On Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:53:22 -0800, Winston
wrote:

Steve W. wrote:
Winston wrote:
Bought a brand-new hitch ball to replace the dented
and cruddy old junky looking thing.

Whilst tightening it with medium force (using a short
1/2" ratchet without a cheater) I managed to strip
the nut threads (I think). The thing is now stuck in
the bumper and the nut just rotates backwards without
unthreading if I attempt to back it off.

Right now, I'm thinking that I will carve a slot
up the male thread and cleave the nut in two using
an angle grinder and cutting disk.

Better idears, please.

--Winston

Grab a chisel or a cheap screwdriver. Drive it between the bumper and the top section of the ball to see if wedging it
up some you can get a thread to engage so you can back off the nut.

The lock washer is still fully compressed.
There isn't a gap to wedge into. I don't think I lack
for axial force.

Threads, yes. Those I don't have.

If the jack under the ball stud doesn't provide room, leave it there
and use an open end wrench on the nut. Keep the ball from turning with
a pipe wrench if needed. Jack the truck all the way off the wheels if
necessary for getting the nut/ball separation.

--
Energy and persistence alter all things.
--Benjamin Franklin