Does anyone know how to remove wheel locks (specially keyed lug nuts)

[crumpet19]

Its time to change the brake pads on my pickup (93' ranger). I thought I'd save a couple hundred bucks and just do it myself... but I can't get the damn wheels off! I bought this truck about 6 months ago but I didn't realize it had keyed lug nuts.

wheel covers say "SEC Alloy Wheels"
I've already tried contacting original owner- he doesn't have the key.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank You!
-chris

http://www.okshooters.com/foru...ntid=3039&d=1192131036

 

[iamwiz82]

My local Discount Tire will remove them for the cost of new lug nuts.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Take a slightly undersized socket, hammer it on so it's stuck, remove nut.

...note: this could get expensive since you're potentially out the socket as well.

 

[Jahee]

When i lost my key, it was either get the nuts drilled out at a special metalworks place because they were made out of a hardened steel compound, not sure which, steel-carbide or something? At a cost of £30 (~$60) a nut, or buy a new key for the nuts from the dealer, which of course cost £40 (~$80) and you couldn't get anywhere else.

It may be different for you but i doubt it'll be much different!

 

[Ronstang]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
Take a slightly undersized socket, hammer it on so it's stuck, remove nut.

...note: this could get expensive since you're potentially out the socket as well.

Nah, just do it carefully and continue to use the socket. It does not take much to wedge it on enough to get the lug loose. I have been using the same 19mm deep socket for 20 years to remove those bastards and I have never had to replace the socket.

I like the special tools they sell to remove these things that cost a fortune when all you need is a socket and a hammer. Nice false sense of security these keyed lug companies have been selling for decades as I have never found one I could not get off with common hand tools.

 

[ValValline]

Socket and hammer is the way to go. Done it dozens of times over the years.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: Ronstang

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
Take a slightly undersized socket, hammer it on so it's stuck, remove nut.

...note: this could get expensive since you're potentially out the socket as well.

Nah, just do it carefully and continue to use the socket. It does not take much to wedge it on enough to get the lug loose. I have been using the same 19mm deep socket for 20 years to remove those bastards and I have never had to replace the socket.

I like the special tools they sell to remove these things that cost a fortune when all you need is a socket and a hammer. Nice false sense of security these keyed lug companies have been selling for decades as I have never found one I could not get off with common hand tools.

If anyone could figure it out, it would be you, but it'd be fun to see you have a go at the locking lug nuts on my 944. They have an actual pin and tumbler design and a standard bolt head. When locked, the head spins freely. As far as I know, the only way to get them off without the key is to drill out the lock mechanism. Leave it to the Germans to over-complicate something.

ZV

 

[SparkyJJO]

Those keys are crap anyway, my brother broke his when he went to rotate his tires. fitted it on there, turned the tire iron, ccRrAAcckK no more key. Needless to say he's mad.