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Slyp_Dawg
Slyp_Dawg GRM+ Memberand Reader
10/3/10 8:09 p.m.

The miata I bought a few days ago has wheel locks on it. unfortunately, the previous owner didn't have the presence of mind to throw in the key to them. is there any way I can get the locks off to install the FM lightweight lug nuts I just ordered? I really really don't care how badly I mess up the wheel locks as long as the wheels don't get messed up in the process. maybe the locks could be cracked in some manner? drill holes across them, dremel a slot, insert chisel/some other hard instrument, start whacking away with deadblow hammer until the wheel lock is no more? or am I just asking for trouble and severe injuries/parts damage?

Strizzo
Strizzo SuperDork
10/3/10 8:12 p.m.

find a socket that just fits over them, tap on with a hammer, remove with regular ratchet

EvoRoadster
EvoRoadster New Reader
10/3/10 8:14 p.m.

Treat it as a stripped bolt and try this:

http://www.mysears.com/Craftsman-10-pc-Damaged-Bolt-Nut-Remover-Set-Low-Profile-Bolt-Out-reviews?tab=details

pigeon
pigeon Dork
10/3/10 8:48 p.m.
Strizzo wrote: find a socket that just fits over them, tap on with a hammer, remove with regular ratchet

This. Craftsman lifetime warranty helps but if you booger up the same socket 4 times in the space of an hour you may want to visit more than one Sears for replacements

Wally
Wally GRM+ Memberand SuperDork
10/3/10 8:55 p.m.

Remove all the other lug nuts, rock car side to side until locked studs snap. That's the way they can steal four wheels quickly when you used locks to stop them

Quasimo1
Quasimo1
10/3/10 8:56 p.m.

Go to an auto repair shop. They usually have a set of tool for this exact problem. Basically they take a special socket and pound it on the wheel lock. If you have a socket you don't care about you can try what Strizzo said and see if it works.

jeffp
jeffp New Reader
10/3/10 8:57 p.m.

I've gone to a shady wheel/tire shop... a guy had a bucket of wheel lock keys. He tried a few and found one that worked close enough.

aussiesmg
aussiesmg SuperDork
10/3/10 9:10 p.m.
Quasimo1 wrote: Go to an auto repair shop. They usually have a set of tool for this exact problem. Basically they take a special socket and pound it on the wheel lock.

This, I have done it

mw
mw HalfDork
10/3/10 9:37 p.m.

Hf sells a wheel lock removal set that is basically two sockets that grab onto the outside of the wheel lock. The 12 pt socket hammered on works well and I did it many times when i worked at a rim and tire shop. Another option Is to weld a lugnut onto the wheel lock and then spin it off.

Jerry From LA
Jerry From LA HalfDork
10/4/10 2:09 a.m.

Take of all the lug nuts/ bolts except the lock. Drive the car around til the locks loosen (driving in a serpentine fashion or in circles helps), then screw them off by hand.

Obviously use this method on only one or two wheels at a time. An empty road or, better yet, a parking lot away from traffic helps. This method is non-destructive and foolproof.

Slyp_Dawg
Slyp_Dawg GRM+ Memberand Reader
10/4/10 7:37 a.m.

thanks for the help guys, now all I need is either a torque wrench or a set of torque sticks and an impact and I'm set. once the FM lugs come in, that is

Vigo
Vigo HalfDork
10/4/10 11:56 a.m.

Id take it around to tire shops until you find a guy with the right key.

Woody
Woody GRM+ Memberand SuperDork
10/4/10 1:04 p.m.

Try one of these:

http://www.endeavorproducts.com/Gator_Grip_Socket/product/Gator_Grip_Socket.html

bludroptop
bludroptop SuperDork
10/4/10 1:35 p.m.

13 replies and no one has yet suggested a shotgun?

You can't make this stuff up!

mndsm
mndsm Dork
10/4/10 3:17 p.m.

I was just gonna say get a big ass drill bit and punch the center out. Or do what works with busted aluminum ones, freeze it and hit it with an impact chisel til the thing splits.

Autolex
Autolex HalfDork
10/4/10 3:36 p.m.

I had a pair on the rear of my buddies miata (bought fair and square, we also knew about the locks) that we air chiseled off, and just pulled new wheel studs through... it seemed easier than fighting with them... :)

Vigo
Vigo HalfDork
10/4/10 5:20 p.m.

yes, but..

Ive also bought a car where someone took an air hammer to the locking nuts and completely ruined the wheel in the process.

Twin_Cam
Twin_Cam Dork
10/4/10 6:12 p.m.

A really hardcore way would be weld an old socket to it, but hammering a socket on over it is easier.

Tyler H
Tyler H GRM+ Memberand Dork
10/4/10 7:11 p.m.

I always wondered when I was going to get a chance to use my 11/16" twelve-point socket.....

Hocrest
Hocrest Reader
10/4/10 8:21 p.m.
bludroptop wrote: 13 replies and no one has yet suggested a shotgun? You can't make this stuff up!

... and there still hasn't been a call for a sawzall??

AngryCorvair
AngryCorvair GRM+ Memberand SuperDork
10/4/10 8:41 p.m.

if you bought Rusty (my old mariner blue '92 that is full of great stuff expanding foam), i still have the key because berkeley the guy who bought it from me.

Mental
Mental SuperDork
10/4/10 8:41 p.m.
Twin_Cam wrote: A really hardcore way would be weld an old socket to it, but hammering a socket on over it is easier.

Actually yours is easier. I did this when mine broke. Heck I did this when I rounded the starter bolts on my van last week.

Rob_Mopar
Rob_Mopar Reader
10/4/10 8:45 p.m.
Twin_Cam wrote: A really hardcore way would be weld an old socket to it, but hammering a socket on over it is easier.

In a similar vein, a buddy welded an old lugnut to the end of the lock to remove one.

The story goes his sister's boyfriend bought a used Wrangler. It was backed up to his parent's garage. The spare had a lock on it with no key. As they were rummaging around in their parent's garage my buddy came home. They asked if he had any tools that might be able to get the lock off.

Acting like he was ignoring them he dug through an old coffee can in the corner, grabbed something, then pulled the MIG out. A few seconds later their minds were blown when he asked where the guy's lug wrench was.

Autolex
Autolex HalfDork
12/16/10 5:10 p.m.
Vigo wrote: yes, but.. Ive also bought a car where someone took an air hammer to the locking nuts and completely ruined the wheel in the process.

I completely neglected to mention that it was the WHEELS that were air chiseled off... (with the assist of a sawzall)... I will see if I can find pictures... luckily they were cheap aftermarket 18"(!) wheels, and they were ONLY on the rear of the car! (it was a real basketcase!)

WilberM3
WilberM3 HalfDork
12/16/10 6:30 p.m.

i'm surprised nobody's posted this yet....

http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2684546

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