How to Remove Locking Lug Nuts Without Key? – Follow These Simple Steps

May 22, 2019

0 3,453 2 minutes read

Have you been trapped in a situation where you want to unlock the lug nuts without a key? We all have been there, haven’t we? Lug nuts hold the wheels to the car, and you need to remove them while changing the tire of your car. There will be times when you are unable to find the keys, and for those situations, you should know the tricks of removing these nuts. I am going to describe the step-by-step process of removing locking lug nuts without a key for quick and easy understanding.

How to Remove Locking Lug Nuts Without Key?

Step 1:

The first and foremost step is to check if you can find the key in a dashboard or a tool kit in your car. Only after you are sure that the key is missing opt for this procedure.

toolkit

For removing the locking lug nuts, you will require the following tools:

A hammer
12- point size socket
A new lug nut
Breaker Bar
Torque wrench

All these tools can be easily found in the garage.

Step 2:

lug-nut-sizes

After you have collected all the tools, you can start the process. Always select a socket size that is bigger like a 12 point socket as it works better compared to other smaller size sockets.

Step 3:

using hammer

For removing the lug nut smash the socket into it with the help of a hammer. Make sure that the socket fits securely on the nut.

Step 4:

Once the socket fits the nut now is the time to get your breaker bar. If you haven’t used a breaker bar till now, you will be amazed how easy it makes this procedure of removing the locking lug nuts.

use leverage
A breaker bar is six to eight inches long metal rod which helps to apply the force needed to unlock lug nuts. It helps you leverage your strength effectively and efficiently.

Step 5:

Apply the force quickly to the socket and voila it is done. A little force goes a long way. The nut will break free, and you will have an unlocked lug nut.

Step 6:

Once you are done with the procedure, check for the potential damage. Inspect the threads on the wheel stud; if they are damaged, then you have to replace it. If the threads are fine, then get a new non-locking lug nut for your car and torque it down as per your car’s instruction manual.

Step 7:

The last step is to get the locking lug nut out of the socket. There are multiple ways to get the nut out in such a way that you can reuse the socket again. Some of the methods are as follows:

Get a screwdriver or chisel and stick it into the socket. Hammer it towards the locking lug nut to get the socket out.
Another way is to gently reattach the lug nut/socket onto the wheel and hammer it on its side. Be extremely careful with this method as it may damage the threads on wheels.

Some tips and tricks

If you are unable to work with hammer and breaker bar, then consult a professional to do the unlocking for you so that there is no damage to your car wheel.
While unlocking the lug nut be careful near the rim of the tire. Do not hit on the rim as it can also damage the wheel.
If your car has factory-installed locking lug nuts, then contact the customer care or service number of your dealer. Ask them for the key and also a master set of locking lug nuts so that you order the right one.
If your locking lug nuts are not available on the market, then you have to find ways to remove them.

Concluding remarks

Make sure to inspect these locking lug nuts before you are leaving for a road trip or vacation. Dealing with such situations is stressful on highways, so always check to avoid such circumstances. Also if you find the locking lug nut is too tight spray some penetrating oil on the junction where the nut meets the wheel to get rid of the rust. I would also suggest you search and get the kit for “locking nut removal tool” as it makes the entire process very convenient and hassle-free. I hope this article helps you to find ways to remove locking lug nuts easily without a key.