Wheel Locks..
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC
Wheel Locks..
I bought my final restorer last week, and I've already got the tranny, engine, and interior guted (been productive). Though the vette came with wheel locks (lug nut locks) and the old owner did not have the key anymore.
How the ___ do I get these things off. I dont have a torch.
Thanks
Jayme
How the ___ do I get these things off. I dont have a torch.
Thanks
Jayme
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 2
From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: Wheel Locks.. (downtownj)
Using a socket and pounding it on, sounds like a good idea to me. Suggest you get a 12 point socket, as it may work better than a 6 point one for this purpose.(More points of contact for better grip) Once you get it on, suggest you attach one of those impact drivers, the kind that turn when you hit it with a hammer.(Believe I got mine at Sears, years ago). The combination of the jarring from the hammer and the torque applied at the same time will probably do the trick, just hit it hard with a big, like 3lb. to 5lb. hammer.
I've found this impact driver to be a very valuable tool in removing many hard to remove fasteners in the past.
I've found this impact driver to be a very valuable tool in removing many hard to remove fasteners in the past.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 1
From: Elkhorn WI
Re: Wheel Locks.. (john's '81 mouse)
Using a socket and pounding it on, sounds like a good idea to me. Suggest you get a 12 point socket, as it may work better than a 6 point one for this purpose.(More points of contact for better grip) Once you get it on, suggest you attach one of those impact drivers, the kind that turn when you hit it with a hammer.(Believe I got mine at Sears, years ago). The combination of the jarring from the hammer and the torque applied at the same time will probably do the trick, just hit it hard with a big, like 3lb. to 5lb. hammer. I've found this impact driver to be a very valuable tool in removing many hard to remove fasteners in the past.
otherwise the "find an old socket and slam em" method works too"
:cheers:
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Platinum Supporting Dealership
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,425
Likes: 1
From: Traveling the US
Re: Wheel Locks.. (Cookwithvette)
Two types. The first is a mostly rounded lugnut with some slots around the outside. The key for this lock slides over it and into the slots. Then place the socket over the end of the key.
The other type is a lugnut with a pattern cut into the top. Keys for this have a head on them with matching pattern on the other side.
Clear as mud?
The other type is a lugnut with a pattern cut into the top. Keys for this have a head on them with matching pattern on the other side.
Clear as mud?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 7,226
Likes: 399
From: Northern CA
Re: Wheel Locks.. (downtownj)
Had this happen on an old Camaro I had in the 70's. No puzzle socket for the locks so I took it to a tire shop and the guy smiles... and tells me to stand back and proceeds to attack the locks with an air chisel hooked to a compressor.
Had all four locks off in 15 min.!!! Cut em right in half. :eek:
Then he tells me tire locks are worthless. Pros can get em off in minutes.
Had all four locks off in 15 min.!!! Cut em right in half. :eek:
Then he tells me tire locks are worthless. Pros can get em off in minutes.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Re: Wheel Locks.. (john's '81 mouse)
Using a socket and pounding it on, sounds like a good idea to me. Suggest you get a 12 point socket, as it may work better than a 6 point one for this purpose.(More points of contact for better grip) Once you get it on, suggest you attach one of those impact drivers, the kind that turn when you hit it with a hammer.(Believe I got mine at Sears, years ago). The combination of the jarring from the hammer and the torque applied at the same time will probably do the trick, just hit it hard with a big, like 3lb. to 5lb. hammer.
I've found this impact driver to be a very valuable tool in removing many hard to remove fasteners in the past.
I've found this impact driver to be a very valuable tool in removing many hard to remove fasteners in the past.
Good idea using the hand impact driver. Have one. Have not needed to remove locks, shops do it as I described above w/ old socket & impact wrench. Sometimes it did not work.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Re: Wheel Locks.. (KENS78SILVERANNIV)
Ken
Do you or anyone know it if the air chisel works w/ McGard?
NOTE The vise grips should not work w/ properly tightened McGard locks.
Do you or anyone know it if the air chisel works w/ McGard?
NOTE The vise grips should not work w/ properly tightened McGard locks.