Lock-Nut Key

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Lock-Nut Key

September 29, 2008, 02:43:20 PM

Hello all,

I am looking for a key for the lock nuts. I've attached a picture of the style. Anybody got one they want to sell to me?

Also, I'd be curious to know where else I could go, i.e. Ford, for a replacement.

Lock-Nut Key

Reply #1 – September 29, 2008, 03:18:10 PM

Are you trying to match a set of existing locking lugs? Did you lose the key or something?

If you still have all the paperwork that came from the Ford dealership in your glovebox, you *may* still have a card that lists your locking lug key color and code. If so, you can order it at the link below.

Otherwise you can try to get it matched up directly from the OEM Ford manufacturer (McGard): http://www.mcgard.com/custserv/

You can try a Ford dealership but I don't know if they'll be of much help.

Honestly...you may want to consider buying a new complete set of locking lugs with the key, and then get an extra key. It ends up being fairly inexpensive that way.

Lock-Nut Key

Reply #2 – September 29, 2008, 03:47:25 PM

it it is the OE lock and you lost the key code McGard my be able to look it up with your VIN as well

Lock-Nut Key

Reply #3 – September 29, 2008, 04:16:53 PM

Quote from: EricCoolCats;237670

Are you trying to match a set of existing locking lugs? Did you lose the key or something?

Yes, I am trying to match up. I lost my key, and only ever had one. I am pretty sure I left the key on the lock nut and drove away. LOL, it's been too long since I've done something stupid like that, so I had to make up for it.

Quote from: EricCoolCats;237670

Honestly...you may want to consider buying a new complete set of locking lugs with the key, and then get an extra key. It ends up being fairly inexpensive that way.

Not an option today, I am afraid; as the four lock nuts are currently installed.

Quote from: EricCoolCats;237670

Otherwise you can try to get it matched up directly from the OEM Ford manufacturer (McGard): http://www.mcgard.com/custserv/

Quote from: mjbtbrd;237676

it it is the OE lock and you lost the key code McGard my be able to look it up with your VIN as well

Looks like I'll be giving them a call.

Lock-Nut Key

Reply #4 – September 29, 2008, 04:50:39 PM

Take the car to a tire shop.Around here all of them have special sockets with "blades" in them to hammer onto the lugnuts,then twist them off with a 1/2 inch drive socket wrench or breaker bar.They can also be bought.Beats trying to chisel them off and risking wheel damage.Like stated above,get a new set.

Lock-Nut Key

Reply #5 – September 29, 2008, 10:43:52 PM

At the parts store I work at we sell a locking lug nut remover tool for $10 it doesn't work on all of them but most of them it does. Then I know my factory lug wrench had a tag on it telling me the lock code in case I needed to get another one.

Lock-Nut Key

Reply #6 – September 30, 2008, 12:25:13 AM

FWIW, I've removed a bunch of locknuts without keys. I take a regular lug nut, set it on top of the locker and hit it with the welder. Then, you can just spin them off like normal. Of course, that's a one-time fix. LOL.

If you get your old ones off and want another set of lock nuts, with a key, let me know and I'll hook you up. Good luck!

Lock-Nut Key

Reply #7 – September 30, 2008, 11:02:20 AM

So, I sent McGuard an e-mail inquiry. Prompt reply, I like that.
They suggest they should be able to help me out. I'll be calling them at some point today. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Lock-Nut Key

Reply #8 – September 30, 2008, 11:40:40 PM

i never saw the point in those really. if someone is moivated enough to jack up your car and remove your wheels, and seeing that lock nut on there, thier probably just as likely to smash your window, break in and steal your radio and seats, or even your whole car for that matter. and besides, look at all the ways listed above to remove that if you really need to. and workin on cars, its such a pain in the but to raise a car all the way up and then realize its got a lock nut. lower it down. check the glove box, then the center consol, then remove all the customers from the trunk and find it where the spare tire is. or sometimes never at all when customers lose them. this is kinda a rant, but it can be frustrating. its more trouble then its worth in my opinion.

Lock-Nut Key

Reply #9 – October 01, 2008, 01:11:14 AM

You want another Hillbilly Lock nut removal idea. Buy yourself a cheap socket that is large enough to slide over the locking nut. Then use oil,or silicone oil (R/c car shocks works awesome for this) and brush on a nice even layer kinda thick over the locking nut. Then use some: Magna steel, JB weld quick type stuff and prep it for a weld.Make sure you plug the square hole for the ratchet to go into. Put a penny in the bottom of the socket you bought. Then drop it nice sized piece down in the socket you got for this. Then push the socket over the locking nut and press it on there with lots of force. Let it set up and once its been 5min or so slide it of the locking nut. Don't hammer on it use vice grips or the like and pull it straight off the nut. If you coated it real good in the oil it should come right off. Look down in the hole and you should have a nice formed key! let it set up over night before you use it so it does twist of on first use. This way the socket should also help hold so it is less likely to slip off like the stock type tool. Now if you could find a way to make a buck and make one out of steel or other metal, composite strong enough to take the abuse. Thats it my back woods hillbilly don't break it but still take it apart method!

Lock-Nut Key

Reply #10 – October 01, 2008, 09:47:18 AM

Quote from: ipsd;237923

Thats it my back woods hillbilly don't break it but still take it apart method!

I like it.

Quote from: grutinator;237904

i never saw the point in those really. if someone is moivated enough to jack up your car and remove your wheels, and seeing that lock nut on there, thier probably just as likely to smash your window...its more trouble then its worth in my opinion.

While that is true, I also find the lock nuts also protect the center Cougar cap from being popped off. Those caps are easy enough to remove without a lock nut.

Didn't get a chance to call McGaurd yesterday, may have time today. No money either, which never helps. And from California to here, probably won't be too cheap to ship.

Anyways, I did have a little bit of good news. I found the sister key. Pepper, an 88 TBird, has the same type of lock nut. This key was put in a safe spot (as Pepper doesn't currently have the lock nuts installed). With all the commotion around here with the renovations, we had to turn the garage into a 'storage' area for things like drywall, the membrane for around the house, etc., it's amazing to be able to find anything.

Okay, I am probably making excuses for losing two keys.

I want one of these. LOL. That thing is amazing.

But here was my victory for the day:

Bottom line: I got lucky.

I'll still be (when money isn't so tight (is that possible)) looking to McGaurd to buy a replacement.

Thanks everyone for their thoughts and suggestions.