Removing Locking lug nuts

[owenk]

I have searched the forums and can not find anything on this subject.

Does anyone know how to get locking lug nuts off a car without the key? I have found some rims that I like at wrecking yard but they have locking lug nuts.

Anyone with a back ground in "midnight auto supply" should know but I have stayed away from those kind of folks.

Thanks

[mperdue]

I'd also like to know. I found some nice ZX rims with almost new tires that I can't remove. I guess the whole point of locking nuts is so you can't remove them but is there some trick???

[Ken]

One way is to use a socket wrench that you can tap onto the lock nut and then you will be able to turn lock nut off. Don't drive socket on too far or you will split the socket.

Disclamer: This is what I have heard! I have never personally tried to do this!

[Ken]

"Lock-Jaw" type pliers may work also. Just clamp them tight onto the locknut and you may be able to remove.

Same "Disclaimer" applies!

[EScanlon]

Removing lock nuts without damaging the wheel can be tricky with the vise grips. That's because the only vise grips that will open wide enough to grip the lug nut hard enough are the regular or larger size ones, and that can be difficult with the rims only being 14".

Easiest method, and again your experience may vary, is to go get a cheap socket from the auto parts store. Not sure what size as it depends on the style of the lock nut, I've heard that a 12 point works better than a 6, but it might be the other way around. Then you hammer it onto the lug nut and use the socket to remove it.

I found it easier to peruse the different car parts stores, find the key that I needed with the set of lug nuts, and buy the set.

Most of the "unique" locking lug nuts aren't unique at all and there are only a few patterns out there.

[Giedrius]

I've done it myself, so I can vouch for this method. It works only if the lug nut is exposed and it's not hidden in the deep lug nut well. I used this method, because I was unable to hammer on a cheap socket onto the lug nut.

Buy a good cold (metal) chisel from Sears. If you breake it, they will replace it. Bring a good hammer. What you do is place the chisel onto the edge of the lug nut at an angle and hit it with the hammer. The chisel will dig into the lug nut. After few good whacks, the lug nut should start turning. Make sure you do it in counter-clockwise direction and make sure the chisel can dig into the lug nut well enough so it wouldn't chisel off the edge of the lug nut.

Hope this helps.

[smg1404]

I personally had to do this. In my case I was able to use a socket driven onto the lock. After I remover the lock I had to drive the lock out of the socket. It worked fine otherwise. There are many types of locks and this may not work in every situation.

[AxtellZ]

Another option (assuming there is electrcity available) is to use an angle grinder- "flatten" 2 opposite sides with the grinder, then use an open end wrench of the appropriate size (and probably a length of pipe over the wrench for leverage).

I suppose if you had plenty of time you could cut 'em in two with the grinderROFL , HTH Jeremiah

ps i have a set of 4 with the key if any one likes their nuts locked..

[Rob]

Do the other three nuts up tight (not gorilla tight, just tight) while you are doing the trick with the socket/cold chisel. It helps a little bit by taking the load off the one with the lock nut.

A twelve point socket works best.

If you get really desperate you could probably MIG weld a 'handle' onto the offending nuts and undo them. Fair chance of collateral damage to the wheel though.

If it's just the front you can remove the hub and caliper as an assembly with the wheel attached, then remove the brake disc from the hub and grind the end of the wheel stud off, then drive it through the hub and the wheel.

Good luck.

[Ed]

It sounds like the 12 point socket will work the best.

As soon as you get the nut loose wiggle the socket to get it off and hopefully you can reuse it for the next wheel.

[918/240Z]

I know the vicegips work... you can also put a pipe on the nut and brake the stud off... Some garages or tireshops have a kit that will remove the locks without damage in case a custumer forgot or lost the key... SNAPP ON tools carrys the kit.. See if you can ? rent it maybe from a garage...

[TomoHawk]

Sears makes a socket set "Bolt-Out" that has (spiral) teeth on them so you can grab onto rounded/stripped nuts

THAT's what you need to do the job right!