You’ve searched all over but can’t locate your locking wheel nut key. If it’s indeed gone, you have the following choices.
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Option 1. Purchase a new key
Even if it occasionally costs more, this is the choice that is easiest to choose. However, you’ll need to purchase a new locking wheel nut key if you want to use the original locking wheel nut set.
Each key has a code that allows you to order an extra from the car’s maker. The only location to find this code is on the plastic storage bag or locking wheel nut storage box, which is a problem if both are missing.
Option 2. Locking wheel nut removal & replacement
Many clients who have misplaced their locking wheel nut keys request that our technicians remove them and replace them with a universal locking wheel nut set. These sets are made to fit a variety of automobiles so you won’t have to buy from the car maker, but they will still secure your alloy wheels. This choice frequently costs less than buying a new key.
Removing locking wheel nuts without a key
Without the proper key, our experts utilize a specialized tool to release the locking wheel nuts. On the majority of automobiles, this technique works well, although it is subject to variables like wheel design and whether the wheel nuts were overtightened before removal. However, our specialists can usually safely remove the wheel nuts.
Is it possible to unlock wheel locks without a key?
A wheel lock employs a part-specific key to unlock it, much like a standard wheel nut would, to secure the wheel to your car. Wheel lock key loss is a typical occurrence. It is possible to manually remove the wheel lock key.
Make sure your car is on a level surface and that all of the wheels are level before you start. Make sure your parking brake (emergency brake) is engaged as well.
How is a wheel lock opened?
Key for wheel lock
A word of caution: Never use power tools to unlock your car’s wheels. The wheel lock and wheel lock key may be damaged or stripped by the power tools’ excessive force, rendering them ineffective.
Step 1: Verify that your car is in park. Use the parking brake to increase safety.
Align the key with the nut in step two. Set the wheel lock key’s splines in alignment with the wheel lock on the wheel.
To do this, insert the wheel lock key into the lock and carefully turn it until the tabs or pattern match up. The wheel lock key will automatically latch into place.
Step 3: Squeeze the wheel lock key with your lug nut wrench. It has a six-point hexagonal head and ought to be the same size as your car’s wheel nuts.
Step 4: Counterclockwise turn the lug nut wrench. This will loosen the wheel lock, albeit it might take some force to remove it from the wheel.
Step 5: Manually deactivate the wheel lock. You ought to have no trouble disabling the wheel lock manually after loosening it.
Can wheel lock keys be purchased?
Can a lost wheel lock key be replaced? A dealer or manufacturer can make a replacement key for you if you know the code of your key. Additionally, you can frequently obtain a replacement key online if you know the brand, manufacture, or model of your wheel lock. If not, you will have to pay to have a professional unlock your wheel.
Without a key, how do mechanics unlock a wheel lock? Your car’s mechanic may occasionally have a key that fits your wheel lock. All conceivable key combinations cannot, however, be kept up to date at any particular store. In order to hold the exterior of the wheel lock and twist it off, they frequently utilize special sockets that pierce the metal.
Without a key, it is simple for inexperienced professionals to damage the wheel when removing a wheel lock. As a result, it’s crucial to take your car to a repair you can trust.
Do wheel locks need to be used?
Wheel locks, however, only work to stop wheel theft. Wheel lock clamps, on the other hand, can stop your automobile from being stolen, but we’ll get to that later. On the other hand, wheel lug nut locks are redesigned lug nuts that need a specific key to release and include sockets that hinder theft. In order to prevent thieves from removing each key with a standard lug wrench or socket, a unique pattern is etched onto each key.
How many distinct types of wheel locks exist?
The simplest and most common type of locking wheel nut is one that has a keyed head and needs a corresponding socket to remove. There are three primary varieties of locking wheel nuts. Next are the locking wheel nuts that have spinning collars surrounding them, making it difficult to engage the nut without the key. Last but not least, you can find bolts with heads that are intended to shear off if you don’t have the right removal key on vehicles that employ removable wheel bolts rather than nuts.
How come the wheels lock?
Wheel locks are used to deter criminals from taking your car’s rims. One key and four unique lug nuts make up wheel locks. The key that comes with the set must be used to install or remove the lug nuts because they have a certain pattern, as seen below.
Do every car’s wheels have locks?
Wheel locks are now a common feature on many more recent autos. When buying a new set of wheels or installing custom rims, some car owners opt to purchase them aftermarket. An anti-theft lug nut may typically be distinguished from the other nuts (or bolts) holding your tire on by its distinctive appearance. To give a wheel lock a uniform appearance, a removable plastic cover may cover it in specific circumstances.
What is the name of the device used to remove lug nuts?
While lug nuts can be loosened and tightened with a lug wrench, removing several tires quickly and efficiently with a 1/2-in. cordless impact wrench. An outstanding option is the Milwaukee 2767 18-Volt 1/2-in. Impact Wrench.
It has a friction ring that prevents sockets from slipping off the anvil while allowing for quick socket changes, and it is well-balanced and only 8-1/2 inches long. With its 1,400 foot pounds of bolt-busting power, this tool can remove lug nuts that are severely corroded or overtightened in a flash.
Be aware that torque limiting sticks are required if you’re using an impact wrench. Check out the Neiko 02453A 1/2-in. eight piece set. Drive with the torque limiter set, particularly if you’re changing the tires on many vehicles.
Six-point sockets with deep, thin walls are coated to protect finished lug nuts and wheels. For easy identification, the extensions and sockets are color labeled. You can throw this set, along with your impact wrench, into the back of your car before a road trip because it is housed in a handy blow-molded storage container.
Will locking wheel nuts be removed by the AA?
Locking nuts come with a code that allows owners to request a new key from the manufacturer. In the absence of the code, garages have equipment that can remove most nuts. The AA and RAC are two breakdown organizations that frequently offer assistance.
There are tools for removing locking wheel nuts that you can buy from places like Amazon. You use the tool to hammer over the nut to create a reverse thread, and then you use a wrench to unscrew it. They are one-time use items because they self-destruct during use.
A last-ditch DIY option is to take an old 12-point socket that is slightly too small, hammer it till it bites onto the nut, and then twist it off with a ratchet (assuming you have a simple type of nut without a rotating outer shroud/collari). If you attempt this with a high-end locking nut from a manufacturer like McGard, the wheel will be ruined.
Can a mechanic replace a tire without a locking wheel nut?
If you want to get your tires changed, you will need to give the National Tyres and Autocare branch employees a locking wheel nut key. Only if your wheels have locking wheel nuts is this important. Your tires cannot be changed if you do not have the locking wheel nut key.