Locked lug nuts

[Ed Stevens]

Just pulled a 1989 Porsche 911 sunroof coupe out of a barn and it has one locked lug nut on each wheel. No key available.
Any suggestions how to remove the lochs?

[85-911-Targa]

Originally Posted by Ed Stevens

Just pulled a 1989 Porsche 911 sunroof coupe out of a barn and it has one locked lug nut on each wheel. No key available.
Any suggestions how to remove the lochs?

No suggestion, but that sounds like a great barn find!

[Marc Bixen]

Slide hammer. All 4 in 1-2 minutes! Early "Key" style are easy.

[Zoli]

Porsche dealer has keys for original wheel locks. It's in a case, probably around 24 different ones. They took mine off from my 1987.

[Bill Douglas]

No key available

So it's not in the glove box, the tool kit or hidden in the smugglers box (steering shaft access)?

[john walker's workshop]

Chisel bit in an air hammer gets most of them. Sometimes a big socket hammered on tight. Sometimes the top breaks off and leaves the bottom, then a 3/4" deep hole saw finishes the job. Several different types out there.

[cabmandone]

I tried to post a link but it was crazy long. They make universal tools to remove locking lug nuts. Harbor freight sells a kit or you can find them on Amazon.

[dannobee]

^^^^ This ^^^^

The universal tool is used with a 1/2" drive impact wrench. Spin it fast enough to break through the chrome or beauty finish, then it bites in. Then carefully hit it further on with a hammer and drift, then spin it off with the impact wrench. Sometimes they'll even come off at the "breaking through" stage.

[stormin48061]

if you know a machine shop, they can take an impression of the pattern with modelling clay and then cut you a socket. That's how I got mine off back in the day of a lost key.

[Superman]

I think this would be kinda fun, in a twisted sort of way. I think I would cut a notch in a corner/side of the nut and use an air hammer with a chisel bit to rotate the nut counterclockwise. I'd be surprised if this didn't work like a charm.

[dannobee]

The air hammer trick might work, but if you slip, it'll leave a big nasty mark in the wheel. How much do you trust your aim and steady hand with the air hammer?

[john walker's workshop]

Never nicked a wheel. You use it gingerly, not full blast.

[Superman]

It was John himself who introduced me to the magic of removing fasteners with an air hammer. Works great on stuff like ball joint nuts you will not re-use. Saves wear and tear on the special tool used for tightening.

[dannobee]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

Never nicked a wheel. You use it gingerly, not full blast.

I never implied that one of us pros here would nick a wheel, but someone who has never done it before certainly could.

[6Shooter]

I've used a 12 point 1/2" socket that's slightly smaller than the locking lugnut OD... Use a decent sized hammer or small sledge to hit the socket onto the locking lugnut and use a 1/2" breaker bar to turn CCW. Use a long bolt or punch to drive the lock out of the socket.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

Never nicked a wheel. You use it gingerly, not full blast.

Originally Posted by dannobee

I never implied that one of us pros here would nick a wheel, but someone who has never done it before certainly could.

Hey! Watch how you use that

[76FJ55]

If it is a factory lock, then it would be a cover that needs to be removed to access the lug. The self biting socket and air hammer will not work for that style. The slide hammer is quick and effective.

If a locking lug that requires a dedicated socket, go for the air hammer or self biting socket and impact.

[john walker's workshop]

On the factory locks with the spinning cover, use an air hammer bit sideways at the upper notch and knock the top off. Easiest one of all to get off. All 4 in 2 minutes.