Missing Key For Locking Lug Nuts--Nuts!

[Redcoupe864+3]

Is there a solution short of busting off the nuts (and maybe damaging my very nice OE wheels)? For example, could my Chevy dealer use the car's VIN to get me a new key? Helpful replies eagerly awaited. Thanks!

 

[Ken]

The dealer should be able to help you.

 

[JonM]

Go to Town Fair Tire ...or your local tire store...they have tools for this sort of thing...

 

[LittleRedFlatBack]

I've heard about tire shops hammering a smaller socket on the offending lock and removing it. I think I'd try the dealership parts counter first and save this idea for a last resort. Good luck.

 

[Redcoupe864+3]

Thanks, JonM-- I may have unwittingly inferred that it'd be me taking a shot--literally or otherwise--at those consarned locking nuts. No, failing to get a key for them, I'd certainly trust getting them off to no one but a tire/wheel expert.

By the way, am I the only one who prefers the McGard style of locking nut, with the key pattern cut into the nut face? Always found that to be much simpler, at least in my experience.

And Ken, thanks for quick point-to at my dealer, which is kinda where I was headed with this. You guys here are all terrifically helpful, and make an old Corvette cuckoo feel most welcome.

 

[LittleRedFlatBack]

By the way, am I the only one who prefers the McGard style of locking nut, with the key pattern cut into the nut face?

Sorry, I didn't realize you didn't have the factory locks like what's on my 90'. Good luck

 

[Ken]

... hammering a smaller socket on the offending lock and removing it.

Yep, that's how thieves would steal wheels; just use up a bunch of cheap sockets.

_ken

 

[Redcoupe864+3]

Right, they are indeed the factory locks, and unnecessarily complex in their application, in my never-to-be-humble opinion. The McGard style locks I ran on my old Miata years ago seem leagues ahead in design simplicity. Or is it just me ad over not having my key?!

 

[LittleRedFlatBack]

I just paid big bucks to have my original 90' wheels restored. Just the thought of a hammer near them scares me to death. :eek Hopefully someone will come up with a better idea for you.

 

[Eagle85C4]

I had the same problem when I bought my 85....4 locks....no key. After several phone calls I found out from McGard that they made the locks for the vette and that I could take it to a specific dealer in town who had the set of universal keys. Quick trip there and they were off and I had the color for the key. 20.00 to mcgard I got new key and set of covers.
So in a nutshell....call McGard...they will tell you the closest dealer with a set of keys. The set I had...the lock itself was bigger then the rest of the nuts and required a larger cover. I have since gotten a newer set that are all the same size for my new rims. Good Luck...

And DO NOT let anyone use a hammer or chisel on your rims.

 

[Redcoupe864+3]

Hey Eagle, just so's I understand: Those fine McGard folks made the factory locks for our cars, so they can help me out with my missing key? Fantabulous! I'll be in touch with 'em tomorrow, then. And as I noted earlier in this thread, you guys are all super-helpful. Thanks Much!

 

[Lucky]

Here's McGard's Customer Service Department # 800-444-5847,
Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm Eastern time.

Good luck and welcome to the CAC

Lucky

 

[bill5674]

hey guys snap on makes the tool to remove lost keys .It is a tapered socket design and works very well. Nothing hammer or cutting

 

[zog]

I had exactly the same problem with my 86...call everywhere and finally a Pontiac said they had teh master key set and for $50 they would take off the locks...

I fellow club member said to buy 2 cheap sparkplug sockets, pound them on and unscrew the locking lug...buy 2 because one get pretty screwed up after a couple of wheels.

Worked perfectly...cost $3 for 2 sockets, and $4 for regular lugs from autozone (Chevy wanteed $4.95 each). I don't have locks now, amd I am hoping someone will steel the original wheels so I can buy some ZR1 style wheels...good luck