Hey guys..
I had a flat and a guy put the lugs on with an air gun. Now I try and get the locking lug off and it ruined my key. 3 companies say its not theirs. Mcgard, gorilla and amcor. Any other lug companies out there? The key has the number on it but its stipped enough to not grip the lug. How can I remove these locks? I thought maybe banging on an undersize socket on the lug. Now I have 4 to get off and I need to put my new tires on. They are on my chevy van.
Please...any real good suggestions?
Chevysrit

most auto parts stores with a large selection of tools have the removal socket for that purpose. it drives on biting into the lug and then will remove the lug with the us of an impact or 4-way. or go by your local tire store and they can remove it for you.

You can purchase a tool to remove locking lugs from most good auto parts stores. I use a socket driven over the lock to get them off in the boneyard.

I remember a long time ago, about 25 years, wow am I old!!
I had the same problem, i got this tool at Sears I think that went around the lug and the you tightened it and it split the thing along the line of the threaded stud. It's been a long time and many, way too many miller lites ago so I hope this helps.

Most tire shops have 'drive on sockets' made specificately to remove ruined locking lug nuts.

Being that easy to remove makes them kind of pointless doesn't it. Thieves aren't all stupid.

Make you use a quality socket, cheap ones will shatter. Also, I quit using wheel locks about 15 years ago...

My first elcamino had locking lugs, and i didn't get a key with the car- So i had a muffler/brake shop weld a throwaway socket onto the locking lug nut and got them out that way.

I had this problem about six months ago, i never knew the car had locking lugs on it until i needed to get the wheel off (stupid center caps:angry: ), but i used punch and a hammer and knocked it loose it took about an half hour and alot of swinging:clonk:

Use a craftsman socket (not impact) that is the closest to fitting and drive it on.

You may get several uses before it's worthless.

Then exchange it for new socket.

My firebird came with locking lugnuts.... Bought this socket at sears that was tappered.... Slammed it on took forever then wholla off they came.

Like he said, a long time ago i just used a ballpeen and a cold chisel to split the locking lug, watch the threads.

Took many off by hammering on an impact socket and using a breaker bar.

13/16" socket and a BFH, then an impact gun has always worked for me.

Man, wish I had come here last year when I was trying to get them off of my wife's car. 2 of them stripped. I drilled through the end. Tapped out the ruined lug with a hammer and replaced it. I did do some cosmetic damage to the rim trying to get it off before I thought to drill it though. I gotta say, they stripped very easily. Not impressed with the quality at all.

Get something like this http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00952161000&subcat=Bolt-Out%2C+Taps+%26+Dies

Thanks guys! I got a special socket with threads in it. Beat it over the locking lug and used an impact gun. Took awhile but they are all off now! I took the 4 lugs and ruined lock and went to the lake and made 5 wishes! Hope they come true! No more locking lugs for me!
Thanks again for the insight and help! This site is the BEST!!!
Chevysrit

grind flats on lock easy
Curt

grind flats on lock easy
Curt That would be too easy, wish I would have thought of it :)

One time a kid that worked for me didn't get a key socket with the Corvette he bought and the dealer couldn't provide one either.
I removed the front spindles (only 4 bolts) turned the wheels upside down and drilled out the stud from the back.
That was a lot of free work but I loved every minute of it.

I think one of jeff74's friends removed the rear locks with a Snap On air hammer.