Help broken wheel lock lug nut

[Gregory G.]

I just purchased a 1970 Corvette. The past owner put on wheel locks with a smooth tapered side with a pattern in the end. The nut was so tight that the nut end broke and I now can't remove the nut.
So far I can only come up with grinding or chiseling off. Does ant one know of a tool that will work?
They look like something McGuard or CalCustom use to sell.
I will never use locking nuts!!!!!!!!

[Al Corelli]

Re: Help broken wheel lock lug nut

I have a tool to remove these. Where are you located?

[Mike McKown]

Re: Help broken wheel lock lug nut

Al:

Do you also have a tool to remove hubcaps?

Yours truly,
Mike

[Terry M.]

Re: Help broken wheel lock lug nut

Snap-on makes several fine sets of lock removing tools. As with most Snap-on tools, they are not inexpensive. You just need to find a shop that has them. It need not be a Corvette shop, necessarily. A good, full service, tire shop likely has them. If you are around Chicago, I could help you out.
You will be amazed how easy wheel locks can be removed using these tools. I was.

[Gregory G.]

Re: Help broken wheel lock lug nut

I live in the Springfield MA area. What kind of tool is it? The other lug nuts were on real tite. A small pice of the outer lug nut on the key surface broke off.

[Curtis L.]

Re: Help broken wheel lock lug nut

all you need is a hardend socket large enough to fit over the lock snugly, then pound it on tightly. Should pop right off. Have removed hundreds of these babies because people always lose their special keys.

[Craig S.]

Re: Help broken wheel lock lug nut

Al will have all these tools Snap-On exclusively... Craig

[Al Corelli]

Re: Help broken wheel lock lug nut

Sorry to let you down, Craig. I do not have these in Snap On. Because they have to be pounded on, it would be sacriligious for me to do that to a Snap On tool.

Mike, I have to look for the hubcap tool. My memory recalls me lending the hubcap set to someone and not getting it back. BUT, I will look for it anyway.

If you need the set, email me your address, and I'll send it out. Just get it back to me in the same condition.

AC

[Al Corelli]

Re: Help broken wheel lock lug nut

Greg, If you need the set, email me your address and I'll send it out. Just get it back to me in the same condition.

Just wanted to clarify that statement, as I have not found the hubcap set for Mike.

[Christopher R.]

Re: Help broken wheel lock lug nut

This happened to me 30 years ago when these things were popular. Hunted everywhere for a solution with no luck. One day, a guy came out to do some other work. I mentioned this to him. He stated that they ran across this all the time. The keys didn't work very well and people were always losing them. Easy fix. Weld a lug nut to the end of the lock. Takes 2 seconds per wheel. Use the tire iron to remove as usual.

[Gregory G.]

Re: Help broken wheel lock lug nut

Al
I tried using a impact wrench. I was able to put more pressure on it to keep the key in the grove. Eventually the key broke. I want to send you some pictures for you to see the lock. Thak way you can have a better idea if your tool will work. If you think it will I will love to try it. Of corse I will pay shipping both ways and if it is damaged I will pay. What does it cost?
I can't drive the car. I was taking the wheels off to redo the brakes and get it ready to register (no plates). If this don't work I will take off the whole steering knuckle and take it to work and have them weld a lug nut on of burn it off.
I lost your e-mail, so please send an e-mail and I will reply with the pictures.

[Gregory G.]

Re: Help broken wheel lock lug nut

Just to let everyone know my solution.
I could not drive the car. Luckly the caliper bolts to the outside of the mounting bracket. I unbolted the caliper and brake line. Removed the wheel bearing nut and removed the whole assemble. Took it to work and had a mechanic weld a nut on. Took hin less then 5 minutes.

I also just saw an add in Eastwook automotive tools and supplies for a Lug Remover tool Part number 43691 price $79.99