What To Do If You Lost Lug Nut Key?

In case you need to repair your vehicle or change a tire and you lost your lug nut key, don't worry. You can still remove the lug nuts without it. Here we will tell you how to do it and what are the alternatives to the lug nut key.

What Are The Wheel Lock Nuts Keys Called?

Locking wheel nut keys help prevent would-be thieves from swiping your wheels. Alloy wheels were once a hot item among car kidnappers, but since they come standard on most vehicles nowadays, that's not as big of a problem. Still, automakers include sets of locking nuts and special keys to make sure your alloys are extra protected.

Moreover, there are different types of locking wheel nuts. Some have a special head that requires a matching socket, while others may use unique splines that can only be removed with the right key. So, let`s take a closer look.

Rotating collar:

This type of wheel nut is very difficult to remove without a matching key due to its rotating collar, which is designed to spin around the wheel nut.

Keyed head wheel nuts:

The most popular locking wheel nuts have a keyed head, which the locking wheel nut key slots into. The other end of the key has a regular hexagonal shape that fits into a wheel brace in order to remove the nut.

Sheer head bolt:

These bolts, found on many French cars such as Peugeots, are used with wheels that have bolt-on (as opposed to nutted) assemblies. They're designed to snap off ("sheer") if anyone tries to remove them with a tool other than the matching key.

Why Do Cars Have Lock Nuts?

Wheel lock nuts or bolts have a distinct pattern, and you need the key that matches that specific pattern to remove them. In many cases, a dealership technician installs wheel locks during the pre-delivery inspection. The purpose of wheel locks is to make it more complicated for thieves to steal your tires. For each wheel, there should be one lock nut (or bolt). The key and extra nuts that come with your car are often stored in the glove box or trunk, sometimes in a plastic container or little pouch.

What To Do If You Lost Lug Nut Key?

A broken wheel lock key or stripped lock nut is a very common problem that you are not alone in experiencing. If you encounter this problem and cannot remove the wheel locks with the tools at your disposal, there are a few possible solutions.

When you call your mechanic or any local auto repair shop, they might be able to remove the wheel locks without a key. Many mechanics have special tools for this purpose that make it easier to remove the lock. However, depending on the type of car you have, it might still be fairly difficult. They may need additional tools such as a hammer and oil to help loosen the lock.

If you'd rather not attempt to remove the wheel locknut yourself, another option is to bring it to your local dealership's service department. The staff should be able to quickly and easily take care of the issue for you as they have access to the manufacturer-specific master set of keys. However, do note that most dealerships will charge a fee for this type of labor.

So, as you can see, there are a few different ways to remove a wheel lock nut without the key. But, before you attempt any of these methods, be sure to check your car's warranty as some may void it if you damage the locks.

How Can A Driver Remove A Locking Lug Nut Without A Key?

If you're unsuccessful in locating the key, it's time to break out the tools. You'll want to take a socket and attach it tightly to your locking lug nut. Even if these lockers are incredibly strong, they're likely made of softer material than sockets - which is what you're counting on right now.

A 12-point wrench is ideal because it provides more gripping power than a six-point. This is important to remember when you're facing an unusual shape lug nut. The additional "teeth" will increase your chances of getting the traction you need to remove the lugnut. If you haven't used a breaker bar before, trust us when we say that you're missing out. It's essentially just a metal rod that attaches to sockets, but it's so much more useful than it sounds. You don't need to spend too much money on one because the cheaper options work just as well.

The reason a breaker bar is so great is due to simple physics. With your ratchet being only six to eight inches, it can apply some force, but not much. The lengthy size of the breaker bar lets you use your leverage and strength more which in turn allows even those who are not as physically fit. As the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. If you use this new tool carelessly, you might damage your locking lug nut beyond repair. Take it slow; a little bit of force will go a long way. Next, you need to decide on a direction.

The good news is that you can't really do this wrong as long as you're consistent. The goal here is to break the lugnut free from the rust and grime that's holding it in place. You might have to switch directions a few times, but eventually, you'll find a sweet spot. Now, all you need to do is remove the lugnut by hand. This part is going to be easy because most of the work has already been done for you. If for some reason the lugnut is still stubborn, don't hesitate to use your breaker bar and socket again - but only for a few seconds.

You did it! Now all you need to do is put on a new lugnut (or better yet, take your car to the nearest service station) and be on your merry way.

How much does it cost to replace a lug nut key?

Can't find your wheel lock key? Depending on the make of your car, you might have to order a new set from the dealer or manufacturer. You will need the code that corresponds with your particular key to doing this. On average, each set costs between $20 and $120. The price depends on the type of key, the make of your vehicle, and whether you're ordering just one key or a set.

If you lose the key and can't find a replacement, another option is to have the locksmith drill out the lock. This will require special tools and knowledge, so it's best to leave it to the professionals. The average cost to do this is $75, but it could be more depending on the severity of the problem.

So there you have it! These are a few things to keep in mind if you ever lose your wheel lock key. Be sure to check your car's warranty before attempting any of these methods as some may void it if you damage the locks.