Locking nuts

[Coyoteboy]

Now I'm scuppered. I've got some locking nuts on the four that do the job nicely, except I've lost the key in the 3 years since it was last used. I'm looking for the manufacturer to try to find a replacement key, but I cant find anyone who makes the similar ones so I'm starting to feel a bit annoyed with myself (I even remember the key number!). Can anyone think of a good way of getting these off without trashing the alloys? I've got all the time in the world with them, in a dry garage. Theyre the sort that are like a splined shaft within an unsplined tube. I considered getting a template and getting work to machine a new key, but I suspect that may cost me more than a welder and some steel bar!

[flyingtele]

i removed a set of these once by using a large flat blade screwdriver with the flat part jammed in, and I used a stillson pipe wrench on the shaft of the screwdriver. Had to use the pipe wrench because as you put more torque on it it tightens its grip. However the spline on the nuts on your car may not allow this technique. Or have you tried putting a regular socket into the nut to see if that will undo it?

[Frikkin Evil]

Is there no friendly garage nearby with a welder? as I think that's usually the best way when this occurs. My local mechanic has a weird collection of studs which have had to be 'altered' to get them off. I think he's planning on welding them together into a coffee table frame. 

[Coyoteboy]

Unfortunately the outside of the nuts is round and hardened. I'd considered welding directly onto the nut but the space available is tiny and I can see alloy damage from it I'll keep thinking and keep looking for the key, byt the time I've done the water pump i might have found it again!

[Chris_de_Bear]

Post some pics and it'll be easier to make suggestions. I've had to remove a couple of sets where I've lost the key. (last one was left on the nut as I drive off).

Suggestions that some to mind are grinding a screwdriver slot with a cutting disk (if it's not recessed in the wheel) or tapping it round with hammer & chisel.

[cunning stunt]

Have you tried a gator grip i used one of these a few years ago just push it on and the pins fill the hole and grip can be atteched to a rachet aswell

[jackel]

a splined socket just smaller than the nut that you have to knock onto the nut hasnt failed me yet
used to always get customers coming into charlie browns for this halfords pro sockets ruled as well
if your local to me i,ll sort it for nowt

[Coyoteboy]

Top row, second from left! Bit difficult to get a socket over

Gator grip might work I suppose, I'll try to track one down!

[ChrisW]

I suppose that if it was easy, then you'd be a little disappointed with the product. I'd be tempted with banging a socket on to it, but it risks damaging the alloy?

[Coyoteboy]

Yup! No banging of a socket on, the outer shroud bit is ~1mm smaller diameter than the hole in the alloy! I'll try forcing a socket onto the inner bit but there's not much room for the wall-thickness of the socket inside the spline, I suspect I may split the outer and bury it in the alloy!

[flyingtele]

have you tried to see if you can buy another key? or maybe another set of nuts?

[Coyoteboy]

I know the key number but I dont know who makes the nuts, I'm hunting for the manufacturer!