Wheel lock key and 1 wheel lock is damaged, what are my options

[apollo18]

hey guys have a 2014 acura rdx and decided to rotate my tires today. I got the wheel lock key out of my vehicle and started the job and noticed it wouldn't grab. After some tinkering and inspecting I noticed part of the wheel lock key was stuck in one of the wheel locks from before. I had some tire work done several months ago so I think the shop probably damaged it then. I can't really recall where but whatever it is in the past

So now I have 4 acura oem (mcgard wheel locks) on my vehicle with 3 of them in good condition and 1 that is mangled up. i also have a mangled key.

Now here is the issue, even if I buy a new mcgard/acura wheel lock key, I won't be able to get the mangled one off and I assume I would have to replace that wheel lock too. So I would have to pay for 1 x wheel lock key, + 1 wheel lock lug nut that is matched to the key, + the labor to remove the stripped wheel lock lug nut.

or I was thinking I could just buy oem / aftermarket 4 x wheel lock keys and take it to a shop to extract and replace the 4.

lastly i could just take to a shop to extract the 4 wheel locks and then just replace with a normal lug but for piece of mind ill just get a wheel lock key so I don't regret it incase I end up with bad luck one day

What would you do? and what other options do I maybe have that I missed?

Thanks!

 

[Rand]

i dont run wheel locks. at most its a 1min delay in stealing your wheel
vs you cant change a flat or have similar issues to your current one.

 

[Paco Pena]

If you have expensive aftermarket rims and spendy tires it can't hurt to lock them. Stockers on an older vehicle not so much. Thieves want cats not wheels these days.

Paco

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Get a socket that's just smaller than the wheel lock/nut, hammer it on, then you should be able to loosen it

And of course, replace them with regular nuts

 

[Rand]

they also have special sockets for this use.

 

[mk378]

Wheel thieves (if there are any that haven't switched to converters) just use the stripped nut remover which can about instantly remove any locking nut. In practical terms wheel locks are nothing but a hassle for the owner.

 

[Chris142]

I think you are overthinking this. Removing locks is very easy. If you want locks take them off and put new ones on.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I imagine any tire shop can do this. Call your local places and ask.

 

[bdcardinal]

There is a code number on your key along with the registration card that came with your wheel lock set. Call McGard and they can send you a replacement key and/or lock.

 

[JMJNet]

I called McGard when I had same issue as yours.
They set me up with whatever I need.

Or you can butcher it and replace with regular lugnuts.
There are a few YT video on how to do that.

 

[Cherrybomb]

I would agree with JMJNET and do the McGard.In my stash,in my car,I have extra lugs and a extra key.In your case it sounds like the big bad impact strikes again. When you hand the key to the service advisor,you look him in the eye and say "no impact",unfortunately for you this time

 

[wemay]

https://www.amazon.com/GIREORAN-Whe...cphy=71516&hvtargid=pla-4583589125979785&th=1

 

[apollo18]

sadly alot of these tire shops want a arm and a leg. getting quoted $20 a wheel. isn't it like 20 mins of work to do it all ?