[Lucy_FJ55]

I need to remove some locking lug nuts but I don't have the corresponding key. I have read over the years about doing this, but I have never tried. I also just did a bit of a search and just could not find what I was looking for.

Can folks enlighten me to how I can remove a couple locking lug nuts? Best method? Easiest? How to not damage the stud in the process? Etc?

Thanks and cheers.

[Coolerman]

You can buy special sockets to remove them. Snap-On makes a kit but it's expensive.


You could weld an old socket to it to get it off...

You can beat an old socket thats a close fit on it to get it off...

[Tankota]

Originally Posted by Coolerman

You can beat an old socket thats a close fit on it to get it off...

That worked for me a long time ago. Just hit the thead area with some PB blaster etc. don't get any on the lug nut though. Pound on a socket and gently loosen it.
BTW, this only worked for me on the external style locking lug nuts. Not the kind with the key that goes inside them which seem to be more common now days.

[Splangy]

Originally Posted by Tankota

That worked for me a long time ago. Just hit the thead area with some PB blaster etc. don't get any on the lug nut though. Pound on a socket and gently loosen it.
BTW, this only worked for me on the external style locking lug nuts. Not the kind with the key that goes inside them which seem to be more common now days.

X2

Just find a 1/2" drive socket that you can hammer onto them and then twist away. You'll have to put the socket in a vice after to punch out the lug nut.

[CruisinFJ60]

Just get a 3lb hammer and an old impact socket most likely a 21 like the rest of your lugs and beat it on the wheel lock and spin it off. one broke free and can be twisted with fingers work the socket loose from the locking nut so it eliminates the need to a vice and a bunch of work not needed. then repeat.

I have done this literally hundreds of times, a couple on my own vehicles but mostly on customer vehicles. Its cake.
locking lug nuts do not prevent anything what so ever from happening if anything they slow someone down MAYBE 10-15 seconds when usincg hand tools. OR they may potentially deter someone who doesnt use the internet or thinks the couple of seconds are to much work.

[inkpot]

Howdy! Just drive it to your favorite tire store and tell them you need them off. They do this on a weekly basis. They have keys for most, and "ways" for all to come off. If you are a regular customer, they may well do it for free. John

[Lucy_FJ55]

Thanks for all the great replies! I do have the internal key ones someone just referred to if that makes a difference. I was planning to drive it to my local tire shop to have them deal with it. I have done that in the past. Of course its Sunday today and I'm in the middle of a suspension swap so I would like to try and take care of 'em here and now.

I think I understand the basic method of smashing 'em off... I'll let you all know how it goes.

[crushr]

I'm not big fan of Craftsman tools, but these ought to work:

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_101...g+lug&sLevel=0

[inkpot]

Another method that I have used is to weld a big nut onto then end of the locknut, right thru the middle. Burn it on good, then remove with a 4-way. John

[Toyo FJ40]

I just did this on a Chevy truck a friend had. I found a pipe that was close to fitting over the outside, I think it was 1" schedule 40 black pipe and hamered it on with a 5 pound sledge. Turned it off with a pipe wrench.

[solomrus]

did this a couple weeks ago on a customer's rig.

welded old crappy lugs on top of the locks. blasted them off with an impact. put them back on to get him home to replace with his new ones.

--r

[Lucy_FJ55]

More great ideas. Thanks everyone!

Mine spun off like butter! I don't understand why these were so simple to spin off, but I'm glad. Thanks again folks. Cheers.