Damn Wheel Locks!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: San Jose CA
Damn Wheel Locks!
Finally got around to installing my new CCW's... bought a set of McGard wheel locks from pepboys... was
torqueing it down to 100ft/lbs and the wheel lock key broke! The pattern in the key just shattered! Damn!
Fortunately, I was able to torque it to
100 before it broke... Now I just
want that damned lock off my car... I don't plan on using wheel locks anymore... Gonna take the car to a
wheel shop tommorrow and see if they can remove the lock. Otherwise, i'll have to order another key from mcgard
just so I can remove that one lock...
The wheels look good though... I might post pics later...ty
=========================
Here are some pics... the car's a little dirty... will detail next weekend..
torqueing it down to 100ft/lbs and the wheel lock key broke! The pattern in the key just shattered! Damn!
Fortunately, I was able to torque it to
100 before it broke... Now I just
want that damned lock off my car... I don't plan on using wheel locks anymore... Gonna take the car to a
wheel shop tommorrow and see if they can remove the lock. Otherwise, i'll have to order another key from mcgard
just so I can remove that one lock...
The wheels look good though... I might post pics later...ty
=========================
Here are some pics... the car's a little dirty... will detail next weekend..
Last edited by VlackBette; May 15, 2005 at 11:45 PM. Reason: Added pics
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,808
Likes: 1
From: Sierra Foothills California
When I last had the wheels off my car I opted to do away with the stock GM wheel locks. I still had the four original lug nuts which I installed. The theives (and tire shop) have tools that will circumvent the keyed lug nuts anyway. If they want your wheels, they'll get 'em. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,103
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From: Tacoma WA your Junk Yard Dogg
i always just snug the locks to about 50lbs or so on any customers cars....makes em a lil easier to remove when the key is lost also..... another tip is to put lock on last and remove first when working on the wheels
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, OH
I have McGard locking lugs also. I tried to take the damn things off yesterday. They gave me a fit! I only got 3 of the 4 off and rounded the key off trying to get the last one. 
Luckily the previous owner left the lock/key identification number with the car. I'll have to order a new key ($10) to get them off. Once they're off they are staying off!
Luckily the previous owner left the lock/key identification number with the car. I'll have to order a new key ($10) to get them off. Once they're off they are staying off!
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Hope the shop can get the lock off without damaging the wheel. I might just wait for McGard to send you a replacement key. Less chance of damage that way.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
My 04 Z06 did not come with wheel locks and I am glad. When I ordered the car, I told the dealer that if the locks were not installed when the car was delivered, then just leave them in the glove box.
Luckily, GM quit putting them on by then.
I had wheel locks on my SS Camaro and was always afraid to torque them same as the other lugs. I would rather have all the lugs the same, so I can torque them all correctly, and let the thieves do whatever they are going to do anyway.
Luckily, GM quit putting them on by then.
I had wheel locks on my SS Camaro and was always afraid to torque them same as the other lugs. I would rather have all the lugs the same, so I can torque them all correctly, and let the thieves do whatever they are going to do anyway.
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Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Northeast Pa.
Originally Posted by VlackBette
Finally got around to installing my new CCW's... bought a set of McGard wheel locks from pepboys... was
torqueing it down to 100ft/lbs and the wheel lock key broke! The pattern in the key just shattered! Damn!
Fortunately, I was able to torque it to
100 before it broke... Now I just
want that damned lock off my car... I don't plan on using wheel locks anymore... Gonna take the car to a
wheel shop tommorrow and see if they can remove the lock. Otherwise, i'll have to order another key from mcgard
just so I can remove that one lock...
The wheels look good though... I might post pics later...
torqueing it down to 100ft/lbs and the wheel lock key broke! The pattern in the key just shattered! Damn!
Fortunately, I was able to torque it to
100 before it broke... Now I just
want that damned lock off my car... I don't plan on using wheel locks anymore... Gonna take the car to a
wheel shop tommorrow and see if they can remove the lock. Otherwise, i'll have to order another key from mcgard
just so I can remove that one lock...
The wheels look good though... I might post pics later...
if you leave them on, a little trick I learned is to take a permanent marker and write the key number on the key. At least then if you break the key you will have the number to replace it right at hand.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 131
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From: San Jose CA
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
I might just wait for McGard to send you a replacement key. Less chance of damage that way.
just to get 'em off
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Vancouver
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Locks don't do much good. That's why I opted for no locks. If they want my wheels I don't want them damaging the car to get them off. 
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
My recollection is fuzzy but I believe recall a tire guy at Costco just jamming or hammering (maybe whalin' on it) 
in a smaller than lock-size impact socket over a lock then using the impact wrench to turn it out. Worked real easy enough.
Lets see, say ya' got $100 deductible Comprehensive. Say locks cost $25 but you don't use 'em and you loose your wheels. Seems to me it'll only cost ya' $75 + the price of locks if you'd bought 'em to replace your wheels. That's not too bad for the 1st time. But once stolen I might then invest in locks since they know where my car is.
Good luck!
..rickko..
in a smaller than lock-size impact socket over a lock then using the impact wrench to turn it out. Worked real easy enough.Lets see, say ya' got $100 deductible Comprehensive. Say locks cost $25 but you don't use 'em and you loose your wheels. Seems to me it'll only cost ya' $75 + the price of locks if you'd bought 'em to replace your wheels. That's not too bad for the 1st time. But once stolen I might then invest in locks since they know where my car is.
Good luck!
..rickko..
