Locking Rim Nut problem

[Sickinger]

I am trying to do a head job on my car, and in order to do that I need to take the left wheel off. Ordinarily it wouldn't be much of a problem except for these **** locking rim nuts. It is too circular to get a socket over it, the key doesn't work, and I am looking for any option other than beating my car against the ground to get it to break off. Any and all suggestions are welcome. Thanks for your time.

-DS-

 

[paranoidTSi]

Take it down to the shop and see if they can get that one lug off.

 

[Morphius]

Damm, that sucks. Been there before.

1. Do you own a welder or have access to one? I'd drill a 1/2 hole in the end of the nut and weld a 1/2 rod to the nut. Then use a pipe wrench or the like to turn it.

2. Find yourself a 1/2 drive socket. Use a bit that just fits in the wrench side of the socket (ie circle inside a square) Drill a hole in the nut. Then use a Dremil to grind four corners in it to allow you to use a 1/2 extension in the end of the nut. Then use a 1/2 drive socket wrench or breaker bar to turn the nut off.

3. Use a torch to cut the nut off.

4. Use a chisel to split the nut.

5. Pound a 6 point socket on it that won't quite fit on the nut.

 

[nerfbars]

They make a special "twist socket" that has a spiral pattern on the inside that actually bites into the outside of the locking lug nut. I sell them at Carquest for about $15. I would check with a tire shop they may have them and would do it for you real quick. Why wont the key work, is the nut froze on? If so you could probably heat it with a torch and then try the key.

 

[Sickinger]

Thanks for the replies so far. The car is not capable of moving right now because of the way the head blew. It is in rough non-drivable shape. As for the twist socket, I just got that $50 set from Sears but none of them are big enough to go on the outside of it, and they just slip off on the inside. Some good ideas here though.