My daughter is stationed in the UK . When We shipped Her Vehicle to her,the wheel lock tool was included . After it arrived , it was missing . As both the wife ,and I are retired USAF, We realize that things like this happen . What are My Daughters options for taking the wheels off absent the key ?
Wheel lock removal ?
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The wheel locks should have come with a card that has the key code on it. If you have that code, you could order a new key from the manufacturer.
Thank You ! Unfortunately that has been lost in Her move .
Most garages have tools which can remove wheel locks. Sometimes they may slightly mark the wheels.
Take it to a machine shop or welding shop, they'll either weld an old nut to the wheel nut to take it off or use a special extractor.
That or the DIY trick is find yourself a 12 point socket that just barely won't fit the lock nut, and pound it on with a hammer, replace it with a regular nut.
But...thats obviously the "last resort" sort of fix.
But...thats obviously the "last resort" sort of fix.
Originally Posted By: RiceCake
That or the DIY trick is find yourself a 12 point socket that just barely won't fit the lock nut, and pound it on with a hammer, replace it with a regular nut.
But...thats obviously the "last resort" sort of fix.
I just did this a month ago. Worked perfect but the socket broke on the 4th one, so I had to use another socket for that one. The broken one is going back for free replacement at sears.
That or the DIY trick is find yourself a 12 point socket that just barely won't fit the lock nut, and pound it on with a hammer, replace it with a regular nut.
But...thats obviously the "last resort" sort of fix.
I just did this a month ago. Worked perfect but the socket broke on the 4th one, so I had to use another socket for that one. The broken one is going back for free replacement at sears.
As wheel lock removal tools go I prefer the type that cut their own threads into the outside of the lock to the fluted socket type. Unfortunately these usually wear out after two or three locks. The fluted socket seem to work better than the round "hammer it on tight" variety. Of those three, the hammer it on type is the only one that works at all well on chromed wheel locks without first removing some of the chrome, so if yours are chromed try to get some of that chrome off.
Another option is a pneumatic hammer with chisel. Use the chisel to make a groove in the outer edge of the lock, then push on the groove to turn the lock. Once it moves a little it should be easy to unscrew with needle-nose pliers or a flat screwdriver. If the locks are recessed in wells this may result in marring the wheel, so make some sort of protective shield.
Another method that works well with the McGard locks is to chisel straight in at the center of the lock as though you are trying to split it in half. A large chunk will break off which may allow you to grip the lock with vise-grips. If you can't reach in to get a good grip or the lock is on very tightly, chisel a bit more to try to crack the lock all the way to the far end. With such a crack the lock is instantly loose and can be easily unscrewed using chopsticks.
Edit:
Removing wheel locks is the sort of thing that's worth putting safety glasses on for.
Another option is a pneumatic hammer with chisel. Use the chisel to make a groove in the outer edge of the lock, then push on the groove to turn the lock. Once it moves a little it should be easy to unscrew with needle-nose pliers or a flat screwdriver. If the locks are recessed in wells this may result in marring the wheel, so make some sort of protective shield.
Another method that works well with the McGard locks is to chisel straight in at the center of the lock as though you are trying to split it in half. A large chunk will break off which may allow you to grip the lock with vise-grips. If you can't reach in to get a good grip or the lock is on very tightly, chisel a bit more to try to crack the lock all the way to the far end. With such a crack the lock is instantly loose and can be easily unscrewed using chopsticks.
Edit:
Removing wheel locks is the sort of thing that's worth putting safety glasses on for.
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: RiceCake
That or the DIY trick is find yourself a 12 point socket that just barely won't fit the lock nut, and pound it on with a hammer, replace it with a regular nut.
But...thats obviously the "last resort" sort of fix.
When I bought the car for my daughter, it also had wheel locks with no key. I sacrificed a socket and did it just like you said. It worked like a champ. Harbor Freight replaced it with no questions asked.
That or the DIY trick is find yourself a 12 point socket that just barely won't fit the lock nut, and pound it on with a hammer, replace it with a regular nut.
But...thats obviously the "last resort" sort of fix.
When I bought the car for my daughter, it also had wheel locks with no key. I sacrificed a socket and did it just like you said. It worked like a champ. Harbor Freight replaced it with no questions asked.
Originally Posted By: RiceCake
That or the DIY trick is find yourself a 12 point socket that just barely won't fit the lock nut, and pound it on with a hammer, replace it with a regular nut.
But...thats obviously the "last resort" sort of fix.
I have done it this way and it worked like a charm.
That or the DIY trick is find yourself a 12 point socket that just barely won't fit the lock nut, and pound it on with a hammer, replace it with a regular nut.
But...thats obviously the "last resort" sort of fix.
I have done it this way and it worked like a charm.
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