please help with locking lug nuts
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Visalia CA
please help with locking lug nuts
Hey guys,
Long story short, the previous owner either never had the key or lost it to the lug nuts on my 80 vette. I realized this about two weeks ago as i prepared to do the brakes.
5 tire shops later and the gm dealership, no one could get me the correct replacement lug nuts or had a master key to remove them......
i ordered some replacements through zip (regular lug nuts for the premium wheels). has anyone removed the locking ones without the key here? I'm going to try slicing a 15/16 socket down the side tonight and hopefully i can hammer it on there and the slice will allow it to expand over the lug.
One place offered to take an air chisel to them but would not guarantee no damage....
any help would be greatly appreciated, i need to get these brakes done so i can move on to other stuff. thanks.
Long story short, the previous owner either never had the key or lost it to the lug nuts on my 80 vette. I realized this about two weeks ago as i prepared to do the brakes.
5 tire shops later and the gm dealership, no one could get me the correct replacement lug nuts or had a master key to remove them......i ordered some replacements through zip (regular lug nuts for the premium wheels). has anyone removed the locking ones without the key here? I'm going to try slicing a 15/16 socket down the side tonight and hopefully i can hammer it on there and the slice will allow it to expand over the lug.
One place offered to take an air chisel to them but would not guarantee no damage....
any help would be greatly appreciated, i need to get these brakes done so i can move on to other stuff. thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I have been able to get some locking lugs off with this handy limited use tool.
It may not work if the lugs are overtightened, but it's cheap and might actually work just fine for you too.
http://www.seenontv.com/prod-pages/gatorgrip.html
It may not work if the lugs are overtightened, but it's cheap and might actually work just fine for you too.
http://www.seenontv.com/prod-pages/gatorgrip.html
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Qtown PA
I just had the same problem on mine. I used a 15/16 socket, sledged it on the lock nut and used the breaker bar to remove them. I used an old pushrod, vice and hammer to remove the 'stuck' lugs from the sockets then.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
That's true. Just about any decent mechanic will have a wheel lock removal tool. No way a technician is going to lose a good paying rake job over not being able to find a wheel lock key. They just hammer on the tool below and the reverse threads cut into the locking lug nut. I doubt if anyone is going to volunteer to do it for you as they have better things to do during the work day, but I'd bet if you toss one of them a twenty spot, he'd get em off for you in a jiffy.
Scott - Where can I buy one or both of those reverse out sockets?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
If you don't have access to a tool truck such as Snap-On, you can always get a 10 piece set at Sears:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...0070515x00001a
I meant to add that the Craftsman brand is not as heavy duty as a Snap-On type, but it should work in a pinch if used correctly. Also, I don't think this tool set is covered under the free warraty replacement policy like many other Craftsman tools. Probably imported and poor grade metal.
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http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...0070515x00001a
I meant to add that the Craftsman brand is not as heavy duty as a Snap-On type, but it should work in a pinch if used correctly. Also, I don't think this tool set is covered under the free warraty replacement policy like many other Craftsman tools. Probably imported and poor grade metal.
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Last edited by sperkins; Sep 18, 2007 at 10:38 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
If you don't have access to a tool truck such as Snap-On, you can always get a 10 piece set at Sears:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...0070515x00001a
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...0070515x00001a
Sweet, thanks buddy.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 12
From: Massapequa Park NY
If you know who manufactured them you may be able to get a replacement key. I lost the key to the McGard locks on my Mustang a couple of years ago. Emailed them a digital pic, paid $10 and 5 days later I had a new key.
Good luck
Jim
Good luck
Jim
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,330
Likes: 786
From: Redondo Beach, California
I'm beginning to suspect that the quality of Sears tools is not what it used to be. Can't really say for sure that's true just a suspicion.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
That's true. Just about any decent mechanic will have a wheel lock removal tool. No way a technician is going to lose a good paying rake job over not being able to find a wheel lock key. They just hammer on the tool below and the reverse threads cut into the locking lug nut. I doubt if anyone is going to volunteer to do it for you as they have better things to do during the work day, but I'd bet if you toss one of them a twenty spot, he'd get em off for you in a jiffy.
