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Posted by: stevegm Nov 26 2015, 09:02 AM

So I've got some wheels that are locked on with lug locks. The key is missing. Suggestions?

I got one lug off with vice grips. Here is what they look like.

Attached thumbnail(s)

Posted by: mepstein Nov 26 2015, 09:17 AM

Cut off wheel?

Posted by: DirtyCossack Nov 26 2015, 09:41 AM

It's a longer shot for after market lug locks, but when I worked at a Lexus dealership 10 years ago the service department had a "master set" of all makes and stuff. Maybe other shops and stuff would too.

Posted by: jeffdon Nov 26 2015, 09:53 AM

Get an impact socket that is too small to go over the lock. Hammer that sucker on there. You should then be able to take it off. Use a rod that fits through the drive hole in the socket to drive out the now unusable lock. Toss the lock. Replace with a normal lug bolt. You're not gonna park your 914 where the wheels would be stolen, right?

Posted by: cuddyk Nov 26 2015, 09:55 AM

The "gone in 60 seconds" method is to pound a socket with an ID slightly smaller than the lug nut onto it, then just wrench it off. Of course, the socket will be sacrificed, but probably the easiest way if the vice-grips approach isn't working.

Posted by: r_towle Nov 26 2015, 09:56 AM

That looks like it could be fabricated using a cheap socket and a welder.

If that was mine, I would get some air sockets with no chrome, get 12 point sockets.
Then I would use a dremel and some patience to remove the teeth in the way and see if you can grasp on to the two of three points, enough to get it turning.

You could also use an old box wrench to do the same thing, then heat it and bend it so it will get in there far enough.

Finally, if I got really pissed I would get more than a fe old junk sockets and weld them onto the bolt head, then take the whole mess off.

Oh, see if you can find "bolt extractor" sockets. They are made to grab bolts that are rounded off, so those may also fit.

The best and positive things is you have one in your hands to go shopping with.
Harbor freight is your friend.

Posted by: stevegm Nov 26 2015, 10:33 AM

I tried the method of using a socket that is a smaller ID a few times, and haven't been able to get one that didn't turn off without turning the lug.

Posted by: Elliot Cannon Nov 26 2015, 11:18 AM

Take it to a tire shop. Provided you can get the car there, they can remove almost any wheel lock.

Posted by: Montreal914 Nov 26 2015, 11:18 AM

Get a cheap extension set from Harbor Freight,

Attached Image

Weld it to the lug and unscrew.
You should have enough for all 4 wheels.
Toss into recycle bin once done

Posted by: somd914 Nov 26 2015, 11:56 AM

If you can't hammer a smaller socket on it successfully, can also weld a nut on top of it then wrench from the welded on nut.

Posted by: Jett Nov 26 2015, 12:24 PM

+1. Works every time

QUOTE(somd914 @ Nov 26 2015, 10:56 AM)

If you can't hammer a smaller socket on it successfully, can also weld a nut on top of it then wrench from the welded on nut.

Posted by: Jeffs9146 Nov 26 2015, 12:58 PM

FLAPS has an easy out lugnut remover.

Posted by: rick 918-S Nov 26 2015, 01:18 PM

Got a welder handy? Cover the wheel with masking or duct tape, (another use when your no longer handsome) weld a big nut onto the top, use a big socket to get it off. Worked for me many times. Oh incase you haven't figured out the tape thing, welding splatter...

Posted by: Steve Pratel Nov 26 2015, 03:17 PM

This worked perfectly for me. My son bought a car REAL cheap, discovered when he got it home that there was one wheel lock........... And when we called the seller he admitted that was why he sold it cheap. Anyhow, bought one of these, tapped it on with a hammer, and used a breaker bar, wallah........ http://www.lowes.com/pd_577634-281-394001_0__?k_clickID=947542b8-2301-4764-81e9-24746b710d0a&store_code=26&productId=50146292&selectedLocalStoreBeanArray=%5Bcom.lowes.commerce.storelocator.beans.LocatorStoreBean%4043794379%5D&storeNumber=0026&kpid=50146292&cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-ToolsAndHardware-_-MechanicsTools-_-50146292%3AIRWIN&CAWELAID=&CAWELAID=320011480002581652

Posted by: r_towle Nov 26 2015, 06:11 PM

QUOTE(rick 918-S @ Nov 26 2015, 02:18 PM)

Got a welder handy? Cover the wheel with masking or duct tape, (another use when your no longer handsome) weld a big nut onto the top, use a big socket to get it off. Worked for me many times. Oh incase you haven't figured out the tape thing, welding splatter...

How do YOU use duct tape to overcome your looks?

Posted by: Amphicar770 Nov 26 2015, 08:20 PM

Most auto parts stores sell an "emergency wheel lock remover" like this

http://www.amazon.com/Wilmar-M980-Emergency-Lug-Removal/dp/B000FTN3KK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448590639&sr=8-1&keywords=wheel+lock+remover

It basically bites into the wheel lock and takes em right off.

Note that even beginner car thieves will have tools to easily remove wheel locks. Save yourself future headache by tossing them in the trash and sticking to normal lug nuts.

Posted by: Dave_Darling Nov 26 2015, 08:39 PM

Looks like you can also use a chisel or punch to loosen the nut.

--DD

Posted by: RobW Nov 27 2015, 08:14 AM

penetrating fluid and vise grips. Clean the fluid off well after use.

Posted by: rgalla9146 Nov 27 2015, 08:25 AM

QUOTE(Dave_Darling @ Nov 26 2015, 09:39 PM)