How can I remove wheels locks without key ???
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 18,401
Likes: 3
From: Retired but working
Cruise-In VI Veteran
There is a socket that you can buy that has cutting threads built into it. Usually works with an air gun, but may work with a rachet. Yoy tap it on and turn them off really works pretty good. I believe Sears (Craftsman) has them.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Carrollton Georgia
I agree with several of the posters on jamming a smaller socket onto the lug. I was at a remote autocross and had a flat in a previous C4. Since I had recently had new tires installed, I found that NTB had kept my lug key. One of the member of my club hammered a socket onto the lug and we were able to remove it. There was no damage but easily could have been.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Mokena Illinois
Thanks for all the help. I found the spot that is supposed to have the key, no luck, I am going to try and find that socket that goes over and bites onto the wheel lock ............. 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Good thread.
Finally found the spot where the key is supposed to be. No key. But then again, no locking wheel nuts.
Are they supposed to be standard or are they an option?
Finally found the spot where the key is supposed to be. No key. But then again, no locking wheel nuts.
Are they supposed to be standard or are they an option?
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 333
Likes: 1
From: Mendota Heights MN
I had the same problem with my Camaro -- misplaced the socket.
I was able to buy a new socket from the dealer. They had a kit that determined the right socket for your particular car, and then just bought the correct one from the parts department. A little pricey, but at least you have the key for the next time.
I was able to buy a new socket from the dealer. They had a kit that determined the right socket for your particular car, and then just bought the correct one from the parts department. A little pricey, but at least you have the key for the next time.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 0
From: Columbus OH
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
Good luck getting them off. I had a dealer take mine off on an older car when the key to the locks stripped out. But, if it ever happened again, I would be trying the "hammer the socket on the lug" routine.
also, don't try to torque it off in one sharp pop. Put steady even pressure on the iron, and wait patiently for it to start moving, and go slowly; other wise the tire iron may pop off.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Mokena Illinois
Well I went to local tire dealer and they removed all 4 locks with a socket that has a left handed thread that threads itself on and removes locks. Paint now drying on calipers, can't wait to see finished results............ once again thanks for forum help......... 
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,966
Likes: 5
From: Wichita Falls Tx
Glad things worked out for you. Mind if I keep the thread going a little longer?
Having just returned form the Chevy dealer I bought the car used from, it was determined the locks on my wheels are not factory locks. The "keying" is on the inside of the lock and not on the outside like factory locks.
Is that the type you had? Will I run into more problems trying to remove these VS the factory locks.
I hate the thought of traveling through small towns without having some way to get the wheels off the car.
Having just returned form the Chevy dealer I bought the car used from, it was determined the locks on my wheels are not factory locks. The "keying" is on the inside of the lock and not on the outside like factory locks.
Is that the type you had? Will I run into more problems trying to remove these VS the factory locks.
I hate the thought of traveling through small towns without having some way to get the wheels off the car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 4
From: C.H., N.J.
Wheel Locks
Back in 2001, shortly after I bought my '99 FRC I needed to take off the wheels and found the wrong lug nut key came with the car. I called the guy who sold me the car. He said he'd look in his other Vettes and call back. I didn't hear from him and ended up taking it to a Chevy dealer that had a kit to fit all the locks. I thought about getting a replacement key, but then threw out the lug locks and the wrong key. Even though I've since gone over to Ronal wheels, I still don't want locks on my wheels. In my opinion they're just a waste of time. Oh yeah, I'm still waiting for the original owner to call me with the correct key.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 652
Likes: 0
From: Bellflower CA
This can be used to remove the locks or stuck lug nuts:
http://www.autobarn.net/emlugnutrem.html
BTW, I don't use locking lug nuts. That way I don't have to worry about losing the key or breaking the key.
http://www.autobarn.net/emlugnutrem.html
BTW, I don't use locking lug nuts. That way I don't have to worry about losing the key or breaking the key.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,061
Likes: 266
From: Slower than a speeding bullet................ Fort Lauderdale, FL
Originally Posted by DeeGee
Are they supposed to be standard or are they an option?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Mokena Illinois
My locks were the ones with the keying on the inside, this socket fits over the outside and turns lock off after it bites into the metal. I don't think I will install locks when I get my new c6 wheels later this week. 
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 421
Likes: 5
From: Nashville, TN
Sears Bolt Out
This tool worked for me. Sears Bolt Out. Tapped on with a hammer then the cutting flutes gripped into the metal and turned the locks right off. I had to use one size smaller than you would think to let the cutters get a grip.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00952166000
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00952161000
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00952166000
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00952161000
Last edited by C5 Z16; Jul 10, 2005 at 10:38 PM.
