Lost my wheel lock key; how screwed am I?

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  • VinniE30
    R3VLimited
    • May 2010
    • 2113

    #1

    Lost my wheel lock key; how screwed am I?

    I always keep the wheel lock key in my glove box. I went to get it and it wasn't there and I have no idea where else it could be I looked everywhere.
    How do I get another key for it when there are lots of different locks and I don't know which one mine is? I didin't buy them, they where on the car when I got it so I kept using them and the PO only gave me one key, the one I lost.
    This is what the lock lug looks like
    Zinno '89 <24v swap in progress>

  • e30lov
    E30 Mastermind
    • Jul 2008
    • 1597

    #2
    Get a standard socket thats a little bigger then that whole locking lug. Hammer it on. Remove lug. Repeat 3x and put regular lugs back in.

    `92 325 vert - `90 325 coupe `99 m3 - Instagram @e30L

    Comment

    • e46s54dr
      E30 Enthusiast
      • May 2008
      • 1059

      #3
      Hammering a socket on may or may not work on these round style locks. That and its a bitch to get the lugs out of the socket after.

      The best and easiest way to get those off would be for you to go get an appropriate sized extractor for the job. Then youll need to hammer it on and use an impact gun for ease if available.

      Heres a similar product for a higher premium of course.


      Another route would be to go to a local rim and tire shop and pay them to do it for you.

      Comment

      • Wschnitz
        R3V OG
        • Dec 2011
        • 8089

        #4
        Are all wheel locks different? Like they are all unique?
        1989 BMW 325is | 2019 Ford Ranger FX4
        willschnitz

        Comment

        • VinniE30
          R3VLimited
          • May 2010
          • 2113

          #5
          Originally posted by e30lov
          Get a standard socket thats a little bigger then that whole locking lug. Hammer it on. Remove lug. Repeat 3x and put regular lugs back in.
          Originally posted by e46s54dr
          Hammering a socket on may or may not work on these round style locks. That and its a bitch to get the lugs out of the socket after.

          The best and easiest way to get those off would be for you to go get an appropriate sized extractor for the job. Then youll need to hammer it on and use an impact gun for ease if available.

          Heres a similar product for a higher premium of course.


          Another route would be to go to a local rim and tire shop and pay them to do it for you.
          Thanks. But i'd rather only do something like this as a last resort because I don't want to break any sockets, the wheel locks, scratch my wheel, or damage anything else. Ideally i'd like to try and get another key for them.

          Originally posted by Wschnitz
          Are all wheel locks different? Like they are all unique?
          I did some searching and it looks like companies like mcgard make many different ones and they all look similar to mine but the key shape is not exactly the same...
          Zinno '89 <24v swap in progress>

          Comment

          • jlevie
            R3V OG
            • Nov 2006
            • 13530

            #6
            Take the car to a good tire shop. There is a good chance that they will recognize the lock and know where to get a key (if they don't have one).
            The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
            Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

            Comment

            • James
              Grease Monkey
              • Oct 2004
              • 334

              #7
              Go to napa, autozone, etc whatever you have and buy a locking wheel nut removal set, they are only like 30 bucks. You won't damage the wheel or break the socket unless you are a totally ham fisted.

              Trying to source a new key for your set of locks is going to be more hassle than just buying a new set if you feel you have to run locking nuts. I personally find them a pain.

              Comment

              • CrusherCurtis
                R3VLimited
                • Mar 2010
                • 2532

                #8
                Originally posted by e30lov
                Get a standard socket thats a little bigger then that whole locking lug. Hammer it on. Remove lug. Repeat 3x and put regular lugs back in.
                This has never failed me
                or just take it to any old tire shop. Friend had same problem on LS400 and they charged him $20 and sent him home with 16 lugs.
                I want a nice set of smoked MHW's (I know, get it line)
                Free Stuff!!:http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=273454

                Comment

                • Cronopoulos
                  R3VLimited
                  • Jul 2011
                  • 2187

                  #9
                  sawzall


                  Project log -- DIRTY 30

                  2.7i * Megasquirt tuned * E85 powered

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                  • rustybullet
                    Wrencher
                    • Apr 2010
                    • 218

                    #10
                    Cut the wheel off.

                    Comment

                    • VinniE30
                      R3VLimited
                      • May 2010
                      • 2113

                      #11
                      To everyone saying bring it to a tire shop, I can't do that since i'm in the middle of taking the engine out and doing a 24v swap.
                      I'll probably do what james said and just get a locking wheel removal set and then put on regular lug nuts.
                      Zinno '89 <24v swap in progress>

                      Comment

                      • Vtec?lol
                        No R3VLimiter
                        • Dec 2009
                        • 3278

                        #12
                        Universal socket. press it on there and It'll form around the actual pattern and bolt. Works like a charm

                        Comment

                        • VinniE30
                          R3VLimited
                          • May 2010
                          • 2113

                          #13
                          Originally posted by Vtec?lol
                          Universal socket. press it on there and It'll form around the actual pattern and bolt. Works like a charm
                          Woah that's really cool! I want one of these just to have one
                          Zinno '89 <24v swap in progress>

                          Comment

                          • FunfGan
                            R3V Elite
                            • Jan 2011
                            • 4958

                            #14
                            I'll bring the grinder tomorrow, we'll have that wheel off in no time ;)


                            Go here be happy!

                            Ratchet Garage e30 V8 build.

                            Comment

                            • spike68
                              E30 Enthusiast
                              • Apr 2009
                              • 1185

                              #15
                              Ill grab my hammer.
                              I don't even own this car anymore, but I'm too lazy to change the picture.

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