Lost my wheel lock key!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NYC1 · 08-27-2002, 12:02 PM

I lost my wheel lock key. I don't have the key info to order a new one, nor do I know what brand they are. The problem is, every shop I've been to says they can do it, but then can’t. Sears auto would have done it for $5.99 per lock/wheel. After I waited for hours, they said they couldn’t do it because the lock is too far in and they my damage the rim. I have Chrome Cobra R’s. I’ve gone to countless shops and they keep telling me they can do it. So I tell them to come take a look before I waste time waiting, and they ALL say that the lugs/lock on the Cobra R’s are seated is too far in. Any suggestions?

Thanks

chris91LX · 08-27-2002, 12:19 PM

Don't know if this will work for you, but this is how I got mine off. I pounded a 22mm deep socket onto the lock lug with a hammer and then just turned it off like a regular lug nut. I don't know if the lug holes on your R's is wide enough to fit the socket, but it ought to.

USMC302 · 08-27-2002, 12:21 PM

I had it happen but it was on pony's so it wasn't closed in like your R's. They hammered one of their sockets on tat was too small and wedged it on there, then impacted it right off. This might be the only alternative. Good luck and elt us know before you saw you rim in half!!!

PKRWUD · 08-27-2002, 12:26 PM

I suspect that that is what the other shops have tried, or were going to try, because that's a very common problem, and the solution is always a deep 7/8" (or 22mm, they're the same size) impact socket and an impact gun. I have found a few locks that require a 15/16" socket, but a 7/8" fits most of them. Question is, will that size socket fit into your rim. Might want to check yourself and see.

Take care,
~Chris

jimberg · 08-27-2002, 12:51 PM

There is a socket that has a coarse left hand thread in it that is tapered that can be used to fit over the lock. It just bites into the lock and spins it off.

You can probably get it at a good, local parts store. Someplace like NAPA.

I know what those shops mean, though, by not having the room to do it. I could barely use my stock lug nuts with my Cobra Rs. I bought McGard spline drive lug nuts instead. They work great. When you get the locks off, I recommend you try those for your wheels. Here is the page on the spline drive lug nuts:

http://www.mcgard.com/automotive/new_prod.asp

Our locks are made by McGard (if they are stock). You may want to contact them and see if you can send them an etching of your lock to help them identify what key to use.

http://www.mcgard.com/contact/ is where you can get contact information for McGard.

fiveohpatrol · 08-27-2002, 01:24 PM

If they are a factory style lock, then you could go to a Ford dealer and see if any keys from their master set will fit it.

Even if they arent factory style, then its worth a shot, they might have one that is close enough to fit it.

If it comes down to it, you could drill a hole in the center of the lock, then use an easy-out in that hole and spin it off.

good luck with it

NYC1 · 08-27-2002, 03:09 PM

I tried the ford dealer, but they couldn't do it without damaging the rim they said. I'll try a 22mm long socket and see if it works. Hope I don't have to saw my rims in half!! lol!

Thanks

Hethj7 · 08-27-2002, 05:56 PM

I don' t know if this is already what the shops were using, but I bought a "slim" socket from a wheel and tire store here when I put my Cobra R's on. My old tire iron didn't fit into the R's, so now I carry that slim socket and a breaker bar to use.

RPM427 · 08-28-2002, 08:22 AM

I did the same thing Hethj7. I had to get my car towed after a blowout that got me stuck between here and Hartford. I got a ride home from a friend but had to leave my car overnight. I forgot to tell them to use the slim socket in the glovebox and they scratched the hell outta one of my rims. The worst part was I didn't notice until I had driven back home.

Hethj7 · 08-28-2002, 12:34 PM

That sucks man! I would hate to have some nice wheels all scratched up because of something like that.

ChunkFunky · 08-29-2002, 09:53 AM

I dont think this would work.. but Im going to throw it out.... you could try to drill lug nuts and then tap them with reverse thread and then just thread in a bolt and remove it that way...
like I said, I dont think it'd work... but it just popped into my head... then again.. maybe it would work... dependson how much meat is in the body of the lugnut
-as

bigblockcoupe · 08-29-2002, 10:13 AM

you will have to use a deep chrome socket maybe a cheap china man one i had the same thing happen once and i just got an assortment of deep chrome sockets and finally found one that was thin enough to fit inside the wheel and thin enough to fit between the wheel and the top of the locking lug i then beat it on with a hammer and used an impact to remove it kind of a real pain but it worked

NYC1 · 08-29-2002, 07:18 PM

Will a deep chrome socket or a 22mm deep socket only work on 1 of the four wheel locks? Will I have to get 4? What I mean is, once I hammer it on, will it not be reusable?

bigblockcoupe · 08-29-2002, 09:51 PM

get a screwdriver and put it in the other end and knock the locking lug back out the only way you will need another socket is if you knock it to far onto the lug and crack it.

PKRWUD · 08-30-2002, 11:57 PM

An impact socket will last longer than a chrome socket. Chrome sockets tend to crack.

Take care,
~Chris

HotRoddin · 08-31-2002, 12:25 AM

I also ran into the same problem. Everybody said sure bring it in no problem. Then about half hour later they'd come dragging out saying wow just to hard to get back in that hole !!
Heres what finally worked for me .... forget the impact socket or the good stuff its to hard, to high quality lol ... get the cheapest socket you can find ... they're softer and will beat over the nut. Even if it splits a bit its still on there pretty tight .. then take a breaker bar and slowly take it off... if you use an impact wrench it'll just strip the socket. I spent a month trying to get mine off ... the cheap socket worked for me in about 20 minutes. Good luck

Mach 1 · 08-31-2002, 10:09 AM

Not to mention that an impact socket will tend to be thicker, and you need something thin to fit in your wheel

NYC1 · 09-01-2002, 09:49 AM

I definitely will need something thin, as I found that out yesterday. There is hardly ANY space between the lock and the walls of the rim. Where do I find a thin long 22mm socket?

Mach 1 · 09-01-2002, 10:00 AM

look around.

2FastLX · 09-01-2002, 10:03 AM

If you go to a Good Year store, or somewhere that sells aftermarket wheels, they usually have a tool to remove wheel locks. It's a socket that doesn't have any teeth in it and the inside is tapered. You pound it onto the lug and it will pull them right off. Good luck.

Oh yeah, I had this same thing happen to me and I had Cobra R's. They got them off without a scratch.

08-27-2002, 12:02 PM	#1
NYC1 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 169	Lost my wheel lock key!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I lost my wheel lock key. I don't have the key info to order a new one, nor do I know what brand they are. The problem is, every shop I've been to says they can do it, but then can’t. Sears auto would have done it for $5.99 per lock/wheel. After I waited for hours, they said they couldn’t do it because the lock is too far in and they my damage the rim. I have Chrome Cobra R’s. I’ve gone to countless shops and they keep telling me they can do it. So I tell them to come take a look before I waste time waiting, and they ALL say that the lugs/lock on the Cobra R’s are seated is too far in. Any suggestions? Thanks __________________ 94GT 5spd Coupe 1/4 = 13.6@103 60ft = 2.0315 on Michelin Pilots GT 40 Intake GT 40Y Aluminum heads 1.7 rockers, BBK Cold air Fluidyne, BBK long tubes & H-Pipe 65mm TB Al Driveshaft Hurst Shifter Cobra R hood HPM Subframes Control Arms Future mods = Procharger and/or 331/347 Stroker, Turbo? Rice Haters Club Member #77 FOR SALE: Strut Tower Brace $30

08-27-2002, 12:19 PM	#2
chris91LX Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Suburban Chicago, Hanover Park Posts: 695	Don't know if this will work for you, but this is how I got mine off. I pounded a 22mm deep socket onto the lock lug with a hammer and then just turned it off like a regular lug nut. I don't know if the lug holes on your R's is wide enough to fit the socket, but it ought to. __________________ My Ford Club http://www.midwestfords.org/ Best time N/A 12.9 @ 107 1.711 60' 125 shot - 12.04 @ 113 1.59 60'

08-27-2002, 12:21 PM	#3
USMC302 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Gallatin, Tn Posts: 1,326	I had it happen but it was on pony's so it wasn't closed in like your R's. They hammered one of their sockets on tat was too small and wedged it on there, then impacted it right off. This might be the only alternative. Good luck and elt us know before you saw you rim in half!!! __________________

08-27-2002, 12:26 PM	#4
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	I suspect that that is what the other shops have tried, or were going to try, because that's a very common problem, and the solution is always a deep 7/8" (or 22mm, they're the same size) impact socket and an impact gun. I have found a few locks that require a 15/16" socket, but a 7/8" fits most of them. Question is, will that size socket fit into your rim. Might want to check yourself and see. Take care, ~Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

08-27-2002, 12:51 PM	#5
jimberg Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Rogers, MN Posts: 2,089	There is a socket that has a coarse left hand thread in it that is tapered that can be used to fit over the lock. It just bites into the lock and spins it off. You can probably get it at a good, local parts store. Someplace like NAPA. I know what those shops mean, though, by not having the room to do it. I could barely use my stock lug nuts with my Cobra Rs. I bought McGard spline drive lug nuts instead. They work great. When you get the locks off, I recommend you try those for your wheels. Here is the page on the spline drive lug nuts: http://www.mcgard.com/automotive/new_prod.asp Our locks are made by McGard (if they are stock). You may want to contact them and see if you can send them an etching of your lock to help them identify what key to use. http://www.mcgard.com/contact/ is where you can get contact information for McGard. __________________ 351W 89 Mustang GT Convertible

08-27-2002, 01:24 PM	#6
fiveohpatrol I'd rather be basketweaving Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,551	If they are a factory style lock, then you could go to a Ford dealer and see if any keys from their master set will fit it. Even if they arent factory style, then its worth a shot, they might have one that is close enough to fit it. If it comes down to it, you could drill a hole in the center of the lock, then use an easy-out in that hole and spin it off. good luck with it __________________ NMRA O/C 9516 NA pumpgas stickshift 347 10.65@125.6, 6.73@100, 1.41 60ft

08-27-2002, 03:09 PM	#7
NYC1 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 169	I tried the ford dealer, but they couldn't do it without damaging the rim they said. I'll try a 22mm long socket and see if it works. Hope I don't have to saw my rims in half!! lol! Thanks __________________ 94GT 5spd Coupe 1/4 = 13.6@103 60ft = 2.0315 on Michelin Pilots GT 40 Intake GT 40Y Aluminum heads 1.7 rockers, BBK Cold air Fluidyne, BBK long tubes & H-Pipe 65mm TB Al Driveshaft Hurst Shifter Cobra R hood HPM Subframes Control Arms Future mods = Procharger and/or 331/347 Stroker, Turbo? Rice Haters Club Member #77 FOR SALE: Strut Tower Brace $30

08-27-2002, 05:56 PM	#8
Hethj7 Mizzou Tigers Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: weston, MO United States Posts: 1,455	I don' t know if this is already what the shops were using, but I bought a "slim" socket from a wheel and tire store here when I put my Cobra R's on. My old tire iron didn't fit into the R's, so now I carry that slim socket and a breaker bar to use. __________________ 2006 Mustang GT 1990 LX GT-40 motor 262 horsepower, 307ft-lbs (sold but forever loved) 1998 Contour SVT Rice Haters Club Member #244

08-28-2002, 08:22 AM	#9
RPM427 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Huntington NY Posts: 573	I did the same thing Hethj7. I had to get my car towed after a blowout that got me stuck between here and Hartford. I got a ride home from a friend but had to leave my car overnight. I forgot to tell them to use the slim socket in the glovebox and they scratched the hell outta one of my rims. The worst part was I didn't notice until I had driven back home. __________________ -1993 Mustang, 900rwhp 03-04 cobra based 4v swap, full Griggs setup, project underway -1994 Ranger w/ 427cid windsor (daily beater) check it out!

08-28-2002, 12:34 PM	#10
Hethj7 Mizzou Tigers Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: weston, MO United States Posts: 1,455	That sucks man! I would hate to have some nice wheels all scratched up because of something like that. __________________ 2006 Mustang GT 1990 LX GT-40 motor 262 horsepower, 307ft-lbs (sold but forever loved) 1998 Contour SVT Rice Haters Club Member #244

08-29-2002, 09:53 AM	#11
ChunkFunky Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Tustin, CA Posts: 465	I dont think this would work.. but Im going to throw it out.... you could try to drill lug nuts and then tap them with reverse thread and then just thread in a bolt and remove it that way... like I said, I dont think it'd work... but it just popped into my head... then again.. maybe it would work... dependson how much meat is in the body of the lugnut -as __________________ '89 GT Convertible: TFS TW Heads, TFS Street Intake, TFS Stage 1 Cam, FMS 1.6 RRs, 24# Injectors, Pro-M 75mm MAF, No Name CAI, 3.73s, O/R H-Pipe, FlowMasters, AOD w/ Trans-Go Shift Kit

08-29-2002, 10:13 AM	#12
bigblockcoupe Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: broken arrow Posts: 212	you will have to use a deep chrome socket maybe a cheap china man one i had the same thing happen once and i just got an assortment of deep chrome sockets and finally found one that was thin enough to fit inside the wheel and thin enough to fit between the wheel and the top of the locking lug i then beat it on with a hammer and used an impact to remove it kind of a real pain but it worked

08-29-2002, 07:18 PM	#13
NYC1 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 169	Will a deep chrome socket or a 22mm deep socket only work on 1 of the four wheel locks? Will I have to get 4? What I mean is, once I hammer it on, will it not be reusable? __________________ 94GT 5spd Coupe 1/4 = 13.6@103 60ft = 2.0315 on Michelin Pilots GT 40 Intake GT 40Y Aluminum heads 1.7 rockers, BBK Cold air Fluidyne, BBK long tubes & H-Pipe 65mm TB Al Driveshaft Hurst Shifter Cobra R hood HPM Subframes Control Arms Future mods = Procharger and/or 331/347 Stroker, Turbo? Rice Haters Club Member #77 FOR SALE: Strut Tower Brace $30

08-29-2002, 09:51 PM	#14
bigblockcoupe Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: broken arrow Posts: 212	get a screwdriver and put it in the other end and knock the locking lug back out the only way you will need another socket is if you knock it to far onto the lug and crack it.

08-30-2002, 11:57 PM	#15
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	An impact socket will last longer than a chrome socket. Chrome sockets tend to crack. Take care, ~Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

08-31-2002, 12:25 AM	#16
HotRoddin cranky old man Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Longview Texas Posts: 683	I also ran into the same problem. Everybody said sure bring it in no problem. Then about half hour later they'd come dragging out saying wow just to hard to get back in that hole !! Heres what finally worked for me .... forget the impact socket or the good stuff its to hard, to high quality lol ... get the cheapest socket you can find ... they're softer and will beat over the nut. Even if it splits a bit its still on there pretty tight .. then take a breaker bar and slowly take it off... if you use an impact wrench it'll just strip the socket. I spent a month trying to get mine off ... the cheap socket worked for me in about 20 minutes. Good luck

08-31-2002, 10:09 AM	#17
Mach 1 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: Georgia Posts: 3,866	Not to mention that an impact socket will tend to be thicker, and you need something thin to fit in your wheel __________________ 2002 GT 1993 GT (SOLD) '93 Mustang GT RHC member #142

09-01-2002, 09:49 AM	#18
NYC1 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 169	I definitely will need something thin, as I found that out yesterday. There is hardly ANY space between the lock and the walls of the rim. Where do I find a thin long 22mm socket? __________________ 94GT 5spd Coupe 1/4 = 13.6@103 60ft = 2.0315 on Michelin Pilots GT 40 Intake GT 40Y Aluminum heads 1.7 rockers, BBK Cold air Fluidyne, BBK long tubes & H-Pipe 65mm TB Al Driveshaft Hurst Shifter Cobra R hood HPM Subframes Control Arms Future mods = Procharger and/or 331/347 Stroker, Turbo? Rice Haters Club Member #77 FOR SALE: Strut Tower Brace $30

09-01-2002, 10:00 AM	#19
Mach 1 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: Georgia Posts: 3,866	look around. __________________ 2002 GT 1993 GT (SOLD) '93 Mustang GT RHC member #142

09-01-2002, 10:03 AM	#20
2FastLX The Photoshop Guru Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Mecca, Indiana Posts: 1,419	If you go to a Good Year store, or somewhere that sells aftermarket wheels, they usually have a tool to remove wheel locks. It's a socket that doesn't have any teeth in it and the inside is tapered. You pound it onto the lug and it will pull them right off. Good luck. Oh yeah, I had this same thing happen to me and I had Cobra R's. They got them off without a scratch. __________________ Project: 1988 Coupe - EFI 5.8L Twin Turbo with Victor intake, Canfield heads, F303 cam, March aluminum underdrive pulleys, TKO (or T56 if funds permit), PBR twin piston calipers and 13" rotors up front, 94 Cobra rear calipers and 12" rotors on the rear, 3.73's, Griggs K-member, tubular front control arms, torque arm and panhard bar, polished 99 Cobra wheels. "The GR-40 kit installation is now complete, and the humble Fox-chassis car will now out-corner and out-stop a ZR-1 or a Viper, and support massive horsepower additions with perfect balance." Griggs Racing ICQ# 42269241 Last edited by 2FastLX; 09-01-2002 at 10:10 AM..

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