Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for removing barrel nuts used for securing a plurality of studs to a turbine blade. Each stud is individually coupled to a respective barrel nut such that each barrel nut is anchored to a root end of the turbine blade. The barrel nut is heated to a predetermined temperature using a controller and a thermocouple. An adhesion between the barrel nut and the turbine blade is overcome and the barrel nut is extracted from the turbine blade. The barrel nut is removed from the turbine blade by connecting an extractor assembly or barrel nut removal device. This is accomplished from an interior surface of a root end of the turbine blade such that this method allows one to remove and replace barrel nuts while the turbine blade remains attached to the hub.