lost wheel nut key

Rotty

Rotty

Rotty

Don
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
42,097
Location
Notts
Had a flat today and while fitting the space saver at side of M6 in rain I seem to have lost the wheel nut key

The wheel nuts look like these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JAGUAR-S-...Wheels_tyres_Trim_Nuts_ET&hash=item20d2564aec

there's quite a lot on web about removing the nuts but most seem to destroy them, also as the wheels are so wide the nuts are recessed a lot and I think brute force attempts rick damaging the wheels


anyone know if garages/tyre places would be able to remove them, well just the one on the space saver would be ok as then I could get the number and order a new key
 
I guess the risk of knackering the space saver to get the key code may be the lesser evil here.. I wouldn't risk chewing up a decent wheel if you don't need to.
 
If its an original Jaguar part, take it to them. If they're anything like BMW/VW they'll have an entire range of nut adapters, just make sure you have something to replace them with.
 
You may find that a Jag dealer has a master set from which they can order a new key with by trying all their keys until one fits.
 
Failing that a decent wheel place will be able to get then off. When the key for my Swift crumbled into pieces Suzuki couldn't get the nuts off but an alloy wheel shop I go to managed it fine without damaging the wheels (Elite in Rainham, Essex, if anyone wants a good tyre and wheel place).
 
Sirrel Squirrel said:
Failing that a decent wheel place will be able to get then off. When the key for my Swift crumbled into pieces Suzuki couldn't get the nuts off but an alloy wheel shop I go to managed it fine without damaging the wheels (Elite in Rainham, Essex, if anyone wants a good tyre and wheel place).
Click to expand...

did they trash the nuts?
 
mattyfez said:
I guess the risk of knackering the space saver to get the key code may be the lesser evil here.. I wouldn't risk chewing up a decent wheel if you don't need to.
Click to expand...

that was my thoughts too, get that one off, get the number and order a key to remove others
 
balls said:
If its an original Jaguar part, take it to them. If they're anything like BMW/VW they'll have an entire range of nut adapters, just make sure you have something to replace them with.
Click to expand...

Richie said:
You may find that a Jag dealer has a master set from which they can order a new key with by trying all their keys until one fits.
Click to expand...

intend calling them in morning :)
 
Sirrel Squirrel said:
Failing that a decent wheel place will be able to get then off. When the key for my Swift crumbled into pieces Suzuki couldn't get the nuts off' but an alloy wheel shop I go to managed it fine without damaging the wheels (Elite in Rainham, Essex, if anyone wants a good tyre and wheel place).
Click to expand...

Some wheels have very recessed bolts though which massively increases the chance of damage /needing a refurb. Probably best to speak to a main dealer , and if they can't do it, rag the space saver off and get the key... Chances are the space saver wil only be damaged superficially.
 
They were pretty recessed on the Swift, they weren't the standard fit ones. The place I took it to couldn't salvage the nuts, I just changed them for normal nuts after the amount of hassle I had with it.
 
Rotty said:
did they trash the nuts?
Click to expand...

There's a tool with a sacrificial bit that moulds into the shape of the nut, always goes on straight with no damage to wheel or nut unlike the snap on lock nut sockets. It looks like an impact driver and the sacrificial bits are a brass colour
 
Never really understood the logic of locking wheel nuts anyway! :confused:

Sure, 30 years ago, Alloy wheels etc were something special but today????

Do people actually nick wheels any more??

Back in the 70's the standing joke was coming down in the morning and finding the car on bricks But really, does that happen any more??

Ever??

(And don't even think about suggesting that this is because of locking wheel nuts! Tools for removing them are cheap and readily available)

Like most modern security ****e, They don't provide any real protection and only cause hassle for the legitimate owner!

So what, actually, Is the point!?
 
I am thinking of just fitting normal wheel nuts after is sorted, might be best if I check my insurance though
 
They're more likely to steal your keys and the whole car than going to the effort of taking the wheels
 
I've had to have a locking nut forcefully removed. They hammered in a softer metal block into the alloy locking nut then removed it with a normal bar.

It totally destroyed the locking nut, just replaced with a standard nut.

The Ford dealers up here didn't want to know, said they'd probably have to destroy the alloy to get it off.

Thankfully the guy who did actually remove it didn't damage the wheel but one wrong blow with the sledge hammer would have made a right mess.
 
my locking nut key broke so just had the nuts removed by force and replaced with normal ones. if they want your wheels these days they'll get them. locking nuts or not. tbh do people still steels alloys? they are so cheap these days i dont think anyone bothers. better to get the whole car lol.

garages are good at removing them without damaging the wheels. they do it a lot
 
No need for locking wheel nuts if you stick to ditch finders ;)

Buy expensive rubber though and they could be worth more than the wheels :)

I think the odd occasion people have wheels stolen but there is a pretty good assumption that any car 15 years or younger will have locking nuts that most scrotes probably wouldn't even check.

Gator grip was one tool recommended to me for removal of locking wheel nuts
 
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