Lock nuts stuffed - need HELP!!!

[Captjono]

Hi all,

I have a lock nut on each of my wheels that I have now discovered are completely stuffed! Some @#%$ has obviously taken a rattle gun too them and now they can't be removed.

Just wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what action to take, without having to get my wheels destroyed in order to have them removed.

I am trying to contact the company that made them for a replacement key, but all emails and phone calls to Germany have been unsuccessful...as has holden parts where I purchased them from. (no surprise there!)

So what do I do??? They are a style of lock nut that you can't just hammer the bar over to grip...no gun/torque wrench/rattle gun, has been able to remove them.

WHAT DO I DO???? At this point in time, if I get a flat, it will have to get towed!

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

[xplosv57]

A bolt/thread specialist should be able to drill them out, obviously that will destroy the locknuts but as they are already damaged, shouldn't be an issue!!

I know my local tyre place also has a way to remove locknuts, they said they could remove mine when i lost the locknut key (found the key before i had to take it there) so maybe call up some tyre places for advice also!!!

Or maybe go knocking on the door of who damaged them in the first place!!

[SIMid]

One other option is to get someone to weld a bar as a brace to get them off. An exhaust/tyre place should be able to do it.

[USC]

may be cover the finish b4 welding....might damage the paint on the wheels.

[Captjono]

A bolt/thread specialist should be able to drill them out, obviously that will destroy the locknuts but as they are already damaged, shouldn't be an issue!!

I know my local tyre place also has a way to remove locknuts, they said they could remove mine when i lost the locknut key (found the key before i had to take it there) so maybe call up some tyre places for advice also!!!

Or maybe go knocking on the door of who damaged them in the first place!!

Yer...I'm trying to avoid the drilling as it is likely to damage the threads in the wheel and will mean repairs! $$$

Also, I have taken it to numerous tyre places, and the tool they use to remove lock nuts is not for the kind I have...which is good to stop them getting nicked...not so good when the key gets *&%$#.

Yer, am thinking the welding thing might be the way forward!

[SIMid]

make u u cover the finish b4 welding....might damage the paint on the wheels.

If they are good, they should be able to spot weld without the need to cover. But hey, it's up to you. G.L!

[blueraven]

Yer...I'm trying to avoid the drilling as it is likely to damage the threads in the wheel and will mean repairs! $$$
Yer, am thinking the welding thing might be the way forward!

There are no threads in the wheel, only the hub, and if they know what the hell they are doing they wont need to get anywhere near the hub.

But yeah i have seen it done using the wleding method as well..

[HappySlapper82]

So what do I do??? They are a style of lock nut that you can't just hammer the bar over to grip...no gun/torque wrench/rattle gun, has been able to remove them.

WHAT DO I DO???? At this point in time, if I get a flat, it will have to get towed!

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

We use an air chisel at work. Careful not slip into the wheel though. Start slow

[caspers turbo]

get a proper socket the one with many marks in it (not just 5 sided) make sure it is smaller than the OD of the lock nut, use a hammer to force it onto the locknut, then get a rachet onto the socket and try to back it out, this worked for me after some prick stole my locknut key, got all 4 off this way, u just gotta go slow when backing it out so it doesn't slip

[Wraith]

If you havn't already done so - just go to any 'reputable' or larger wheel/tyre outlet and they'll get em off for you, they see this kind of thing on a weekly basis ;)

All the methods listed above are invariably used...

Most common and 'safest' is to try and fit a socket on there and undo it that way...alot also use the chisle or 'grind a groove trick'...

I would never allow anybody to get anywhere near my wheels with a welder though.......don't care how good they think they are, this should only be done as a last resort !!! I'm sure one of the other methods will work just fine, even if you have to pay them for 4 new damaged sockets to get it done !!!

[Captjono]

If you havn't already done so - just go to any 'reputable' or larger wheel/tyre outlet and they'll get em off for you, they see this kind of thing on a weekly basis ;)

All the methods listed above are invariably used...

Most common and 'safest' is to try and fit a socket on there and undo it that way...alot also use the chisle or 'grind a groove trick'...

I would never allow anybody to get anywhere near my wheels with a welder though.......don't care how good they think they are, this should only be done as a last resort !!! I'm sure one of the other methods will work just fine, even if you have to pay them for 4 new damaged sockets to get it done !!!

As I said earlier, I've taken it to many tyre places so far and all of them say they can't do it.

And as for hammering the socket over the nut...this is a different kind of lock nut, where this method is of no use! Great against thieves, but if the key gets damaged, you are screwed!!!

[Wraith]

As I said earlier, I've taken it to many tyre places so far and all of them say they can't do it.

And as for hammering the socket over the nut...this is a different kind of lock nut, where this method is of no use! Great against thieves, but if the key gets damaged, you are screwed!!!

mmm that's odd, I know of heaps who'd give it a go...keep trying :) where abouts are you located ???

What kind of locknut exactly is it ???

You could still try the socket technique yourself !!! Here's what I'd do:

1. Go to supercheap and purchase a set of 4 cheap sockets that are best sized for the job.

2. Go to a bolt/nut supplier and buy yourself some 'chemset anchor epoxy' chemical solution, or get yourself a hold of high strength metal epoxy, it'll make up for a deficit in friction fit or hold of the socket over the lock nut.

3. Use the chemset epoxy resin and hammer fit the socket over the locknut, follow the chemset curing instructions and when set, undo the locknuts and just toss em out...

4. install your new set.

The above shouldn't end up costing too much and certainly a hell of alot cheaper than damaging your rims :)

[Captjono]

I'll take a photo of them and post it up.

[Captjono]

http://home.exetel.com.au/jnormand/keytop.jpg


http://home.exetel.com.au/jnormand/keyside.jpg


http://home.exetel.com.au/jnormand/nuttop.jpg

[Wraith]

Ah yes, that type....have you got em off yet ??? is that one taken off in the pic there, if so your done ;)

If not, several methods will get those off...let me know if your still stuck, I'll let you know what to do :)

[Captjono]

Nup...not off yet. I only have 3 stuck. That one was removed a while ago.

[Wraith]

Nup...not off yet. I only have 3 stuck. That one was removed a while ago.


PM recieved and answers sent - good luck with it, hope it all works :)

[Keep'emRunning]

..heheh I guess that's why they call 'em lock nuts :) Hope you get it off.. hate these things with a passion.

Even then, a while back I broke a sidchrome socket trying to undo a normal stud off after a bob jane giblet rattled it on way too tight... had to go buy an impact socket in the end to undo it :mad:

[Captjono]

OK...lock nuts are now REMOVED!!!! :dance:

I took it to a tyre place which took to the nut with the biggest mother of a rattle gun I've ever seen!!!

Anyway...they are off!!! Thanks for all help!