Removing a locking wheel nut without the key

[dan91]

So it turns out when you buy a very cheap car.. the locking wheel nut isnt included, and when the brakes need reaplcing thats an issue.

From the limited research ive done there's a few methods i know of?

It's a Ford locking wheel nut looking like this:



I've tried hammering a socket onto it, no luck, 22m slips over nicely but 21mm is too small and wont hammer on.

Cant use the reverse thread things halfords sell because it has nothing to grip on.

I'd like to avoid welding a nut onto it to unwind it because the only welder i have access to is a cheap lidl arc welder...

I'm stuck for ideas, any suggestions welcome.. Cheers.

[dan91]

I'm an idiot, posted this in the wrong section. If anyone could move it it'd be much appreciated.

[dodgerover]

Can't use just buy the tool that fits it or nip to a local tyre place and use theirs to loosen those ones

[dan91]

Nov 14, 2015 17:13:15 GMT dodgerover said:

Can't use just buy the tool that fits it or nip to a local tyre place and use theirs to loosen those ones

Apparently not, it looks like a common one but they're all slightly different so odds are finding one the same will be a pain.

And it's not currently taxed/insured so i cant really take it to somebody.

[quantum stop]

21mm impact socket (its harder than the lock nut ) extension 5lb lump hammer hold it square MAKE it fit .Youll prob get 1 chance at it constant turning pressure

[davidpallister]

Just preparing you for the worst, I can't remember what forum it was on (was some years ago!) but someone had the same issue, they ended up having to cut the wheel up into pieces to remove it as the locking nut just couldn't be shifted.

[jonxs]

Id try an impact socket, also try tightening the other nuts up more it could relieve the pressure.
I had similar on my Volvo, had to 'gently' whack a socket on lol. It worked a treat

[dan91]

Nov 14, 2015 17:39:57 GMT davidpallister said:

Just preparing you for the worst, I can't remember what forum it was on (was some years ago!) but someone had the same issue, they ended up having to cut the wheel up into pieces to remove it as the locking nut just couldn't be shifted.

Hondatech i think, i remember the thread. But it's not that its siezed on or stuck on i just don't have the key, the other normal nuts came lose fine so i doubt it's seized on.

Nov 14, 2015 17:45:00 GMT jonxs said:

Id try an impact socket, also try tightening the other nuts up more it could relieve the pressure.
I had similar on my Volvo, had to 'gently' whack a socket on lol. It worked a treat

Tried tightening the others to give it some room didnt do much, might just spend more hours swearing and hammering tomorrow.

[düdo]

I have removed one of these with a pair of pliers. If you've got various sets of pliers - as often is the case - try to find a pair with a snub nose which you can perhaps 'fit' into the nut. I had one pair that sat in there which I could just prise open a bit which gave me enough purchase and leverage to turn the nut.
Or punch it and drill it? Weld onto it despite the LIDL welder? ( didn't know Lidl did welders)

[ChrisT]

Centre punch the stud, 5mm (or smaller) pilot hole and then drill it out slowly with cutting fluid and with progressively bigger drill bits until the stud's gone nut will come off.
Does require fitting new stud afterwards but this method is less likely to damage the wheel like hammer a socket over could do.

[tineca]

I drilled one out on a fiesta. Ruined the student they were cheap and easy to change

[reliantscimitar]

hi there


I can almost guarantee this method will work


loosen the other wheel nuts on the wheel

on a private and safe piece of land drive the car in full lock, first one way and then the next.

The wheel will start to move on the hub, you will feel / hear it moving.

Then jack up the wheel and you will find that the locking wheel nut should be loose.

Have done it this way for 20 years and very rarely failed.

Cheers - mike

[docjock]

^^^This^^^

That's also how the scallies get alloys off when they nick them.

(well, they bounce the car rather than drive it)

[jiminwatford]

What i'd try: 21mm 12 point socket, as cheap as you can get, whack it and it might make it over the nut or even split enough to allow fitment. I'd try that as it's what i have to hand

[kevins]

Nov 14, 2015 19:16:49 GMT reliantscimitar said:

hi there


I can almost guarantee this method will work


loosen the other wheel nuts on the wheel

on a private and safe piece of land drive the car in full lock, first one way and then the next.

The wheel will start to move on the hub, you will feel / hear it moving.

Then jack up the wheel and you will find that the locking wheel nut should be loose.

Have done it this way for 20 years and very rarely failed.

Cheers - mike


You might want to consider fitting a new stud after this, it's probably come loose because the stud has stretched. You may also be able to turn it by knocking it  round with a punch at a tangent to the outer surface, with some care it is also possible carve a key from a steel bar with an angle grinder.

[Chris™]

Never heard of doing it on the vehicle like that, mad! +1 for an impact socket and a big hammer. Hardest part is getting it started off and going on square. After it holds itself in place, that's when you can start beating it mercilessly with the biggest hammer you can find...

[Wilk]

Try a 12 point socket in an imperial size between the 2 metric sizes or a sharp cold chisel at a tangent on the outer edge

[jiminwatford]

Nov 14, 2015 22:28:08 GMT Wilk said:

Try a 12 point socket in an imperial size between the 2 metric sizes or a sharp cold chisel at a tangent on the outer edge

I'm not sure there are imperial sockets between 21 and 22mm