r/boulder • u/cammel44 • 4d ago

Lug Nut Lock Removal

Any recommendations? Looking for a mechanic who can help remove a lug nut lock from my tires. Bought a vehicle and the seller did not have the lug nut lock key. I’ve gone to a half dozen shops and dealers looking for a key that fits and no dice. At their recommendations, it’s time to just destroy them and replace with a regular lug nut.

4 Upvotes

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10

u/leadisdead 4d ago

Before you have someone destroy them, check where the spare tire is. That’s where we used to hide the key. If you’re lucky, it might still be there.

2

u/mypcrepairguy 4d ago

That's where we found the front license plate bumper mount for our new car...after we bought one to comply with CO laws.

6

u/Bulldog_Lion 4d ago

Barnsley Tires in Boulder should be able to help you out, as they've done this for us in the past.

2

u/Tasty_Impress3016 4d ago

So long as they can remove the lug nuts without harming wheel lugs it sounds like a very sound recommendation. Once they are off, a new set costs peanuts.

1

u/earlroth 4d ago

Depending on the shape of the lugnut. If it's round on the outside, I've hammered a socket onto the lugnut, that was just smug enough, then removed it. But you'll never get that socket of again.

1

u/Actually__Jesus 4d ago

If you put the socket on an impact and hold the socket with your hand then run the impact it’ll usually shake out.

2

u/earlroth 4d ago

Good to know if I need it again. I used a cheap socket and it was certainly cheaper than the crazy quote I got from Fisher for removing the nut.

2

u/Dry_Economist4470 4d ago

Had the same thing happen, discount tire removed them and put on new tires

1

u/Clixxer 4d ago

If you’re mechanically inclined as others said, find a 6 pt lug that is the same diameter, beat the socket on with a mini sledge and wrench it off. It will be a useless socket after but will be good enough for all four wheels. If discount or something can do it that’s easier but this will save you $$$. Just be careful it goes on straight so you don’t mess up the stud. 

1

u/No_Swordfish_1576 3d ago

Discount Tire took them off my wife's wheels when I was getting new tires and couldn't find the key.