Missing wheel lock key.. Help!!
Missing wheel lock key.. Help!! "Someone" lost the key to my lugnuts (only 1 per wheel) Whats a trick to get those things off w/o it? Trying to do this in the driveway w/ no access to a welder. Any ideas? 
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: ontario
the same thing happend to me once, so i drilled it off then put all new studs in with new lugs. mind you it was alot of work and took a while, next time I will just get a nut welded to the lock lug and do it that way.
Depending on the size of the locking lugnut, I use a 12 POINT socket (I still have a 13/16" in my garage somewhere with a locking lugnut still stuck in it) that will just start to sit on the end of the lugnut. I use a 1/2" drive socket with a medium-long 1/2" extension, and pound that sucker onto the lugnut (big hammer, hit it hard, this will also help 'loosen' the lugnut). I can usually get the socket about 3/4" onto the locking lugnut, with the 12 points acting as teeth and digging into the lugnut. I then use a 1/2" breaker bar on the extension and remove the lugnut. Support the breaker bar/extension 'square' to the wheel with your weak hand, so it doesn't twist off sideways. It is abusive to the extension and the socket, but I have reused the same 12 point socket for several instances where I didn't have the lock/key. It has always worked for me. I just put the socket in a vise and pound the lugnut out with a large punch, and move on to next. I usually use a Craftsman normal 12 point, 1/2" drive socket (not deepwell, not thin wall, not impact).
lost mine once, luckily my dad had a set of wheel lock removers designed specifically for f-body and corvette wheel locks(kind of suspicious as he has never owned one...), but anyway takes about 10 seconds per lug nut to get em off with an impact wrench.
i think the set runs about $40, or you could just find someone locally who has a "key"
i think the set runs about $40, or you could just find someone locally who has a "key"
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I use to work at Just tires, and that was the first thing I did, was take my wheel locks off .. really no one steals rims anymore. And they were very poorly made anyway .. But for a long time we did the impact socket technique and beat it on with a BFH, but we got a wheel lock removal kit, you can order them at napa also if you dont have a tool guy coming by all the time.
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sears sells a big reversed thread bolt remover. Comes in a kit I believe. Used it to get the lugs off a long dead firebird. Worked well, but I cant seem to find it to get a part number. I tapped on it a bit and then it turned them right off. The socket trick works well too. Just be prepared to ruin the key and ruin the socket. you don't get too many chances once the outside of the key starts to strip. most likely you wont ruin the socket though. When you get the lug off take a long extension or a steel rod and hammer down through the socket opening to ram the lug out. Then move on to the next one until you get enough keys to throw them in the trash can.
TB
TB
Take your car/VIN with proof of ownership to the dealership and get them to order you a new one.. Solves the problem of having to get them all off as well as tearing up all hell..
Launching!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: WI
Use a socket like mentioned above, easy and cheap. I had the same problem. When I removed the offending lock, I threw out all of the locks and replaced them with standard lugnuts. If someone wants your wheels bad enough there gonna take the whole car, that or THEY will use a socket to remove the locks...
