Just realized that the last place that installed tires on my wife's car never gave me back the wheel lock key. The wheel locks were McGard, I think (that's what TireRack sells, right?). What to do?

 

If you cannot get a new key (might need to take a closeup pic of the pattern), then buy a new set of locks with new key. You'll have to get a tire shop to take your old locks off using one of their "universal" lug sockets. The old nuts will most likely be unuseable after.

 

If they are McGard you can get a replacement key if you have the code# which came with the package.

If you don't have Code# and they are McGard then you have to go the long route...

You'll have to get the stud cut off which have the locks on them and replace the stud and get a new set of locks sorry to say they are doing the job they were meant to do.

A detailed digi pic won't work because the slightest error and the key won't work.

 

Cutting the stud is unnecessary and should be done only as a last resort. This would be labour intensive and expensive. Like I said already, find a tire shop that has a "universal" lug socket. Tire shops are quite familiar with having to remove locking lug nuts when the customer has lost the key.

 

Thanks guys.

 

If you still need some assistance, drop me a PM, I have contacts at McGard.

-Pete

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper

 

if you have access to air tools you can use a air hammer used to cut thourgh sheet metal. first get a grinder and cut a notch on one the the side and use that as grip for the airhammer but go slowly cause if you slip it might hit your rims. we use this method all the time and the bodyshop i work at. if not some auto part stores sell lug nut removers for striped lugnuts.

 

goodluck man.

 

Just hammer a few sockets on the lock and break them loose. It worked for me when i lost my lock