Stripped locking lug nut? (1 Viewer)

[NVDuckin]

Anyone know a good way to remove a locking lug nut? I have the key, but the actual key is stripped out. I was hoping there would be a serial number or name on the key to re-order it, but there is absolutely no information on it.

Would a Discount Tire or other have a set of keys?

The lug nut looks like this and I need to pull one off of each wheel:

 

[pjess50]

I would think that a good tire shop would have ways to get them off easily....I think. A quick phone call might be all it would take to find out. That being said, one of the first things I did was to replace all of the locking lugs with regular ones.

 

[ToyotaBrah]

My go to method of removing wheel locks with no key.

 

[97 AZ LC]

My nearby dealer, which happens to be Camelback Toyota, had a full set of keys, about 20 as I recall, and they removed all 4 of my locking lugs, at no charge as I recall.

 

[97 AZ LC]

duplicate

 

[slickdealmike]

I had the same issue. I used a air chisel and loosened it up that way.

 

[electro992]

The locking lug nuts for Toyota are usually made by McGard. Check in your glovebox/owners manual, there may be a little card with the serial number for ordering a new key.

 

[reznunt]

sand off the chrome, plug weld on a hex nut, gun it off

 

[NickPsy]

I was faced with a stripped locking lug key deep in Mexico and the resourceful guy in the tire shop slammed a 12 point socket over the stuck lug just like in the above video. Worked like a charm. I ditched the locking lugs soon thereafter.

 

[flintknapper]

After you've gotten those off...check to see that you don't have an anti-theft key on the spare tire let down winch. Those are fun too.

 

[Porter]

After you've gotten those off...check to see that you don't have an anti-theft key on the spare tire let down winch. Those are fun too.

View attachment 1751282

Hah, this pic brings back memories! Well done Flintknapper! I 'hammer mechaniced' on that stinking spare tire carrier assembly for longer than I should have. All the while cursing the previous owner/dealer who didn't provide me the key as I was baselining a newly acquired 03 for my wife. On subject, I've gone through 3 or 4 lug keys and vow to get rid of the locking lugs very soon, not worth the hassle when you're in a spot.

 

[ktmracer01]

I worked at a Toyota dealer for several years. They almost always have a set of locking keys floating around the shop. In any event, they can usually match up one from their master set and order you a new one. You also have to be careful about taking your vehicle in for a service and tire rotation if you have locking lugs. If the tech starts using an impact on them, the'll slowly come unseated in the lock key and they can strip out the lug and damage the key.

 

[TheForger]

My key also stripped out of the socket about a year ago. I went to Napa and got 4 impact sockets of the appropriate diameter to slide a little ways down the lugs (I don’t remember it’s been a while). I pounded them on the rest of the way with a sledge hammer and broke them loose that way.

I also picked up 4 new standard lug nuts while I was there and completely got rid of those locking ones. I realize they serve a good purpose, but if that key were to fail at a very inconvenient time you’d be screwed. And at least for me that seems to be the only time things fail....I see the idea but still hate them very much.

 

[TXLX100]

hammer on a 3/4" socket and remove it. If you hammer on the socket too hard, might as well throw it all in the trash. Those Toyota wheel locks are garbage.

 

[flintknapper]

I wouldn't waste (or beat up) a socket. I removed mine with a tool/socket made for such a situation.

It has sharp spiraling threads that bite into the lug nut. I can understand using a socket in an emergency.

 

[NVDuckin]

After you've gotten those off...check to see that you don't have an anti-theft key on the spare tire let down winch. Those are fun too.

View attachment 1751282

I was just going through my parts last night and was wondering what that was. I'm glad you posted this.

Well I ordered some replacement lugs, it's my daily driver so I'll get cracking on these things as soon I as get them in. Thanks for all the tips guys.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

My go to method of removing wheel locks with no key.

Do this^

I know a lot of guys that work at discount and they remove locks that way whether or not the key is available... I wouldn't do that with a snap on socket... but a cheap socket? who cares. wheel locks are pretty much useless.

 

[NVDuckin]

So I got 3 of the 4 removed, then disaster struck and my socket insert sheared off. Any other tips? Or should I try my luck at a tire shop?

Image attached:

Sheared Lug.

• NVDuckin
• Jul 28, 2018

 

[flintknapper]

So I got 3 of the 4 removed, then disaster struck and my socket insert sheared off. Any other tips? Or should I try my luck at a tire shop?

Image attached:

Sheared Lug.

• NVDuckin
• Jul 28, 2018

Put a small pipe wrench on it. Remove socket, drive out broken part. OK for the socket to be cheap (Chinesium)... but your drive tools need to be of good quality metal.

 

[NVDuckin]

Put a small pipe wrench on it. Remove socket, drive out broken part. OK for the socket to be cheap (Chinesium)... but your drive tools need to be of good quality metal.

100% correct. I was lured by the convenience of the auto parts store by my house having the drive attachment I needed instead of going across town. Lesson learned though.