Removing Wheel Lock

[Ndx]

Hey Guys,

So I striped wheel key remover ...

I used this technique ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAUUKD9nGks&feature=related

Worked like a charm ...
My problem is that I didn't have plastic or rubber mullet around ...

I had to use regular metal hammer and I had to tapped it pretty hard to fit it ... I hope that lug nuts can take abuse like this ?

Should I be worried ... ?

 

[tomcat27]

are you talking about the stud? cause I'm thinkin you pitched the lug nuts afterwards... the studs are hardened - and especially while they are tightened (seated against the wheel) the wheel, rotor, hub will absorb alot of the impact.

glad it worked for ya! I lost my key (actually left it unknowingly at a friend's house) and had used all 20 of the locking nuts. took awhile to get off. found the key next time I was at friends house - on the toolbox in her garage.

 

[TJPark01]

The stripped lugnut is now trash. Also, you can damage the teeth on the socket by doing this, but it may be worth it to get the stripped lugnut lock off. Also it should be noted that smashing a lugnut like that with a regular hammer can damage the wheel hub or bearings, so I would be careful about being too aggressive. You're probably fine, but don't make a habit of it.

 

[Ndx]

Yeah .. I'm worried about stud and hub ... because I had to tap that socket hard ...

So you guys saying - I'm ok ?

Thank You
God Bless u for help.

PS, yeah lugnuts are going to garbage ...

I used pretty light hammer like this ...

But im pretty strong lol i guess..

 

[Nitrox]

Rubber or dead blow mallets would be better, but doing it once with a metal hammer is probably okay. I recently purchased a car that had a missing key for the security lugs, local shop wanted something like $10 per lug to remove, and told me the stud would have to be replaced as well. I got a 12 point socket and my dead blow hammer to do the job.

 

[Ndx]

By once u mean once tapping ? or once as never again ...

Because i had to tap more then once And Yes I will buy some rubber mallets

 

[labman]

Yeah, people that would steal wheels don't have hammers and 12 point sockets? I threw away the security ones that came on my Grand Am, and was happy my Cavalier didn't come with them.

 

[TJPark01]

Yeah, used wheels are tires don't have as much resale value as they once did. Thieves here in Hollywood have been targeting late model BMW steering wheel and air bag assemblies. I can only assume there is a bigger payoff, and it's probably faster to do, then jacking a car up and taking off the tires.