Help with Security Lug

[80krazE]

First off, let me state my disappointment w/ the Revo's. A tiny sidewall puncture and the tire was toast. I was in some limestone, climbing a hill when a small corner pierced the sidewall. It was rated "D" in case you want to know. Anyway, won't be replacing these.

My cruiser has a "security lug" on every wheel, to prevent theft. I have always considered this a nuisance in general, not ever having a set on my vehicles. This cruiser has 'em. Anyway, while trying to remove the security lug it BROKE. A little chip off the corner and through the pattern.

Does anyone have an idea? DAN?

Pic #1: tire
Pic #2: socket
Pic #3: lug

http://s52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/jordan9780/Security Lug/?sc=1&addtype=local

 

[tacomafj-80]

if ya cant get a new key, you can try hammering on a socket that is slightly smaller than the wheel lock. its always worked for me. good luck.

 

[45Kevin]

Ditto on the socket. Has worked for me as well.

 

[80krazE]

The key is okay! I got the sliver of broken lug out, so I have a good key. My problem is the lug.
I will try the "hammer" method w/ a smaller socket.
Anyone else?

 

[Scamper]

If you can't get the key to work, try a bolt-out (Craftsman), though I don't know that there's enough room to get a bolt-out on the lug...

When you do finally get it off, dump the locks. Think about it...how many people are out there trying to rip off your 10 year old wheels that are rather large compared to what most cars/trucks use? If someone really is in business to steal wheels, they're going to have the equipment to do so, and your locks won't work anyway.

 

[MLX450]

Ditto on the Craftsman lug out ....... They did not have the right size 3 years ago (I also had the security locks and the key broke) I had Les Swab remove them for 15 bucks per tire .. ouch!

 

[80krazE]

When you do finally get it off, dump the locks. Think about it...how many people are out there trying to rip off your 10 year old wheels that are rather large compared to what most cars/trucks use? If someone really is in business to steal wheels, they're going to have the equipment to do so, and your locks won't work anyway.

Couldn't agree more! Never had 'em before, don't want 'em now.

Is that Craftsman tool the one that has a bunch of retractable rods that "conform" to whatever size nut you have?

 

[PHAEDRUS]

Snap on has a really sweet removal tool. around 60 bucks if memory serves.
or just pay les schwabb or some other tire place to remove it.
Dave

 

[Cruisin'Carolina]

I did the same thing on my mother-in-law's Lexus They told us it happened quite often, and they sent a rollback and replaced it for free under warranty (like that will help you)

I used to have a set of "Gorilla Locks" which was a set that EVERY lug nut required a key. Once during an emergency we heated up a socket until it glowed and hammered it on and made the proper indentions with a chisel. Of course, shortly thereafter the key was located....in the glove box where it had been since day one...

Another friend just welded on some other nuts....

Unless you rig is parked on the street, I think they are more trouble than they are worth....

 

[Marc311]

I have used the hammer method and it worked well. I also saw somebody use a large pipe wrench. It wasn't on a LC, so I don't know if the dish of the wheel would prevent that. Good luck.

 

[TLCgrappler]

A proper sized Sears craftsman socket will work, from experience.
I had to spray some break-free stuff on, and also had to hammer like heck with a BFH, and then use a breaker bar instead of a ratchet.......but it came off. Those things are a complete PITA.

Looking at your photos, I think if you attempt to use the "key" on the damaged nut, the key will be instant toast.

 

[Scamper]

Is that Craftsman tool the one that has a bunch of retractable rods that "conform" to whatever size nut you have?

No...Bolt-Outs are sockets with reverse-spiral sharp edges inside. These edges dig into the bolt/nut and grab on tight, allowing you to remove the bolt. It's a female version of an EZ-out.

Problem with these locks is that they're perfectly round on the outside except that they have the odd-shaped tops where the key grabs. A regular socket won't have any purchase on these and will turn freely, whereas a bolt-out will grab onto the top edge of the round bolt--assuming you can fit one into the wheel.

 

[TLCgrappler]

I took off one of the securitiy nuts that I COULD get off and walked into sears with it to make sure I got what I needed. If I remember correctly, at the Sears I went to, the nut remover tool kit didn't have a size large enough to fit over the nut to get a decent grip. I found a deep socket just smaller than the diameter of the nut, and that did work. I think the deep one is important so you have enough room to drive it on. Also I think it would help for it to be a 12 pt socket to get the tightest fit.

 

[EricG]

When I got my rig it had those on - and I didn't figure out until 1000s of miles later that I didn't have the key (similar issues with an alarm fob when I changed out the battery!). Took it to firestone and they got em off for me in about 15 minutes. I think I paid $40 total. I had tried hammering a socket over them with no success.

 

[Grench]

When I bought my wife's '96 this year it came with locks and the key. I bought new nuts to replace them. When changing them out the key shreded on the 3rd one.

My local tire store pulled the other two off for me for free. Of course, the last two times I bought tires there I dropped a grand a shot, so they like keeping me happy.

Security nuts are a worthless headache IMHO. Anyone who is going to travel around with a jack & wrenches to steal rims isn't going to be slowed down by them. Having the key shred at the side of the road wouldn't be any fun.

 

[PACNW96]

Hammer method worked for me as well. Bought slightly undersized deep well socket from Sears and pounded it on. It may be frustrating trying to pound the socket on as it will want to bounce off. Just be patient and you will get it on.

Good luck!

 

[Biff]

Get these at Sears, and pound the broken lock nuts out.

 

[Scamper]

Get these at Sears, and pound the broken lock nuts out.

Them be bolt-outs...but I suspect you knew that

 

[Biff]

Them be bolt-outs...but I suspect you knew that

I used them to take my lug nuts out worked pretty good.

 

[cruiserdan]

The keys will last a lifetime if you don't use a damn rattle wrench on them. I trust mine because they have never been impacted. If the history is unknown I would replace them with standard nuts or a new set of locks.