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Old Oct 3, 2004 | 11:54 AM
  #1  
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Default How do I....

remove a locking lugnut that I've lost the key to without permanently damaging the wheel or breaking the stud?

Lost the key to my Gorilla locking lugnuts. Called Gorilla. No joy. Got to have the code key to get a replacement key.

The stock lugnuts are 3/4 inch. Do I buy 3/4 deep well socket, hammer it over the locking lugnut, and then use a breaker bar? Or is 13/16 or 7/8 the right size to use?

Need your experienced help before I REALLY screw something up!!

Thanks!!
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Old Oct 3, 2004 | 05:49 PM
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There are a couple of options - Snap-On tools makes a kit that should remove MOST of the wheel locks.

If you don't want to buy the kit (understandable - how often will you need it?) you might try going to a dealer, or a shop that does a lot of work on wheels and tires - and inquire as to whether they have the aforementioned kit and whether they would be willing to assist you.

You can try a 7/8 or 13/64 socket (whichever is a tighter fit), find another socket like it that you're willing to throw away (chances are it''ll get wrecked), hammer it on (watch your fingers!) and try a breaker bar.

Sorry - that's the best advice I can offer. There was a video clip that one of the Forum member posted here a while back, that I can't seem to locate - maybe someone will chime in with a link to that clip. It showed the second option....... http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_d...re&dir=catalog

Last edited by blacksedan87; Oct 3, 2004 at 05:52 PM.
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Old Oct 3, 2004 | 06:07 PM
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I had mine remove by wheels/tires dealer/installer. They have the tools to remove it. The dealer should have it too.
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Old Oct 3, 2004 | 06:44 PM
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Pep Boys removed mine once on a F-Body and it took no time at all!
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Old Oct 3, 2004 | 06:47 PM
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I'll bet if you took a close-up picture of it (and made it obvious that it belonged to you) that they would be able to find a match for it. I bought two different sets of Gorillas and the keys match! And I wasn't even trying!

Originally Posted by ArmyVette
remove a locking lugnut that I've lost the key to without permanently damaging the wheel or breaking the stud?

Lost the key to my Gorilla locking lugnuts. Called Gorilla. No joy. Got to have the code key to get a replacement key.

The stock lugnuts are 3/4 inch. Do I buy 3/4 deep well socket, hammer it over the locking lugnut, and then use a breaker bar? Or is 13/16 or 7/8 the right size to use?

Need your experienced help before I REALLY screw something up!!

Thanks!!
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2004 | 10:05 PM
  #6  
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I agree that a large tire shop or a dealer should have the tools needed to get the lug off.
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Old Oct 3, 2004 | 10:19 PM
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My neighbor took his car to a Firestone store and they got the locks off in no time at all. They must do it quite a lot.
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Old Oct 4, 2004 | 01:18 AM
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$55 at the dealer to "extract" the locking lug

$25 of better locking nugs

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Goodyear dealership took mine off for $20. No problems
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Old Oct 4, 2004 | 01:34 AM
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Hammer a socket on. Comes off straight away.
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Old Oct 4, 2004 | 08:11 AM
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I don't have the tool to remove the locking lugnut either, but when I got a tire repaired at Goodyear they had no trouble getting the wheel off.
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Old Oct 4, 2004 | 08:33 AM
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Originally Posted by LuS1fer
Hammer a socket on. Comes off straight away.
Which size socket should I hammer over the top of this lugnut? The stock lugnuts are 3/4 inch.
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