Lug Nuts - Can They Still Be Removed And Reused?

[Spunky Munky]

Hi fellas,

Please help me out - I am getting my new 18" rims put on this Saturday (they didn't come with any wheel nuts) and will have to obviously remove my current wheels from my car. Only issue is, the current set of wheels have lug nuts on them (aka lock nuts) - now, the thing is I have lost the key to these.

So the question is; 1) will I be able to get them removed without damaging them so they can be reused? 2) if they're going to get damaged and won't be reusable - do you think the TyrePower place can sell me some cheap ones?

If anyone is from the Western suburbs of VIC that has a set (4x5=20) lying around, please let me know.

Thanks,

SM

[axe s]

most tyre places have a few keys around the shop... better off getting a new set (what happens if you have a flat and you and cant get the wheel off)

[R34GTFOUR]

if you take it to a tyre place they will just smash them off, and hopefully wont damage the rims if they dont have the key. Its nothing difficult.

If you want to do it you self, go down to supercheap or something along those lines and get a cheap socket that is 1 or 2mm smaller than the locknut (its going to be rooted afterwards). Then with a hammer smash it on over the locknut then with a rachet undo it, done. This will destroy the locknut, and if you dont feel confident, dont do it cause you will do more damage than good.

Edited January 23, 2008 by R34GTFOUR

[Spunky Munky]

if you take it to a tyre place they will just smash them off, and hopefully wont damage the rims if they dont have the key. Its nothing difficult.

If you want to do it you self, go down to supercheap or something along those lines and get a cheap socket that is 1 or 2mm smaller than the locknut (its going to be rooted afterwards). Then with a hammer smash it on over the locknut then with a rachet undo it, done. This will destroy the locknut, and if you dont feel confident, dont do it cause you will do more damage than good.

Thanks fellas - thanks R34GTFOUR - so it's not the end of the world. So in other words, I'll definitely should get a new set of lock nuts then? Like some others have said, I should get a new one in case I get a flat and can't remove the locknut.

Well, at least I know it should be ok for now though. does anyone know how much a set of lock nuts will cost?

Thanks all for your help... i was so worried...

[R34GTFOUR]

i wouldnt expect anymore than 30-40bucks for a set of just locknuts

[Spunky Munky]

i wouldnt expect anymore than 30-40bucks for a set of just locknuts

Thanks mate... great news... I'll might as well get new nuts then... cheers.

You've been a great help - much appreciated.,