I have no key to get off the locking lug nuts... now what?

[JustaMustangguy]

Hi guys,
I just bought a stock '88 lx Mustang and it didn't come with a key to remove the locking lug nuts. The car is all stock. I don't know if they came with these locking lug nuts from the factory? But my '86 had the same exact style locking lug nut so i thought maybe it was a factory thing. Any tips to getting a new key or removing them without the key? I just need to get the wheels off... THanks!!!!

 

[90mustangGT]

Take it to a shop that does tire service, they usually charge about $10 a wheel to remove them. I have a kit that takes them off but it's a bit expensive for a one use thing.

 

[SR1blackpony]

Take it to a shop that does tire service, they usually charge about $10 a wheel to remove them. I have a kit that takes them off but it's a bit expensive for a one use thing.

The same thing just happened to me. I had to hammer a 1/2" deep socket onto the lug to get them off. This worked on all of mine.

 

[Darkwriter77]

The same thing just happened to me. I had to hammer a 1/2" deep socket onto the lug to get them off. This worked on all of mine.

+1

...and don't do like I did by trying the same trick with a four-way lug wrench. I still have a lug nut stuck in the end of that one that I've never been able to get out because I was in a hurry at the time and didn't think things through as well as I should have.

 

[NIKwoaC]

+1

...and don't do like I did by trying the same trick with a four-way lug wrench. I still have a lug nut stuck in the end of that one that I've never been able to get out because I was in a hurry at the time and didn't think things through as well as I should have.

Can't you just loosely thread it back on a lug bolt and tap the lug wrench off?

 

[Darkwriter77]

Can't you just loosely thread it back on a lug bolt and tap the lug wrench off?

Nope. It's pretty well permanently fused into that sucker. Been in there for years, actually. Good thing I've never had a vehicle (yet) with lugs that required that side on the lug wrench.

 

[NIKwoaC]

Nope. It's pretty well permanently fused into that sucker. Been in there for years, actually. Good thing I've never had a vehicle (yet) with lugs that required that side on the lug wrench.

Torch it.

 

[98Teksidcobra]

For my 94 GT it happened to be a ford part and there were only like 20 different types, the parts person walked out with me to my car and tried them all until we got a match and then ordered the part for me. Not sure if its the same for older years but its worth a shot

 

[90lxcoupe]

ive used an air chisel with sucess on locking nuts

 

[BigDanTheMan]

I have the tool and if you live in the bay area I'd be willing to meet up with you.

 

[5.0Droptop]

use a 12 point socket that will barely not fit on the lug. Hammer it on and remove the lug, it works every time.

 

[Shaolin Crane]

use a 12 point socket that will barely not fit on the lug. Hammer it on and remove the lug, it works every time.

and next time dont put those stupid lugs on im more worried about my entire car getting stolen rather than just the rims

 

[Trbofox]

I've welded a socket onto the lugnut before. You have to use a stick welder to be able to reach.

 

[JustaMustangguy]

Problem Solved!

Just for an fyi. I went to my local Ford Dealership and they had a whole box of lug nut tools for all types of Fords and they even had all of the Mustang ones yet. There was about a dozen or so different keys ha. But a mechanic came out and took all four of them off in the parking lot and put on 4 lug nuts(which i had) and didn't charge me a penny. Pretty slick!!

A+++++ for FORD

 

[BigDanTheMan]

damn thats the first good review of a car lot service shop ever!

 

[87GT Drop Top]

I sell auto parts. We have a tool for like $12 that is made to take off locks when you loose the key.

 

[tannerc91gt]

Who the hell would try that hard to steal pony wheels?? Maybe back in the day I guess.

 

[RycheGT]

Like mentioned socket trick... I lost a key not long ago, and had to use a 10mm socket to get them off, so try some, and find one that can be hammered in there.

 

[Stableboy]

10mm? that is only around 3/8" pretty little lug nuts.

 

[Darkwriter77]

10mm? that is only around 3/8" pretty little lug nuts.

Never mock the size of another man's (lug) nuts!