Do I need a special wrench to remove the locknut?

[100pctFord]

Merry Christmas. I have the locknut key. So I put the locknut key over the bolt with the lock and glide it until it locks over the lock pattern. Then I use my tire iron on the end of the key?

A friend of mine knowledgeable about these things, said that it's very difficult removing the locknut that way, and it's best to get a special tool. Do I need that?

 

[94Eddie]

The purpose of the lock nut key is to remove the lock nut. If the lock nut key is lost then there are special tools to remove the lock nut which usually ruins it. A socket, lug wrench or regular wrench can be used on the key to loosen the nut.

 

[JAPeterson]

Just do it like was explained above.

The first thing that I did with my Explorer was to remove all 4 of the keyed locking lug nuts and replaced them with the factory ones. Fumbling around on a cold or miserable day with the key is the last thing that I want to do.

But then I don't live in a high crime area where I have to worry about someone stealing my tires.

 

[peterk9]

Just do it like was explained above.

........................................................................ Fumbling around on a cold or miserable day with the key is the last thing that I want to do.

.......................................................

I'd just call Roadside Assistance to do that.
Merry Christmas.

Peter

 

[94Eddie]

Just do it like was explained above.

The first thing that I did with my Explorer was to remove all 4 of the keyed locking lug nuts and replaced them with the factory ones. Fumbling around on a cold or miserable day with the key is the last thing that I want to do.

But then I don't live in a high crime area where I have to worry about someone stealing my tires.

The problem with the factory lug nuts is that they are a two piece design. Over time they corrode and expand out to the point the lug wrench will no longer fit. A lot of people have gone to change a flat tire while on the road only to find the lug wrench won't fit one, or more, of the lug nuts! Mine were corroded when I bought it and I replaced them with a one piece type of lug from Amazon.

 

[100pctFord]

The purpose of the lock nut key is to remove the lock nut. If the lock nut key is lost then there are special tools to remove the lock nut which usually ruins it. A socket, lug wrench or regular wrench can be used on the key to loosen the nut.

Thank you

 

[100pctFord]

Just do it like was explained above.

The first thing that I did with my Explorer was to remove all 4 of the keyed locking lug nuts and replaced them with the factory ones. Fumbling around on a cold or miserable day with the key is the last thing that I want to do.

But then I don't live in a high crime area where I have to worry about someone stealing my tires.

Thanks. Unfortunately, I'm in a place where they do steal rims.

 

[peterk9]

If they want them bad enough, they will get them, lock or no lock. Or, they may just take the whole thing.

Peter

 

[100pctFord]

If they want them bad enough, they will get them, lock or no lock. Or, they may just take the whole thing.

Peter

Wonderful. LOL Let's hope they don't take the whole thing at least. Besides, it's Christmas. (We should be thinking thoughts of goodwill and peace on earth, right?) Merry Christmas, Peter!

 

[JAPeterson]

Most thieves have the master set of keys to take it off if they want them.

 

[peterk9]

Most thieves have the master set of keys to take it off if they want them.

That's more than my dealer has. I asked them if they would be able to remove the locking nut if I didn't have the key and the answer was NO. I had inadvertently left the 'key' at home just after I got the vehicle not realizing it was in a little bag that they gave me. Had to put off my swap to the winter tires.

Peter

 

[Mbrooks420]

I’ve never known a thief to have a master set of wheel keys. There’s too many designs for this to be feasible. Typically a file and hammering on sockets is faster, and cheaper. Wheel locks really aren’t that hard to get off, unless they were put on super tight, and have been on a long time.

I’ve never tried to defeat a wheel lock and failed.

 

[JAPeterson]

A quick search turned up this set on Amazon. I have seen them for as cheap as $30

Amazon product ASIN B08F284WM4
But if they want your wheels they are going to get your wheels.

 

[Mbrooks420]

That’s for the external splined type, the much more secure style have the inset shape on the face. The external splined ones are the easiest to defeat.

 

[imp]

I’ve never known a thief to have a master set of wheel keys. There’s too many designs for this to be feasible. Typically a file and hammering on sockets is faster, and cheaper. Wheel locks really aren’t that hard to get off, unless they were put on super tight, and have been on a long time.

I’ve never tried to defeat a wheel lock and failed.

a 1/2-inch hole drilled 1-inch deep into the lug (deeper if necessary) then a long, sturdy cold chisel and BFH will easily break off the thin shell left.

 

[100pctFord]

I'm going out to check to see if my wheels are still there.