Cutting down wheel studs

[smittys69]

I have to purchase new wheel studs due to the thickness of my wheels. My current studs are 7/16" with a 0.550" knurl diameter and overall length about 1 3/4". I need to go about 1/4" to 3/8" longer. The only thing I can find in a longer stud with a similar size knurl is 2 7/8" long. Has anyone tried cutting down their wheel studs to allow the chrome lugnuts to work? If so, are there any tricks or things I need to consider before jumping into this (i.e. run a die down on the threads before cutting, etc). Also, what would be the best method to cut? Would a cut off wheel work or would that generate too much heat and reduce the strength of the stud? I don't know that 1/2" studs would be an option? Thanks in advance.

[Rocko71]

I have to do the exact same thing to my car. I'm just gonna put the new studs on, and run an open 7/16 lug nut down, then trim it with a cutoff wheel. I dont see that this would cause a problem, but I guess I'll find out. I am planning on doing it this weekend, so I could let you know how it works out, if you want. I have to make the holes where the studs are pressed into the front rotor a little larger diameter, too. I couldnt find the same size knurl. I'm glad someone else is doing this too, I thought I was losing my mind. I had never heard of having to get longer studs just because of wheel thickness, but mine only catches a couple threads as is. let me know if you want me to post how it goes. I can do pics, too, if you want.

[MrQuick]

yeah, run a nut down it then cut. you can also bottle nose the tip for easy starts. after you cut it back the nut off and wire wheel the end of the threads.

[David Pozzi]

70's corvettes use longer 7/16" studs.
A 12mm metric stud from a 4th gen camaro is a good option, it is stronger since it's nearly 1/2". The axle holes need to be drilled out though.

[Northern Goat]

I just cut mine last night. I marked the length, cut them with a cut off wheel and ground the ends flat. After cutting I ran a die over the studs to ensure that the thread were good and then ran the lugs down by hand to ensure no cross threading. It all worked out OK. Hope this helps.

[derekf]

I put a die on mine threaded most of the way to the knurl before I started cutting - that way I didn't have any problems getting it started.

Cut the stud, run the die back off, bottlenose the tip like Vince suggested - no problem.

[CAMAROBOY69]

I cut mine about 2 years ago. 1/2" studs. No problems. I just ran the nut down like mentioned above then used a cut off wheel on a grinder. Then backed the nut off and bottle nosed like mentioned above.