Lost my lug nut socket...help
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 23
From: Newton, Wisconsin
Lost my lug nut socket...help
I can not find my socket adapter for the OEM locking lug nut. I last changed a tire 3 years ago and the socket adapter is no where to be found. The owners manual says that the code is not tied to the VIN, but my parts book only shows 1 part number. How many different OEM sockets were there? Can I get a replacement? My local shop says they can get them off to put new tires on, but I'm afraid to ask them how they will do it. I'm sure it won't be pretty though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,131
Likes: 12
From: Houston Tx
what kind of key is it. Does it go around the outside of the lug or does it go in the middle of the lug? If it goes on the outside of the lug all you really need to do is find a socket about the same size as the log and hammer it on the key. It will destroy the key lug but it should be able to come off. Then you'll have to go buy new keys. If its the one like a clover inside of the key lug, then im not sure how to get those off yet. If not im sure discount can do it for you, but they will prob charge!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,383
Likes: 6
From: hagerstown md
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
If you cannot find your key, go to Sears and get the proper size(19mm for our cars) Bolt-out socket. They are a reverse thread design that grabs the nut tighter as you turn the socket. Doesn't matter if its an outer edge key, or an inner/center key design. Guarenteed to get that nut off! 
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 4
From: MI
Sorry to hear about your problem. I cant really give any advice, but I have always wondered what happened if you lost the Key.
I have recently bought a new truck that the previous owner had 20" inch rims with locks put on. When I had a flat tire the other week I thought I was going to be screwed getting the locks off, but I did find the Key in the glove box. I just got screwed by not having the jack in the truck and having a flat spare tire. Ha
I have recently bought a new truck that the previous owner had 20" inch rims with locks put on. When I had a flat tire the other week I thought I was going to be screwed getting the locks off, but I did find the Key in the glove box. I just got screwed by not having the jack in the truck and having a flat spare tire. Ha
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 613
Likes: 1
From: Salt Lake City Utah
follow advise from the 2nd and 3rd post. I had this happen before on my truck and was easily able to get them off by hammering on a socket that was close. If torqued properly they aren't that tight and should break free quickly.
John
John
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,753
Likes: 167
From: Youngsville North Carolina
I had same problem, my 01 coupe didn't come w/ one. I got a replacement from Amcor. They identified the pattern from pics I sent. Another possibility is McGard, but mine weren't made by them.
If you do got thru Amcor, tell Rebecca I said Hi...
Amcor phone: 734-266-6939
If you do got thru Amcor, tell Rebecca I said Hi...
Amcor phone: 734-266-6939
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 4
From: Warrenville Il
If i'm not mistaken with miscellaneous other paperwork that was in with my owners manual. There was a small piece of paper, yellow I believe from the lock manufacturer with information on what style or part number of locking lug nut your vette came equipped with. It also had information for ordering a replacement. Might want to check in your owners manual for something like this, or with paperwork that originally came with yours. I'll try and locate this tonight to give you some more info. I'm fairly certain these were orignal equipment locking lugs from the factory, even though I bought my vette used.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 23
From: Newton, Wisconsin
Thanks guys for the information. I will check to see if the paper work is in my manual but I didn't see it yesterday when looking for information. I would be interested in what ever additional info you have Mgred99. If there was only one pattern used I would just order another. OH1vette your AMCOR suggestion might work also. But I will go to Sears this afternoon and get the 19 mm bolt out socket as a last resort. Again thanks!
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,753
Likes: 167
From: Youngsville North Carolina
Good luck, from my understanding the factory used locks either from McGard or Amcor, I tried Mcgard 1st but they sent me to Amcor based on the pattern. I also understand there were multiple patterns used. I went the Amcor route because I was afraid of my wheels getting messed up by trying to force it, but then again it wasn't an immeadiate need to get the wheels off .....MG Red 99 is correct, a card should of been with your paperwork, mine wasn't, but Amcor sent me one with the replacement key. Did you check your glovebox, there might be a sticker on the door too...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 23
From: Newton, Wisconsin
I talked with Gene Culley and he said there is no way to get the GM replacement without the previously mentioned code, so I'm SOL. I also talked with my local tire shop. He said he's done this before and has the 19mm bolt extractor and if that fails they use an impact socket. Guess it's not the end of the world. Now if it would only stop snowing so I can get'er done. Thanks again!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
If you are SOL, the tire shop can get them off. Depending on what method they use, it may destroy the lug nut though. I would ditch the locking one and just use regular lug nut as the replacement.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,131
Likes: 12
From: Houston Tx
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,753
Likes: 167
From: Youngsville North Carolina
I'm pretty much a freshman here so I hate to disagree with Gene cause I know he's very knowledgeable, but I just did what I described above and did get the replacement lock and card....Call Amcor, ask for Rebecca. Here's a copy of my email from them:
Original Message -----
From: Wheel, Amcor Locking
To: Mike Bauchkey
Cc: michael.bauchkey@revlon.com
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 11:26 AM
Subject: RE: Missing Wheel Key
Good morning,
We have identified your nut as a Z7. Pls reference this when you call to place the order.
Rebecca
734-266-6939
Original Message -----
From: Wheel, Amcor Locking
To: Mike Bauchkey
Cc: michael.bauchkey@revlon.com
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 11:26 AM
Subject: RE: Missing Wheel Key
Good morning,
We have identified your nut as a Z7. Pls reference this when you call to place the order.
Rebecca
734-266-6939
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,037
Likes: 9,801
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Bill
.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 2
From: Keystone, I.T.
When I bought my '02 vert 4 years ago it didn't have the key. I was able to find a tire and wheel shop in Tulsa (Geno's) that had a set of the keys. I spent about 10 minutes going through the box and trying various keys till I found the right one. Took the locking lug nuts off and never put them back on. I think I got lucky with this problem.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 23
From: Newton, Wisconsin
I thought about taking a clay impression to get the exact pattern and a replacement key. If I was going to need the lugs in the future that would be the best route. I will not be using the OEM locks when done so it's no big deal if they destroy the lug nut. Unfortunately I live 150 miles from a city of any size where a dealer may have a set of master keys and wouldn't dare to drive it that far with bad rear rubber.
I didn't get the paper work for the locking lug and can't believe I didn't put the key back where it belongs.I might have put it with some extra spare parts that went when I sold my '99 by mistake. I'll tear the garage apart this weekend for one last final search.
I have several friends with C5's but I think the possibility of a match is slim.
I'll be using chrome acorn nuts when the wheels go back on so it's no big deal. I do have the paper work for that key. Hopefully there will be no damage.
Thanks for the information.
I didn't get the paper work for the locking lug and can't believe I didn't put the key back where it belongs.I might have put it with some extra spare parts that went when I sold my '99 by mistake. I'll tear the garage apart this weekend for one last final search.
I have several friends with C5's but I think the possibility of a match is slim.
I'll be using chrome acorn nuts when the wheels go back on so it's no big deal. I do have the paper work for that key. Hopefully there will be no damage.
Thanks for the information.