I have seen many stripped lug bolts through the years, but there is only one cause. Someone has been using a high speed and high torque air wrench to remove or install them. Lug bolts and nuts are not lubricated and have relatively fine threads. Turning them rapidly causes high heat from friction which causes the fastener to seize. Since the high speed air wrench caused the problem, it also has the power to still get the bolt out and destroy the threads. I'd keep an eye on the tire guy and watch what he uses to install and remove your wheels. Some shops use torque wrenches or torque sticks to install wheels. Unfortunately too many shops still use the biggest gun available. The wheel will never come off, but you better not have a flat. You'll never get the lug bolts out without a 10 foot cheater bar.


Peter

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