Locking lug nut removal?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,220
Likes: 17
From: San Diego California
Locking lug nut removal?
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?
By the way, how do you guys feel about locking lugs overall?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 40
From: Orangevale California
St. Jude Donor '10
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.
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.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Machesney Park Illinois
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,808
Likes: 1
From: Sierra Foothills California
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.
If someone really wants your wheels they'll have the same tool you bought at Sears.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,383
Likes: 6
From: hagerstown md
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
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?
By the way, how do you guys feel about locking lugs overall?
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: LEBANON PA.
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
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
Maybe on an old tractor.
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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.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 346
Likes: 1
From: Austin, Taxes
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.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,220
Likes: 17
From: San Diego California
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?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Los Angeles California
Burning Brakes
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From: Fayetteville AR
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Middletown CT
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
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.
