lug nut key?

[88Vic]

Should there be a key or something to get the locking lug nut off each wheel? I'm guessing these are stock, they look old and rusty like the studs and I know none of the previous owners put them on. I didn't see a key with my tire changing equipment, so I hope i'm not screwed. Is it possible to get one off without breaking the stud if you don't have a key for it? I'd like to get all new lug nuts, maybe closed end nuts to run no center caps.

[jaywish]

do they have keyways or are they made like a puzzle to fit a custom socket like a mcgard lock?

If they are locks based on fitting a custom socket(key) then after you are certain that you do not have the key the locking lugs can be removed fairly easily with a custom locking lug removal tool like a bolt out tool available at your flaps. If you have a good quality 12 point socket that you don't mind beating on you can use that. A cheap socket will probably just break. if you buy the tool follow the directions. If you use a 12 point socket, pound it on tight and then you will be able to turn the locking lug out.

Jay

[sly]

check other hiding places for the key socket... glovebox, console, various corners of the trunk, under the spare tire, on top of the spare tire, etc. I usually keep min on top of the spare tire.

[88Vic]

Nevermind I found it, it was in the corner of the trunk behind the spare tire, under the carpet that was turned up for some reason. I spotted it when I was looking to the lug wrench.

[rsolis]

Oo maybe thats where mine is

[mercurygm88]

Oo maybe thats where mine is

mine luckily is still tethered to the lug wrench and even has the little envelope on it with the card for ordering a new one not that there available now anyway lol.

[BerniniCaCO3]

ford dealer might still have a master set.

Or a chisel and hammer/ pneumatic impact hammer!

But if you DO have your key, still, seriously-- take those off of there and throw them out. No one is going to steel your 20 year old rims, and it's just grief waiting to happen for when your key does go missing, or, it breaks-- which definitely happens.

[mercurygm88]

ford dealer might still have a master set.

Or a chisel and hammer/ pneumatic impact hammer!

But if you DO have your key, still, seriously-- take those off of there and throw them out. No one is going to steel your 20 year old rims, and it's just grief waiting to happen for when your key does go missing, or, it breaks-- which definitely happens.

have you seen how heavy duty those are its not gonna break besides im trying to keep this car as original as possible and those little things matter to me.

[miamibob]

Have had mine since 1987 - not that I remove the tires often but it hasn't broken yet. I also like to keep things original.

[BerniniCaCO3]

the one that came with my car was rounding off, so I had to get rid of it-- or be left with a stuck wheel some day.
I've seen them break on other cars anyway (don't see too many 86-93 GMs at either workplace: make that none), and of course far more often than that, just get lost.

[miamibob]

the one that came with my car was rounding off, so I had to get rid of it-- or be left with a stuck wheel some day.
I've seen them break on other cars anyway (don't see too many 86-93 GMs at either workplace: make that none), and of course far more often than that, just get lost.

Never seen one break (unless someone "strong-armed it") but since yours was damaged you did the right thing. As for no one stealing these type wheels...I wouldn't bet on that!

[sly]

ford dealer might still have a master set.

Or a chisel and hammer/ pneumatic impact hammer!

But if you DO have your key, still, seriously-- take those off of there and throw them out. No one is going to steel your 20 year old rims, and it's just grief waiting to happen for when your key does go missing, or, it breaks-- which definitely happens.

I still have my key... on top of the spare tire... and I'm not about to loose those things... they keep my hubcaps ON. and if you're a curb hopper like I am... this is a good thing. (I'm rough on suspensions)

[88Vic]

If my key turned out to be stripped i'll get closed lugs but for now i'll keep it like it is. I'd like to get rid of the center caps since those are a pain to get off as well but the studs that hold the caps on look so ugly exposed.

[dragginwaggin]

craftsman and snap-on bouth have reverse spiral sockets for that purpose or a worn out 12 pt and a hammer will useualy work

[Kestas]

I retired mine a few years ago and replaced the lug nuts with 4 matching nuts. After 21 years I doubt anyone is that interested in my scruffy alloy wheels. I figured I have a better chance of losing the special key than someone ripping off my wheels. Plus it's more convenient to service my vehicle.