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removing lug nut lock without key???

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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 11:03 AM
  #1  
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Default removing lug nut lock without key???

So I am trying to get the wheels off that came with my 72 coupe... and I do not have a key for the locking one. Tried a vise grip on it with a breaker bar and it won't hold.... anyone have any ideas... or suggestions... I know I am not the first in this situation...

thanks so much and Merry Christmas!

Sully
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 11:23 AM
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A local tire store will have the tools to get that off.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....&group_ID=1652

Last edited by Paul L; Dec 23, 2007 at 11:26 AM.
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 11:38 AM
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Had the same problem on a different car. Tried everything. Took it to the local Les Schwab store (large tire chain in the Northwest) and they basically hammered an impactr socket on it and got it off with a pneumatic impact rachet! Even THEY didnt have a key to fit the lug..

Good luck!
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 11:39 AM
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air chisel with lots of padding of rags. Go slow hit key at angle and it will loosen.
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 11:46 AM
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Originally Posted by MakoShark72
Had the same problem on a different car. Tried everything. Took it to the local Les Schwab store (large tire chain in the Northwest) and they basically hammered an impactr socket on it and got it off with a pneumatic impact rachet! Even THEY didnt have a key to fit the lug..

Good luck!
Hey Mako! I got my car back yesterday with the new pretty front clip installed... today I am cleaning, detailing, and painting the engine bay and then hopefully installing the new dewitts radiator! I am so glad to have my car back. When does the paint go onto yours?

Merry Xmas,

Sully
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 12:13 PM
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take a 12 point socket and hammer it on 1/2 inch drive[craftsman ] sockets work best smack it hard then try to loosen if it spins hit it on again ,keep trying it will come off , they made a tool for these as everyone seems to lose the lock or they break, good luck
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 12:30 PM
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If you have a welder just weld a nut on the end of it and take it off with a wrench.

Greg.
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 12:32 PM
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Driving a socket on works good...Discount Tire uses that method on customer cars...
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 12:39 PM
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Faucet wrench....
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 12:49 PM
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Default Socket

Lot's of good ideas. The socket method worked for me.
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 12:53 PM
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Originally Posted by greg454
If you have a welder just weld a nut on the end of it and take it off with a wrench.

Greg.
Originally Posted by babylonvette
take a 12 point socket and hammer it on 1/2 inch drive[craftsman ] sockets work best smack it hard then try to loosen if it spins hit it on again ,keep trying it will come off , they made a tool for these as everyone seems to lose the lock or they break, good luck
These work over and over
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 12:53 PM
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I removed all sorts of things with one of those Gator Grip sockets. Not sure how big they go (I think mine goes up to 1" or so).
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 02:17 PM
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Sears has a kit made for this. Works with 1/2 breaker bar or impact wrench. Works very well, I know.
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 06:36 PM
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Originally Posted by rihwoods
Driving a socket on works good...Discount Tire uses that method on customer cars...
then...they go to work on the "lock" lug
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 07:01 PM
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Had it happen to me when I lost the key. I was lucky and was able to use the vise grip idea. Later I found the key under the hood.
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 08:51 PM
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sorry guys no welder here... not in my little garage... maybe someday... took a 23mm socket and hammered it on... air gun took it right off... but then couldn't get it out of the socket...so I only got one off until that is fixed...thanks for all the options! Made a lot of progress on the 72 today.

Sully
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 09:09 PM
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Guess we should have told you once you hammer it on, it does not come off. Just but 3 more of the same size sockets....
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