer bit to loosen the rust and spread the penetrant, ultimately freeing the ball mount. Once it is free, the rusted ball mount can be removed by tapping it out with a hammer. If the rusty mount is to be reused, it is recommended to coat it with a rust converter or waterproof marine grease.
Tools and Materials Required for this Project
To ensure efficiency and minimize frustration, it is recommended to prepare all necessary tools and materials before starting the DIY project.
Tools:
Air compressor
Hammer
Air chisel
Hammer bit
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The article provided some helpful information on how to inspect the hitch ball for wear and damage. This is an important step to ensure the hitch ball is in good condition.
The article provided some helpful tips on how to remove a hitch ball that is stuck or rusted. This can be a difficult task, but the article made it seem much more manageable.
I found the section on using the right tools to be particularly helpful. It’s important to have the right tools to ensure you can remove the hitch ball safely and effectively.
The article provided some helpful information on how to properly store the hitch ball after removing it. This can help keep it in good condition for future use.
I found the section on how to properly dispose of the old hitch ball to be particularly helpful. It’s important to dispose of it properly to ensure the environment is protected.
I appreciated the step-by-step instructions in the article. They made the process of removing the hitch ball much easier to understand.
This article was very informative and provided some great tips on how to safely remove a trailer hitch ball.
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I appreciated the emphasis on safety in the article. Removing a hitch ball can be dangerous, and the article provided some great tips on how to do it safely.
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As someone who has struggled to remove a hitch ball in the past, this article was incredibly helpful. It provided some great tips that made the process much easier.