Help Removal of wheel locks without the key

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Old 05-18-2010, 04:03 PM
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Black Betty
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Removal of wheel locks without the key

What's the easiest way to remove tuner aftermarket wheel locks without the key and without damaging aluminum wheels? Like if someone were an idiot and misplaced a key without knowing the brand or key code for said wheel locks? Not calling any names...

I know the "quick freeze" method but it may damage my wheels and studs and I'd like something safer. It doesn't matter if the locks themselves are destroyed because they will need to be replaced anyway.

I pondered if this question should be posted, then I reasoned that locks have never kept a thief from being a thief, they only keep an honest man honest. Meaning that the information isn't going to assist thieves because they already know this stuff and if you aren't a thief you won't turn to a life of crime because you know how to remove wheel locks.

Help is appreciated.
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Old 05-18-2010, 04:41 PM
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finagle69
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I found a DIY for you.

So, Dont buy a VW - Honda-Tech
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Old 05-18-2010, 04:48 PM
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TomieG
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Originally Posted by finagle69
I found a DIY for you.

So, Dont buy a VW - Honda-Tech
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Old 05-18-2010, 05:02 PM
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LightsOut
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any shop can remove them, easily. My mechanic never asked for my tuner lug nut lock. he always had a universal socket to remove mine.
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Old 05-18-2010, 07:33 PM
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oreoleo
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Craftsman bolt out. Might mess the rims up the. Could try to hammer a bigger socket on the key, didn't work for me though (on the oem locks)
GL
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Old 05-18-2010, 09:58 PM
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itisagoodname
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Originally Posted by finagle69
I found a DIY for you.

So, Dont buy a VW - Honda-Tech
OMG Fail... That however does not look like an OEM lock, especially on the MKV (im a previous owner). These lugs must have been SERIOUSLY overtorqued. Ebay lugs FTL.

Best bet is to take it to a shop, have them drill it out and re-tap the rotor if necessary. This happed to me once with a bent lug, the shop took 3 hours to get the damn thing out.

BY NO MEANS should you ever have to cut up a wheel like that just to get a lug out.
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Old 05-18-2010, 10:05 PM
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chris9012
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Originally Posted by LightsOut
any shop can remove them, easily. My mechanic never asked for my tuner lug nut lock. he always had a universal socket to remove mine.
Why do i feel like this is isn't true about any shop can remove them. it's a wheel lock for a reason I know my gorilla lock has different sizes and theres no universal socket.
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Old 05-18-2010, 10:16 PM
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Loi
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Try this, Amazon.com: Gator Grip' Socket - 5/16" - 13/16" Plus 8mm - 21mm: Home…

and they have them at Walmart.
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Old 05-18-2010, 10:20 PM
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Hammer a smaller socket and get a high powered impact wretch.
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Old 05-18-2010, 10:48 PM
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Black Betty
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Originally Posted by Loi
This looks promising if it were smaller, it won't fit inside the hole on the wheel though. I'll find out for sure tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestions.

Hammering a 17mm socket on there is probably the best way.

EDIT: I just checked; the ID of the lug opening on my wheel is only .875" and the smaller size Gator Grip socket has an OD of 1".

Last edited by Black Betty; 05-18-2010 at 10:55 PM.
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Old 05-18-2010, 11:13 PM
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gan78mao
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Originally Posted by finagle69
I found a DIY for you.

So, Dont buy a VW - Honda-Tech
that is just too damn funny!!!!! HAHA
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Old 05-19-2010, 12:07 AM
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RedG37SNC
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Call the company that made the lugs and see if they have a solution to identify which key you need and order a replacement or perhaps something like this from Wilmar or CTA http://www.brandsport.com/gorewhloke.html

Last edited by RedG37SNC; 05-19-2010 at 12:32 AM.
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Old 05-19-2010, 02:07 AM
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Originally Posted by RedG37SNC
Call the company that made the lugs and see if they have a solution to identify which key you need and order a replacement or perhaps something like this from Wilmar or CTA Wheel Lock Keys & Lug Nut Removers: Brandsport.com
I don't know the brand of the locks and I don't think it looks like any of those on the page you linked to. The wheel lock and lug nut remover tools are what I need, but these are too big to fit the opening. However you set me on the right track and I found these that are a small enough OD to fit the holes in my wheels. Thanks Red.

Amazon.com: EMERG. LUG NUT REMOVER SCKT SET--1/2" DR.: Automotive
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Old 05-19-2010, 09:37 AM
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Kidcane
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Just PM someone that lives in NY. They seem to have a pretty good system for removing wheels.
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Old 05-19-2010, 09:43 AM
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hispeed-lowdrag
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Originally Posted by Kidcane
Just PM someone that lives in NY. They seem to have a pretty good system for removing wheels.


NY thieves FTL
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