How to remove locking lug nuts?

[Cory M]

We acquired a 911 and I want to remove the wheels. Unfortunately each wheel has a single locking lugnut. The splined key to remove the nut is not in the car, and the old owner doesn't have it. The wheels are pretty valuable and I don't want to risk damaging them by cutting the nut. Anybody have a source for a replacement key? Any other good ideas?

[Jdub]

I just have to ask: Have you pulled everything out of the trunk and poked around for the lug key? Before you go any further (cold chisel), I would just check one more time to avoid having to work these off.

Sorry not to be of more help. I do believe it is possible to hit a shop with an array of lug keys and see if you can fit one. There is also the destructive method that others will provide who know more than myself.

Finally, tell us about that rear wheel.

[Racerbvd]

Many shops & dealerships have keys, but 1st, spray some lube in opening, to lube it up. Plus, they can be picked, even if it keys aren't for your lock, they will release it if you work at it.

[schumicat]

you buy tool at harbor freight etc. that locks onto the lug and will get it off. it is basically like a stripped bolt extractor for lug nuts.

[Arne2]

Originally Posted by schumicat

you buy tool at harbor freight etc. that locks onto the lug and will get it off. it is basically like a stripped bolt extractor for lug nuts.

+1 on this recommendation. These tools are the best way to remove locks like this w/o damage to the wheels. Most tire shops have such tools, and will do it for a fee.

[bkreigsr]

wow, what are those? 15x11's?
get the right tool from a dealer - don't go Fuch-ing around with half-fast solutions and chinese tools
please
Bill K
make a clay impression and take it to a machinist to have him fab up a 1/2" drive socket?
you're dealing with a lock on each wheel - right?

[dad911]

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

Many shops & dealerships have keys, but 1st, spray some lube in opening, to lube it up. Plus, they can be picked, even if it keys aren't for your lock, they will release it if you work at it.

That doesn't look like a factory lock? Been a while since I've seen one, but as I recall they had a hole in the center, and the cover locked?

Not familiar with the HF tool, but I've had success with the craftsman 'damaged nut' tools, but not on a lugnut.

Craftsman 10 pc. Damaged Bolt/Nut Remover Set, Low Profile Bolt-Out - Tools - Hand Tools - Tap & Dies & Sets

or maybe try this?: Lock Technology 7/8 - 1 12 Fluted Twist Socket - Tools - Ratchets & Sockets - Sockets & Socket Sets

[Rot 911]

This is what you need. Works well and will not hurt your wheel. Used it to remove the locking lug bolts (that look just like your locking lug nuts) on my Boxster. Took less than 5 minutes to remove all four.



Lock Technology 40025 - Locking Lugnut Removal Socket LT-40025 LT40025 LT 40025

[Arne2]

Originally Posted by dad911

That doesn't look like a factory lock? Been a while since I've seen one, but as I recall they had a hole in the center, and the cover locked?

That's the later style factory lock. My car came to me with two sets of locks, both with factory papaerwork, one like this, and one of the early key-lock style.

I sold both sets. I hate wheel locks.

[porschenut]

You can knock those loose with a hammer and a chisel, or even a big flat screwdriver. Put the blade of the screwdriver or chisel in one of the notches in the side, at an angle, and a couple of hammer blows will loosen those right up.

[HawgRyder]

I don't know if they are still available...but there used to be a set of sockets that had little steel pins inside the socket area.
When shoved onto a bolt or nut...the pins would retract where there was a solid surface...and stay in place for the hollows.
So the socket now becomes a multi-size tool...one of those could loosen the lug nut to get it off.
Bob

[schumicat]

yeah i saw that infomercial...home depot still sells those things, I believe. the gator grip or something like that. it looks like it would be good for stripping bolts....

Originally Posted by HawgRyder

I don't know if they are still available...but there used to be a set of sockets that had little steel pins inside the socket area.
When shoved onto a bolt or nut...the pins would retract where there was a solid surface...and stay in place for the hollows.
So the socket now becomes a multi-size tool...one of those could loosen the lug nut to get it off.
Bob

[Cory M]

Thanks for all the info. I think I'll try one of the sockets like the one above. In fact I think I have a similar set of sockets for removing stripped nuts that I have never even used. I know I could cut a slot in it or try to chisel it out but I don't want to risk damaging the wheel so that would have to be a last resort.

[darrin]

a bit off topic, but this thread reinforces my mechanic's comment to me years ago -- "the only person locking lug nuts will deter is you [the car's owner], when you can't find the key and are stuck on the side of the road with a flat."

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

This is what you need. Works well and will not hurt your wheel. Used it to remove the locking lug bolts (that look just like your locking lug nuts) on my Boxster. Took less than 5 minutes to remove all four.



Lock Technology 40025 - Locking Lugnut Removal Socket LT-40025 LT40025 LT 40025

Yep, Sears also sells a version. I bought about ever type, when the lock broke on my Carrera (the hexed head broke just above the acorn).
Tapped that bad boy on and put my 1/2 breaker bar and bang, it came right off

[tomdeg]

When I bought my car, it didn't have the key. I took an impact socket (I think 19mm) and just hammered it on the nut. They came right off. After it is loose, you can rock the socket on the stud to dislodge the nut from the socket.

[mfiazzo]

Agree with Rot 911. I went to Sears and bought a set of them for about 25.00. It is amazing how many times I have used them on everything from wheel lug nuts to an oil plug on my wifes car.

[KTL]

Originally Posted by darrin

a bit off topic, but this thread reinforces my mechanic's comment to me years ago -- "the only person locking lug nuts will deter is you [the car's owner], when you can't find the key and are stuck on the side of the road with a flat."

Nah that's totally on-topic. Your mechanic is right. People who regularly steal wheels know how to get around pesky wheel locks. Wheel locks are a way to waste the consumer's money IMO. They don't deter thieves (capable, seasoned thieves) much at all.

The old trick to get the old 'merican McGard wheel locks off (the ones that are smooth chrome OD and have a cloverleaf pattern in the center) was to hammer a suitable undersized socket over the lug. The socket "press fit" is tight enough to grip the lug and allow you to spin it right off, as if you were using the McGard lock key.

To get the next lug off, you drive out the locking lug that is stuck/pressed in the socket by putting a drift/punch in the tool end of the socket and smack it on the ground, or whack the punch with a hammer. I suspect a "pro" wheel stealer has a handful of sockets ready to go so they don't waste time extracting locking lugs from the socket each time a lug is removed.