Lost locking wheel nut key

I've done it again.

I think I've left it on the wheel and driven off and it's been flung off.

Luckily, last time I had a similar key and just hammered it in, undid them and threw the bolts away but this I'm really stuck.

I've got the MOT next month, need two rear tyres and need to tighten up the rear suspension to pass it.

 

They are very similar to this...



Or these...

 

what ones are they got a pic , some you can tap an old socket on
edit i see the pic . should be able to tap a socket on it

 

Using a socket didn't work.
Rounded off.
What can I do?
I need to shift these wheels (tyres) as MOT next month.

Does anybody have a similar key I could borrow?

Maybe that would work.

They are extremely similar to the key in the pics posted.

 

Check out the Irwin thread. Special sockets on one of my threads for removing locking wheel bolts.

 

If they are not deeply recessed in the wheel can you use a long punch to smack them off using the cutout where the key would fit, its worked for me in the past. Best hope they are not on tight though!

 

anyone got a set of IRWIN bolt grippers I can come and borrow.

Blackburn area.

 

You could always cut an old socket to shape with a hacksaw and file or dremel. If your really stuck.

 

good idea

 

Those are made by Astrali by the way...

 

the bolts?

 

I'd buy a set personally as they'll come in use at some point and they're not expensive at around 15 to be honest

 

You see the problem with locking wheel nuts....


is that they have no redeeming features.

At best, if some scrote wants your wheels he'll have them off with a set of Irwins and a cordless impact wrench.

At worst, you get a flat tyre in the middle of nowhere and can't change the wheel because you've lost the key, or it breaks because the Kwik Fit monkey gunned them on.

 

using a punch hasn't worked.

Garage round the corner said he can get them off with something similar to the irwins and throw on two new AVON tyres for a total of 100.

 

bit extreme, but could you maybe weld a nut on and then use a normal socket to remove?!

 

Doesn't sound too bad at that - you're probably paying 20 for the wheel bolt job.

 

Sounds like a deal to me.

I just need someone mobile to do something similar on the Mk2...

 

100quid for tyres and bolt removal sounds good, saves you a massive ball ache.

I agree with dex, wheel locking bolts are annoying and if someone really wants your wheels the'll have them.

 

Checked the bank balance and chickened out of the tyres.

18 miles, 22, 1 hour later...

Wheels are OFF!

Went to screw fix in Accrington and got the IRWIN bolt grippers.


It whipped them off in literally 30 seconds - NO JOKE.

If you have a twenty pound note in your pocket spare, go and get a set.

I just tapped (hammered almighty hell) the sockets on with a rubber mallet and put my back into undoing them.

Feels like it is rounding the head off but it wasn't.


This really is an awesome piece of kit, there isn't even a mark on the sharp inside edges of them either!


RESULT.