Okay, but how and why does this work. What is the science?

From what I've read when you heat up the nut from the bottom and drip/hold the candle on top the heat kind of wicks the wax into the threads, the same way that solder/flux wicks when soldering copper.

Just make sure to clean all the wax off when putting the nut back on or it will vibrate loose.

They said that in the video, but what is it about wax in the threads that breaks it free?

That's worth and up vote.

Wax is a lubricant, or at least it can be. Not to be confused with wax for surfboards. My theory is that in liquid form it gets sucked into the threads via wicking action and prevents the binding of rust on rust when trying to turn the nut, but that's just my 2 cents. This probably won't work for nuts that are over-tightened, just ones that are rusted in place,

...or like most things on The Internet, it's complete bullshit.

People lie on the internet?

/I feel dumb because I got sucked into this

Wow, talk about pointless.

Anyone who does any work on cars will have a torch and a can of penetrant. Those work far better and faster than a candle and lighter. Seriously, use the proper tools for the job.

I'm not saying it IS bullshit, it just seems a bit weird I've never heard of it before. There's a point where "with this one weird trick" style videos have to be taken with a skeptical eye. I've been an adult for the entire lifetime of the internet, and with no previous information, I have to wonder if a Bic lighter has enough BTU's to heat up that nut, as the wheel stud and wheel make a decent heat sink.

In reference to your other post, paraffin wax (candle wax) is actually a component in surfboard and ski wax. I just think it's more effective at preventing rust, rather than seeping into it. As it is similar to kerosene, the video might be somewhat correct. I just doubt the Bic lighter part.

Skip to 1:27 to skip the rambles.

It works, but I used a little butane torch when I tried it a while back. I don't see how the lighter was able to get it hot enough to trigger the capillary action.

I could see how someone who was a mechanic might give this as a tip for the average Joe who might not have a torch and wd40 handy.

I have to disagree. Changing tires is probably one of the most mundane things you can do to a car, short of refilling washer fluid or the gas tank. This is something anyone can do, usually because all the tools to do it come with your vehicle. I swap my wheels each winter/summer change and I certainly don't have a torch or penetrant. I do have a lighter and candles, though. Thankfully, I haven't ever hand this problem.

My dad builds cars and he has a million and one different things that you could possibly want, but he doesn't have any of that shit.