[MEL] Lost lock nut key

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Hi all,
I recently purchased a 2nd hand VE with 20" HSVi fluxus rims. Sometime after the sale, I realised the previous owner had lost the lock nut key. Lock nuts are the McGARD type.

The previous owner has provided me with a replacement set of nuts with matching key but I still need to find someone to remove the old nuts.

Does anyone know of any place in MEL (prefer western suburbs) that can remove the McGARD nuts without damaging the alloys. I know this can be done with a Dynomec tool but can't find anyone that has one.

I have tried a couple of large local tyre dealerships and I think their best plan is to muscle the nuts off, potentially damaging the wheels.

TIA...

[feistl]

Hey mate,

I was in a similar situation a while back. I ended up getting my rims off by getting a cheap set of lock nuts, and hammering the lock key on. As it was cheap, the metal was fairly weak and distorted enough to remove the lock nut.

If your careful and maybe soak the wheel in WD40 the night before you should be able to get them off without damaging the wheel.

Cheers

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I ended up getting my rims off by getting a cheap set of lock nuts, and hammering the lock key on.

Yeah, I spoke to a neighbour who used to work for a tyre dealership and that is the method he said they resorted to. However, he didn't like the chances of doing it without damage to the alloys.

Really wish someone had a dynomec ala YouTube- Locking Wheel Nut Remover - DYNOMEC - in the UK, all of the RACV-equivalent units carry them. Looks so bloody easy and quick to use - uses a sacrificial 'blade' kinda like an elegant version on your method...

[XUV]

Try a cheap socket , and belt it on over the star , you might have to grind the outside of the socket if too big .

Be sure to hit it like a man , fairy touches won't do it .

I got my HSV Factory lock nuts of in 5 mins with a 17 mm socket , hammer and breaker bar .

Thieves disregard the above information .

[maloo_]

Pretty sure there is a guy in Doveton that does that.Just leave it the Prince Mark one night.

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Just a final update for anyone searching this thread in future.

Local mechanic used the brute-force socket bash method (thieves look away now). Three nuts came off very easily (<5min) but one took a little longer (>10min) and caused a small chip on the alloy face. Cost was trivial.

I was happy with the result considering the alternatives available (or not available in this country it would seem).

Now, if I could find someone to fix a small alloy chip....

[DansVEPanno]

Too late now, but possibly useful to future readers of the post... Also doesn't help in your situation if you don't have the packet the lock nuts came in with their code.

I bought a set of the 4 proper GM VE locknuts with key off EBay for cheap.

I'm building a dual axle trailer, plus with the spare I wanted another 5 matching lock nuts, and an extra key.

I e-mail McGard in the USA who make them, and they e-mail me back, I gave them the credit card details, and within a few weeks I had another nut for the spare, 4 for the trailer, and an extra key for the toolbox in the garage, all matching. It was about US$75 including postage.

[Lincoln87]

just out of coursotiy.
*and yes i spell bad*

so they were GM lock nuts?

you didnt go see holden?


and well anyone wanting to steal your wheels
..im sure the brute force would make some sort of noise. and done at night would look pretty suss too

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j
so they were GM lock nuts?
you didnt go see holden?


Assuming your post was directed at me (OP), Yes they were the GM-provided lock nuts. I did contact GM and there was nothing they were prepared to do. The GM-provided locknuts were the US-made McGARD nuts and GM did not offer me any path that would lead to a replacement, matching key.

[Lincoln87]

Assuming your post was directed at me (OP), Yes they were the GM-provided lock nuts. I did contact GM and there was nothing they were prepared to do. The GM-provided locknuts were the US-made McGARD nuts and GM did not offer me any path that would lead to a replacement, matching key.

ahkay. so normal Holden treatment.

[LS1-5.7]

ahkay. so normal Holden treatment.

Isn't it sad that we support their product with all our time, money and love and we get so little back from it's maker :(

And the thieves you were warning off, will be the ones that won't take your wheels............ at least not till they have your whole car in their warehouse !!!

[johnfalzon]

Hi mate try the tyre factory they are across the road from kd in sunshine ask for steve he is always willing to help