When I had my inspection done a few months ago, some idiot at the shop greatly over-torqued my lug nuts, some more than others. I have some basic wheel locks that came with the rims. I was able to remove 14 of the wheel locks and replace them with normal lug nuts, but on the 15th my key snapped in half. Judging from the amount of force I was putting on it, it must be at least 120-150 ft.lbs. on the one wheel, the others are probably in the ballpark of 100 ft.lbs.

I now have no way of removing the two wheels that are still on the car. I am trying to get a new key from the lock manufacturer, but I don't think that will solve the grossly over-torqued one. Does anyone have any recommendations other than hammering a deep well socket onto the outside of the nut? I have an air impact gun if necessary.

 

Hey there,
I had the exact same problem. The guy put about 140 pounds on my lug nuts. I don't think the dealer will give you a new bar cause they didn't give me one, even thought that is supposed to last the life time of the car. My recommendation: Buy a one of those cross shaped lug nut wrenches, you should have the problem solved in a matter of minutes. You can find this at any automotive specialty shop. Hope it works out!
Vertex

 

Thanks, but it's a matter of the key for the wheel locks having snapped in half, it's a special kind of socket designed to match the locks. They have a unique design, it is a starburst type shape.

I bought a cross-headed socket (not sure how to better describe it) that I'm going to try to wedge into the head of the nut. If that doesn't work, I'm going to break out a chisel and a mallet and try to break the lug nuts in half. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Contact the shop, tell them to fix it... that's what I'd do at least.