Small problem... Missing lock nut key!

[CSP]

Well while trying to detail my car, including removing the wheels to clean the hubs and whole rim/tyre, I discovered my lock nut key is missing. Not in the usual place I keep it and I search the car inside and out!

Anyhow, the last time the rims were off was after getting the car repaired and new rims/tyres fitted. So my first phone call tomorrow will be to the repairer.

However failing that, can wheel/tyre shops remove lock nuts without damaging rims. I don't care if they destroy the lock nuts - I'll just buy a new set. If it makes a difference, they're the factory HSV ones.

Cheers!

[macca33]

I think you may have to belt a socket over the nuts and take them off that way. Messy, but it works and shouldn't damage your wheels.

Cheers,

Macca

[Wonky]

Don't know what the HSV ones are like - I think you'd struggle to get my Gorilla locknuts off unless all wheel nuts were not on really tight. Apparently sometimes (and I'm not giving away secrets here as I'm sure any thief worth his salt already well and truly knows this) you can get locknuts off by doing up the other nuts really tight. If the locknut is not also on really tight you can apparently free it more easily.

I've never tried it - it's just something I read on here! :D

[diabolic]

Don't lock nuts have a number on them so you can get a replacement key? If they came on the car from stock maybe HSV have the number recorded somewhere?

Just a thought.

Dan

[DVS VT Clubby]

If you no wot yr doin u can usually get them off with no damage. I used a cheap soft socket and a copper hammer once, they came off no problem.

[CSP]

Don't lock nuts have a number on them so you can get a replacement key? If they came on the car from stock maybe HSV have the number recorded somewhere?

Just a thought.

Dan

Thanks mate! I had thought about that... If it's not easily solved by contacting the repairer, I'll call the dealer the car came from and see what they have to say.

Not sure about Wonky's suggestion! :rofl:

[Wonky]

Don't lock nuts have a number on them so you can get a replacement key? If they came on the car from stock maybe HSV have the number recorded somewhere?

Just a thought.

Dan

Yep, the dealer you bought it from should be able to organise that for you. Chances of you having a flat in the meantime are very, very low! I can't remember the last time I had an actual flat tyre (apart from when I hit a gutter about 5 yrs ago :doh:). Last puncture would have to have been probably 200,000km ago. :eek:

[davway]

either belt a socket over it or take it to ANY tyre shop and they will be able to remove it.
lock nuts arent exactly padlocks.

[Wonky]

Not sure about Wonky's suggestion! :rofl:

Go on, give it a go! :stick: :lol:

[LSavvy]

This would be the easiest way to get them off and they work a treat,

http://www.toolbarn.co.nz/koken-lock-nut-buster-sizes-21mm-24.5mm-26mm-27.5mm.-xidp663.html

No damage to be done using these.

They are available in OZ, find a Koken stockist and use that part no 14124/3

[planetdavo]

There is a system to VE locknuts, which the dealer should know but I'm not prepared to publicly explain. It should be a fairly simple process to fix.

[Toddler78]

There is a system to VE locknuts, which the dealer should know but I'm not prepared to publicly explain. It should be a fairly simple process to fix.


angle grinder? :rofl: :stick:

[planetdavo]

angle grinder?
:rofl:
No power tools are required...:stick:

[tim_k]

Get some selleys "Kneed It" and put it into an oversize socket. Put it on the lock nut and let it set (about 10 minutes). It will come straight off.

[Devil CV8]

Chances of you having a flat in the meantime are very, very low! I can't remember the last time I had an actual flat tyre (apart from when I hit a gutter about 5 yrs ago :doh:). Last puncture would have to have been probably 200,000km ago. :eek:

You obviously haven't had any dealings with murphy. Now is the most likely time for CSP to get a flat tyre, now that he can't get the tyre off......

[Wonky]

You obviously haven't had any dealings with murphy. Now is the most likely time for CSP to get a flat tyre, now that he can't get the tyre off......

Yeah, true! I was thinking that as I wrote it! :D

[planetdavo]

You obviously haven't had any dealings with murphy. Now is the most likely time for CSP to get a flat tyre, now that he can't get the tyre off......
Yep.
Thankfully, not too many Murphy's seem to design modern tyres! :bravo:
Most people's flats these days are when they hear this funny tick, tick, tick as they drive along.
Once home, they have a look at the tyres, and see what looks a bit like a screw poking out of the tyre.
As that screw isn't meant to be in that tyre, best they go to the toolbox for a pair of needle nose pliers, and pull that little bugger out, as that tick, tick, tick noise was so damn annoying above the (insert favourite pop/rock/dance) song playing, and well, bugger me, the tyre now makes a bit of a hissing noise...:bawl:

[stephenmalr8]

My hsv locknuts come off with greasy oil !

[jerrel]

just to repeat what a few others have writting, a 24mm socket general works, but 9 times out of 10 you will damage the socket, so use a cheap one, not ur nice brand new sidchrome sockets ;)