What options do I have if I lost the key to the wheel locks?? I'm hoping to find it somewhere soon but I'm not having any luck. I've also heard that if I were to go to a shop to get them out, there's a possibility that they could damage my rims. Any ideas?

Thanks

 

What brand key lock is it?

 

One trick that a tire shop did when I left my lock key at home was finding a socket that will grip the stud lock. They'll hammer it in and then use an impact wrench to take it off.

 

why post the exact same thing in 2 sections?

 

I lost lock key twice

 

just go buy one from the dealer, its not that expensive

 

Had that done on two different sets in the past and was shocked how easy that was.

 

Here's my luck: changing the rotors on the back wheels, one of my lugs got stuck and I ended up breaking the wheel stud. The good news is I can bang out the wheel stud and replace it (alread have, actually). The bad news is I can't get the half-stud out of the lug nut now, and don't know where to find ONE lug nut to match the set.

I have Enkei wheels, and I think the lug style is called "spline drive", like a Motegi-style lug. The bolt size is 12mmx1.25", and the "spline" looks like a sprocket (7 bumps, 6 gaps around outer edge along entire length). The key fits lengthwise over the lug, and the key is hex at the top.

I can find whole sets that will work instead of, but I really don't feel like spending $40 on a whole set when all I need is one. Can anyone help?

 

Just lost my wheel lock recently too. Called up McGard and had them send me a replacement. They just asked that you take a pic of the lock and send it to them. Great service and I think it was ~$15 including shipping. http://www.mcgard.com/

 

Put the half stud in a vice and then TIGHTEN the lugnut till it is free in the stud. Remove the stud from the vice and keep tightening the lug nut till it falls off the lugnut. Else drill.

 

Go to any tire shop, they can get it off.

 

If the locking lug nuts were put on the OEM wheels by the dealer (as mine were), they have a master socket which will remove all four locking lug nuts so you can replace them with non-locking ones until you decide what you want to do.

I did that, and my dealer didn't even charge me for removing the locking nuts or installing the non-locking ones. He called the mechanic out to the service drive-thru bay and did it while I watched.

Also, if the locking lug nuts were installed by the dealer, they should have been accompanied by a coded card and envelope with which you can order replacement/additional lock sockets to fit your locking nuts (as I did).

If you have aftermarket wheels/locks, the suggestions of several other posters here address that.

 

NY dealers are such scumbags! They tell people that "we don't have a master socket". They will say "it will be $115 to drill it off and buy a set for $35 plus tax".

 

Did you first register with them? It's kinda like, I'll goto my neighbor's car and take a pic of their lock, claiming it's mine. Not that I would do this, but seems too easy if the locks haven't been pre-registered w/the company.

Jae

 

Nope...didnt register with them. The locks came with the car when I bought it. I understand what you're saying. Anybody can call them up and get a key to steal somebody elses rims....but if the person REALLY wanted to steal the rims...they'll find one way or another. I also forgot to mention that 3 days later i went to pepboys to find the exact same set of wheellocks for sale at the store with the key included in the kit too.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I've been looking around and I don't think it would be a safe bet to go to a shop for them to take it out cuz of the possibility of them bending your rims. That website mcgard sounds good but I went to my mechanic and bugged him a couple of times until finally he had found it somewhere in the shop.

 

A trick i've used in the past is to take a peice of tubing about 1.5" long and with an inside diameter a tad bit smaller then the lug nut and weld from inside the tubing on top of the lug nut. You can then either use a pipe wrench or weld a nut ontop of the tubing to remove. Very quick and easy, without any damage to the wheels. You only need a few good spot welds, so there is no heat issue. Just to be on the safe side i've drapped the front of the wheel with welding leathers to protect them.

 

Wow, thats complicated. All the tire shops use is one of these in smaller size than the diameter of the wheel lock. Whack it with a hammer 3-5 times and you are ready to unscrew. Amazing how the wheel locks are just for looks.

 

It's not complicated at all. Some wheel locks are oversized, so a normal socket cannot fit between the lock and the wheel. As you said, some wheel locks are for looks. Though they do keep honest people honest, or at least the poor/stupid thieves at bay.

 

There is more i'd tell you but don't want to go public here. Wheel locks are great and will deter most thieves, so lets leave it at that. The more advanced blokes will not go after rims that are "cheap" so unless your set is 3-10 grand and very desired "cut" you shouldn't worry.