Just wondering if anyone has any clever ways of removing lock nuts from alloy wheels? I don't have the special socket, the car didn't come with it, I have no idea what brand they are. And the nut sits about 30mm deep in the wheel so no chance of getting them off with a chisel... The best idea I have is to try to weld a steel tube to the end of the nut with an arc welder, but it wouldn't be easy, and I don't think welding to a chrome plated nut would work particularly well... Help!
If possible hammer a piece of tight fitting pipe over the nut then put a set of locking pliers or a pipe wrench on the pipe to turn off. Cheers Dave
They make special sockets that bite into the nuts and basically destroy it when you take it off. Tyre shops can assist
Do you have a photo of the type of locknut? There are heaps of variations. So you may be lucky and have an easy one. Example(popular nut used) rays wheel lock nuts simple solution.
I don't have a photo on me, but they look like the super cheap auto ones with the sort of 5 point clover leaf shape, like these: http://m.supercheapauto.com.au/Prod...1-5mm-Tapered-Seat-4-Pack/4575?menuFrom=51003
You could try this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyBHK2jjupg The guy is a tool, so fast forward to the part where he has a socket. Soak the locknut with WD40. Jack up the vehicle & loosen all the other wheel nuts & then hammer the socket on the lock nut. Use a 12 point socket & a dolly so you don't hit the wheel with the hammer.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/170926210473?_mwBanner=1 The above is what you need or as stated above. Go to a tyre shop if car ia drivable and they may help you out.
This would be a better purchase & will get them off for sure, especially if you have a 1/2" drive impact gun. It's called a TWIST Socket Set. http://www.ebay.com/itm/12pcs-3-8-1...ash=item5d60f3d101:g:RM8AAOSw8-tWUMJ0&vxp=mtr They may be available at somewhere like Repco, perhaps individually.
Twist sockets I do have a set of twist sockets but they won't fit between the nut and the sides of the recess in the wheel. I think bashing a thin walled tube or socket over the nut will be the best bet, thanks for ideas guys, I'll give it a shot this weekend and let you know what works
You've got the harder design for easy removal. Others have mentioned tools but like you said it won't actually fit over the nut. Make your own locknut. There are similar so if you can get another one just shave it down to make it fit yours. Another option. Depending how tight they are, I've actually done this. Get a lever bar (pry bar) the tip is like a flat blade screwdriver but they are big. Shave it done to suit the gap and use a wrench/spanner to turn the lever bar. Worked for me but the nuts weren't crazy tight.
http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Gorill...e-17MM-3-4-13-16-7-8-/331586342906?nav=SEARCH http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/2x-ETC-120...r-Drill-Adapter-Tool-/262118958252?nav=SEARCH
just hammer a normal tight fitting socket straight on and remove, the wheel nut and socket will be useless after but it works.
