wheel locks... any way to get them off?

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?

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Try one of these:

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

13 replies and no one has yet suggested a shotgun?

You can't make this stuff up!

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.

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... :)

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.

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

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

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??

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.

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.

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.

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!)

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

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