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there is an old trick... buy a very cheap set of sockets, the cheaper the better.. find a socket that is slightly smaller than your lock nut..grinding out the lead in ( opening ... top of the socket ) to get it set squarely on the key nut.. then use a hammer to bang it on. make sure its a thin wall socket... once you hammer it on insert the 3/8th drive with your ratchet or breaker bar and it will come off.
there is an old trick... buy a very cheap set of sockets, the cheaper the better.. find a socket that is slightly smaller than your lock nut..grinding out the lead in ( opening ... top of the socket ) to get it set squarely on the key nut.. then use a hammer to bang it on. make sure its a thin wall socket... once you hammer it on insert the 3/8th drive with your ratchet or breaker bar and it will come off.
I've done this before and it works, but you have be careful not to scratch rims. This also means you are getting a new set or sets of locks.
If you wish to replace the original key you can try contacting Amcor Wheel Locks.
I sent them a pic of the lock pattern and they were able to match it and send me a replacement.
During my research at the time it was either a McGard or Amcor lock, tuned out to be Amcor on my 01.
there is an old trick... buy a very cheap set of sockets, the cheaper the better.. find a socket that is slightly smaller than your lock nut..grinding out the lead in ( opening ... top of the socket ) to get it set squarely on the key nut.. then use a hammer to bang it on. make sure its a thin wall socket... once you hammer it on insert the 3/8th drive with your ratchet or breaker bar and it will come off.
This. It worked for me when I got my car and didn't get the lug key with it . I replaced the locks with a regular lug nut...
there is an old trick... buy a very cheap set of sockets, the cheaper the better.. find a socket that is slightly smaller than your lock nut..grinding out the lead in ( opening ... top of the socket ) to get it set squarely on the key nut.. then use a hammer to bang it on. make sure its a thin wall socket... once you hammer it on insert the 3/8th drive with your ratchet or breaker bar and it will come off.
This trick works. I have found that if you use an IMPACT 6 Point socket, you can get the nuts off and not destroy the socket. A 6 point grabs the nut better and an impact socket will not break or split allowing multiple uses. Once the nut is off, place the socket on a vice and drive the nut out using a drift punch or something similar, it will be in the socket tight !
Had to do this on my GTO to all 4 tires. I broke 3 sockets, and a custom rim shop broke 7 others finally getting them all off and replacing with ordinary ones. Rim theft isnt very prominent these days, at least around here. I will not have locking lug nuts UNLESS I owned rims upwards of $3000.
The 6-point impact socket worked like a charm. Took a 3/4" pounded it on, and it broke loose easily with a long handled ratchet. In fact, the whole procedure was so quick and easy that thieves must laugh when they see these kind of locking nuts on wheels.
My C4 had a different system that would probably be harder to defeat.
ANYWAY, THANKS A MILLION FOLKS FOR THE ADVICE !! THIS BOARD SAVED ME AGAIN !!
The 6-point impact socket worked like a charm. Took a 3/4" pounded it on, and it broke loose easily with a long handled ratchet. In fact, the whole procedure was so quick and easy that thieves must laugh when they see these kind of locking nuts on wheels.
My C4 had a different system that would probably be harder to defeat.
ANYWAY, THANKS A MILLION FOLKS FOR THE ADVICE !! THIS BOARD SAVED ME AGAIN !!
Now that you are aware that the locking lugnuts doesn't stop thieves, just do what GM did with the '04s. Use GM chrome lugnuts for the C5 without the cheap looking plastic covers.
I like the ones which came on my '04. No key to lose.
Get a 12 point impact socket that is just a little to small, get a sledge hammer, and hammer the thing for about 5 minutes until you get it on as far as it will go. Then put an impact wrench on it and blast it off.
Other option, if you're a really good welder, weld a smaller allen nut to it (if you can protect the wheels).
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