lugs in elect box

[Ray Adams]

I have a 100 amp shut off box for my garage tried to use but the main lugs are galled they used alum wire. so I cut the wire off is there anything I can use to get the screw lugs out thanks. Ray retired trying to use if I can Ray

 

[Bib Overalls]

This post really belongs on the Lighting and Electrical forum. You will get more responses over there.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=30

 

[sberry]

Spray a little weasel pee on them for a while, it tends to work on some alum. Some lube on them BEFORE tightening would have solved the issue but they can pretty much be ruined once seized.

 

[rockwithjason]

depending on the style you may be able to replace the lug only. pics would help

 

[alfredeneuman]

Ray,

Just replace the lugs. They're cheap insurance to some potentially costly failures.
It's like an ounce of prevention vs a pound of cure.

Once the threads become galled there won't be any way to properly re-torque the lugs.

 

[Aceman]

I agree with the others just replace the lug. I wouldn't mess with lubricants,etc since it's galled up. If it's the type of lug that has the screw behind the wire holding the lug on, just drill out the galled up set screw until the wire is released. Then you'll have access to the screw behind it so you can remove the lug.

 

[sberry]

My take on this is if they are seized so are most of the rest of the screws and by the time a guy figures out how to r&r the lugs, buy a couple parts that cost the same as a new box on sale he might as well replace the thing. Probably about 50 difference in cost and someone that doesn't know how to do this probably shouldnt be working on panel chassis anyway.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Unless its a special panel/disconect that would be a pain in the *** to replace Id just buy a new box,they aren't that expensive.

 

[Mustang51js]

I've had luck before pulling one strand out at a time. Once the wire comes loose behind the lug you usually can loosen the screw. It really depends on how corroded it is

 

[wyliesdiesels]

 

[Ray Adams]

Thanks I just got new box. Ray