Security Wheel Nut - Key Lost!
Security Wheel Nut - Key Lost!
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Discussion

Jon280

Original Poster:

196 posts

167 months

Thursday 15th May 2014
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Just been tinkering with my wedge, and it appears that in the process of the car being transported back to me recently, it and the wheel nut removal key thingy have parted company, and cant be found in either garage or the car anywhere!

So my question is, any ideas where to source a replacement, or do I have to get the nuts off somehow and replace them? I remember the adapter used to fit in a 19mm socket, and had a number stumped into it, but unfortunately I seem to have no record of said number to help aid in a replacement.

Pic below shows the type of nut that it is.


adam quantrill

11,679 posts

272 months

Thursday 15th May 2014
quotequote all
Does it stick out much from the wheel?

If so - to get it out drill a 4mm hole from one side to the other. Then stick a large bolt in the big hole we can see - big as possible and drill 4mm though that too. Then stick a 4mm bolt through this hole and undo the big bolt which should bring the wheelnut with it.

I used a similar trick on my rounded stsrter motor hex-drive bolts.

... or does it have a hole in the middle - that's one of those photos that the brain can flip from inside to outside...

Edited by adam quantrill on Thursday 15th May 21:27

danbourassa

246 posts

167 months

Thursday 15th May 2014
quotequote all
My son had this problem on his Land Rover. He bought a cheap Chinese extractor since he though he only had to use the tool once. It was false economy since the tool didn't work. It came off easily with a 15/16" (24mm) Snap-On extractor. The picture shows the tool and the locking nut. The tool costs about $50 US but the price will hopefully keep it out of the hands of wheel thieves.


RCK974X

2,521 posts

179 months

Thursday 15th May 2014
quotequote all
Bodgit, Crash and Fudgit Motors here.... for your "last resort" solution.

As a cheap old miser, I would use my old and knackered Mole grips, tightened up to the point where it's almost impossible to click them on (i.e. extremely tight on the nut) and then wrap the ends with wire (so it can't flip open)
and then get the hammer.....

Surprisingly this approach works quite often - knackers the nuts, but if you've really lost the key, who cares ?

My mole grips have been welded up twice, but still work, and it's cost me pretty close to bugger all.....

ElvisWedgely

2,715 posts

195 months

Thursday 15th May 2014
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Go on the Bay auction site and type in search 'locking wheel nut extractor'. You'll find plenty to choose from. Alternatively, some alloy wheel refurbishers can remove it for you but it will cost.

Tony.TCB.

TVRleigh_BBWR

6,553 posts

243 months

Thursday 15th May 2014
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Other option is if you have any old sockets or very close size, ideally impact, hammer them on and then remove.

Jon280

Original Poster:

196 posts

167 months

Thursday 15th May 2014
quotequote all
Well much searching has failed to find a replacement that might be able to undo the nuts with no damage, so some replacements have been ordered, and when they arrive I will attempt to remove the ones currently on there.

Don't think there is quite enough space to try the drilling method, so may give the mole grips a go, or failing that the old socket approach, or get one of the bolt extractors. Just have to hope I don't get a puncture in the meantime!

cornet

1,471 posts

188 months

Thursday 15th May 2014
quotequote all
Socket method has worked for me a number of times, though hard to tell from your photo if you could do the same.

Hammer socket on, undo, repeat smile

tweety

829 posts

289 months

Thursday 15th May 2014
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Old socket method worked for me too, tried an extractor tool and was a complete expensive waste of time...even if you have to buy new cheap sockets it will work and be cheaper....

Cheers, Al.

RCK974X

2,521 posts

179 months

Thursday 15th May 2014
quotequote all
Old/cheap socket is a bloody good idea - some of the thinwalled (ie. cheap) ones tend to split and ruin the grip, but definitely worth a try for just a few quid....

wooly350i

2,248 posts

238 months

Friday 16th May 2014
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Turbo socket,as danbourassa shows in his piccy.

Jetblackonetenth

694 posts

239 months

Friday 16th May 2014
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http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/...

you might need the expansion set depending on the size of the bolt

adam quantrill

11,679 posts

272 months

Friday 16th May 2014
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Or you could weld a steel bar to it....

Jon280

Original Poster:

196 posts

167 months

Friday 16th May 2014
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If only I had a welding kit and know how to weld.... I'm sure there are many many things it could come in useful for!

Have ordered some of those bolt extractor socket thingys to have a go with.

mrzigazaga

18,814 posts

195 months

Friday 16th May 2014
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I think i would of gone for the cheap 19mm socket option...I had a locking wheel nut on Delilah when i first got her and the tyre place i normally use had a security key set for all known security locking nuts... Guess what...None fitted...laugh...They then used a cheap 19mm socket....Job done!....You ready for that Supercharger yet Jon......biggrin

V8 Fettler

7,019 posts

162 months

Friday 16th May 2014
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If all else fails then burn the things off, needs an oxy-artiste though.