Need help finding a lug nut key!

pigpen8304 · 12-07-2008, 05:33 PM

This could be a better issue to put in the wheel and tire forum, but I needed an answer sooner than later. So somewhere down the road between wheeling and working on my jeep, I have lost my lug nut key. Which really sucks, because today I was getting ready to put on new brake pads and rotors. Anyone know where I can find a replacement? I know about all of the other opitions to break it off and what not, but I would really like to find a replacement if at all possible. Searched the forum all day to find an answer, but no luck. Any help be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

**roadking** · 12-07-2008, 05:42 PM

When you bought the wheel locks they should have come with a serial number from the manufacturer that will let you order replacements.

'51plymouth · 12-07-2008, 05:50 PM

^Yep, what he said.^ That's your only choice, besides hammering on an impact socket and replacing them with new locks or lugnuts.

**rubidriver** · 12-07-2008, 05:58 PM

That is not your only source.

If you have the SN, go ahead and call McGaurd and they will send you one.
If you were like me and didnt have the SN, take 3 good pics, as I did, and get a hold of a rep there and they will let you send it to their email. They got it right the first time with me, I was really impressed. Here is the picture I sent which is high quality because my mom is a photographer so it worked out great.

Heres what I sent them

pigpen8304 · 12-07-2008, 06:20 PM

Thanks for all the help so far. And I didn't buy these wheels locks, they came with the wheels when I got them. So unfortunatley I do not have the serial number.

**rubidriver** · 12-07-2008, 06:29 PM

I thought these were stock wheel locks, are you saying they arent?

If so what brand are they?

Bill C · 12-07-2008, 06:36 PM

take a look in the glove box.........McGuard gives a serial # sticker with their locks. That's where I put mine.

Jacon · 12-07-2008, 06:51 PM

I went through a similar situation as this with a Honda CRV we used to have. I lost the key and didn't want to take it on long trips since I would not be able to change a tire if we had a flat. They were factory locks and the hassle to go through Honda and get a new key plus the cost was not worth it. I went to a tire shop and they tac-welded old lug nuts on them and got them off for $10 each. Not sure if it was the best way, or the cheapest, but it fixed my problem the quickest and easiest way for me.

Jacob

pigpen8304 · 12-07-2008, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubidriver

I thought these were stock wheel locks, are you saying they arent?

If so what brand are they?

They might be stock wheel locks. I'm not real sure. I think that I'm just going to break them off and get a reagular set of lug nuts. This has turned out to be a real headache. Thanks for all the help once again.

Canfourjeep · 12-07-2008, 06:58 PM

Easiest way is to drive a socket on the existing lug nuts with a BFH and just screw them off. Then buy a new set cheaper than most other ways

Jeepster83 · 12-07-2008, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canfourjeep

Easiest way is to drive a socket on the existing lug nuts with a BFH and just screw them off. Then buy a new set cheaper than most other ways

and be sure to use a Craftsman socket. get a replacement for free from Sears.

pigpen8304 · 12-07-2008, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canfourjeep

Easiest way is to drive a socket on the existing lug nuts with a BFH and just screw them off. Then buy a new set cheaper than most other ways

Yep...pretty sure thats what I'm going to end up doing.

frontlinedude · 12-07-2008, 07:12 PM

if you are out of other options, Big Brand Tire was able to get a damaged one of mine off for $10 even. They are used to those kind of things and they have the right tools, although they were worried about damaging the centercap, but it didn't.

medDOyj · 12-07-2008, 07:14 PM

i know snap-on makes a tool to take off wheel locks. i don't know if your local auto parts store would have one you could borrow or not.

OldFatGuy · 12-07-2008, 07:16 PM

There's a special tool to remove them that's not too expensive.

I have the Snap-On equivalent of this kit and it works really well. If you don't want to buy it, call a couple of tire stores. Most of them probably have the tools and would do it for you fairly cheap.

*EDIT*
The last couple of posters pretty much said the same thing while I was typing.