SDLS1Rider

Well, one of my worst nightmares happened. What would I do if I ever lost the lock lug key (OEM GM part)? Luckily I discovered it was gone when I was about to bleed the brakes in my garage. After a quick search on the internet I ran down to Sears and bought a locking lug removal socket thing a ma jingy. The first two came right off. The grooved socket just bit right into the locking lugs and they turned and came. I replaced them with some old standard lugs I have. But the remaining two refused to take the bite. I just couldn't get a grip on them. I even tried hammering them on. So anyone have any suggestions?

By the way, how do you guys feel about locking lugs overall?

Mr.Bill

Did you look in the car in the locking lugnut cubby?

flynbyu2

My car stays in my garage 99% of the time and all I have are stock Z06 wheels. Not too worried...besides, I have insurance.

As far as getting the old ones off, have you tried to 'hammer' the socket onto the lugs? It should help the socket get the necessary bite.

If not, you might try a Les Schwab tire store. They removed a set from my son's 4Runner for about $40 and it took them all of about 10 minutes.

onevettenut

I don't get to wound up about the locking lugs, most bad guys steel the hole car and then take the wheels and everything else off. As far as the locks that are stuck, I got a removal socket from my Snap On dealer. It will remove any lock. It is a lot better that the Sears unit. The very worst lock I removed involved applying heat to the lock,pounding on the lock tool and crank. Hope this helps.

Vettman 1

I installed the stock lug nuts and stored the locking ones and "key" with the front plate surround If someone really wants your wheels they'll have the same tool you bought at Sears.

C5XTASY

All you really have to do is pound a socket onto the locking lug and remove it. It's the same thing a thief would do.
Ed

SDLS1Rider

Yeah, first place I looked. That's when I knew I was in trouble.

sneakelman

If you can't get them to bite hammering them on(and really nail them good when you hammer them) you can take a dremmel and carefully score a couple grooves so the socket can get a better grip.

robsc501

Hi There;
One of my buddies had the same problem. He had trouble with one as you are. I used a hand held propane touch. That did the trick. That nut was corroded fast.Had to use a longer breaker bar.
robsc501

rebelheart

Pretty much any tire store has tools for this issue,some will even remove them free for you!

Indy

Propane torch on a nice rim........ Maybe on an old tractor.

Vetteman Jack

Some hammer a socket onto the lug and then remove them that way. If you tried that and it didn't work, take it to a good tire shop and they can usually get them off for you.

mschamberger

That's your WORST nightmare? You lead a charmed life, my friend.

oh1vette

You can actullay get a replacement from the lock manufacturer...mine was Amcor (734-266-6939) and they matched the pattern by a pic i sent them....

Sinking

12 point socket and a big hammer. Make sure it is a socket you dont care about or a Craftsman that you can bring back if it cracks. I have had to do this on at least three of my cars and several friends. I guess if I open up that part of my memory I have sealed up I also did it when I was working in a tire shop.

SDLS1Rider

The locking lug nut key is the next to last thing you want to misplace. I'm usually extra careful about keeping track of it and putting it back. I did take all the wheels off last month for a cleaning. So I had to have it then. I'm just wondering where I put the damn thing?

SCM_Crash

The what? Where is this? I never saw this! My lock was in the center console when I got the car.

JEEP/C5

Look in your trunk and open up the center and left compartment lids and you will see a little grove in the divider between them that is just big enough for the key.

Greg_E

If his Z06 is like my FRC, there is no left cover. You have to lift the carpet up, and it is under there.

Choreo

Well... the easiest way to get them off is to just leave the car parked out front overnight and let the thieves do the heavy lifting part - trust me, THEY will get them off.

Sounds like you have the GM locks which are pretty easy to remove without the key following one of the instructions in the previous posts. If you want some locks that will take it to the next level and cannot be removed by just tapping a socket or extractor... check out the Gorilla Guard Locks http://www.gorilla-auto.com/gorilla.guard.locks.