[rb4done]

Back yard mechanic , retired energy auditor. I have a posting for removing locked lugnuts.

I recently had this problem and someone on this web suggested using a 12 pt socket, but that did not sound to appealing so I went to VIP auto an the guy let me borrow a cone shaped socket which you hit with a 5 lb hammer and then use a wrench and it comes right off. I spent no more than 5 minutes to get all four of them off. Threw them away and replaced with regular lugnuts. This cone shaped socket wedges itself on the locking lugnut enough to get it off with a ratchet.

Worked GREAT........ Hope this helps

[poncho62]

welcome....I was not aware of those sockets.......Moving this to the tools forum...thanks


Now, if we could just find who makes these sockets.......

[Barn Owl]

Can we see a picture of such a "wedge" shaped socket? Does it have teeth in the cone to grab the nut or is it just the wedging action that grabs it?
Oh and uh welcome

[NEW INTERIORS]

Well now we know how they steal wheels with locking lugs.....

[sqzbox]

I have welded another lug on the end of the locker and removed it with no problem. If you already have a welder you can save $ from buying another tool.

[matt167]

I know a guy who was paranoid and replaced all his lugs with locks, and then 1 day misplaced the key .. but he just went to walmart and bought another set of locks, which had the correct key

[GrumpyOldMan0_0]

I have a set of those lugnut removers I got from the matco tool guy. They are a bit pricey, but if your into fixing and repairing cars its money well spent in the long run. I also use them for rounded bolts they work great. Sears also sells the smaller removers for screws and smaller bolts. Here's a link for the Matco removers:

http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/to...&page=2&#42779

[cobalt327]

The boxed set is Irwin brand, the others are from NAPA.

[cranky1]

If you have some old impact sockets, you can use those too. Just drive one on that's a bit smaller than the lock.

[deadbodyman]

Using a cheap socket and pounding it on with a 5lb sledge is what I've used for years...I didnt even know they sold a tool till now.Its always been a secret.

[mikeweb]

I have a MAC LT4000c wheel lock remover kit

http://www.mactools.com/product/tabi...4-lt4000c.aspx


Includes the LT4200B “Quick-Off” Lug Nut Removal Tool. Removes 3/4", 19mm, 13/16" and 21mm tire lug nuts that are damaged or rounded. Used with a 1/2" impact gun or breaker bar. Also removes undamaged GM, Ford and Chrysler wire wheel hubcap locks. Removes factory and most after market McGard mag wheel lug nut locks.

[MARTINSR]

I have one of these...

The problem is, I have ONE and it has only worked for me once. It always seems that the lug nut is the wrong size for this socket so I resort to other means. Getting an air chisel is usually my choice. But hammering on an old socket works as well. Having a set of these special sockets as pictured would be nice.

Brian

[deadbodyman]

Try a 1/2" drive Chinese socket thats slightly smaller,pound it on and use a breaker bar or an impact wrench to remove the lug...dont even try to remove the el cheapo socket from the nut,just through it all away.I've pulled hundreds of locking lug nuts off this way,and it doesn't cost anything.Many times when you try to chisel a lug nut off it wear out the teeth in the lug itself letting it spin and chewing everything up, like a mag wheel thats a real beach...ruin a 400.00 wheel because of a .25 cent lug. Those lug nut tools look expensive 200-300.00 ??? Throw a snap on or mac name on it 400.00??

[pepi]

It has been my experience that these locking lugs cause the biggest headaches to the owners ... damn funny when you think about it ....

[sqzbox]

That's right pepi. I bought an 88 formula a few years back and the first thing I did was take them off and toss them. They had an indented pattern with a key lug and the nuts don't hold up well over time. Road salt is not kind to them besides, if a thief wants your wheels bad enough, they'll get them anyway!