Lost my locking wheel nut key! Any ideas?
Lost Locking Wheel Nut Key...Any ideas?
- Thread starter french_lynn
- Start date
- :
- CX-5 Sport 16.5 6M
After I saw the youtube on how to remove the 'locking' nuts, I decided to remove them for good. I would probably be the only one not able to remove them if I lost the 'key'Yeah, my daughter had this happen to her Mazda 5. She went to the dealer and they had them off in 5 mins - didn't even charge her anything (but she's a cute blond, so YMMV)
you might try a place that sells tires to remove them. I'm sure they encounter this frequently. If the locking lugs just take one of the standard "shapes" maybe try an auto parts store.
I had dealer replace my locking lugs with the normal ones. They're a pain to get off even with the key. Besides, who wants to steal Mazda wheels?After I saw the youtube on how to remove the 'locking' nuts, I decided to remove them for good. I would probably be the only one not able to remove them if I lost the 'key'
N7turbo
2023 CX-5 2.5T ... 2024 MX-5 RF GT
I haven't used the Mazda locking lug nuts, but I'm using ones from McGard (stock ones won't fit tuner wheels), and though they take a little more finesse than plain ones, I've gotten used to them after taking my wheels off and putting them back on a few times. I would guess it's that way for any of them. The main issue is having two keys, one for the 4 and one special one for the 5th nut. It's a slight inconvenience but in my case it's worth the peace of mind. I think dealing with the standard locking lug nuts would be easier.
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- 2016.5 CX-5 GT AWD titanium/black 2016 Miata Club ST MT white
Security lugs may give you a warm fuzzy feeling of being safe but that's an illusion.
If someone wants your wheels they will have them, security lugs or not.
With the right sized socket those wheels will be off in a flash. All the perp has to do it to bring the right sized lug along with a hammer. He places the socket on your security lug and pounds the socket onto the lug, then removes the security lug the normal way. Bam, your wheels are gone.
Does it slow down the thief? Not really, the above can be done in a matter of seconds by an experienced thief.
Speaking of which, I have a set of security lugs that I removed from my CX when I brought it home. They're sitting out in the garage somewhere.
If someone wants your wheels they will have them, security lugs or not.
With the right sized socket those wheels will be off in a flash. All the perp has to do it to bring the right sized lug along with a hammer. He places the socket on your security lug and pounds the socket onto the lug, then removes the security lug the normal way. Bam, your wheels are gone.
Does it slow down the thief? Not really, the above can be done in a matter of seconds by an experienced thief.
Speaking of which, I have a set of security lugs that I removed from my CX when I brought it home. They're sitting out in the garage somewhere.
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- 2016.5 CX-5 GT AWD titanium/black 2016 Miata Club ST MT white
I've not seen the McGards before but even if they're smooth, a sacrificial socket, most likely, can be pounded onto the lug and away go your wheels.
There are sockets made specifically for removing locking lugs. Many different one's available.
Example:
Example:
Maddox Mc5-1 Unervisal Locking Lug Nut Removal Set 17 19 21 22 Knock Out Pin | eBay
Introducing the Maddox Mc5-1 Universal Locking Lug Nut Removal Set, perfect for those in need of a reliable tool for removing and installing lug nuts on vehicles. This set includes a knock out pin and is compatible with 17, 19, 21, and 22mm lug nuts. Crafted with high-quality materials, this set...
www.ebay.com
- :
- Canada
Something a little more unique or difficult may be enough of a deterrent to prevent wheel theft. Maybe the McGards @N7turbo is referencing fall into the "just enough" category.
I have a set of security locks that I bought many years ago. They're a little more unique than the typical wheel lock, because they have a magnetic "cap" that just spins, making them a little more difficult to remove. At the very least, they will cause some initial confusion, and that may be enough to deter would-be thieves. I don't use them anymore, but these are the ones I have. Kyo-Ei Dency 2000
To circle back to the topic, any reputable tire shop should be able to remove the locking wheel nuts. They probably have to do it fairly often. Aside from that, if the OP kept the original packaging or paperwork that came with the locking nuts, they should be able to contact the manufacturer and provide the key "code" to get a replacement ordered.
I have a set of security locks that I bought many years ago. They're a little more unique than the typical wheel lock, because they have a magnetic "cap" that just spins, making them a little more difficult to remove. At the very least, they will cause some initial confusion, and that may be enough to deter would-be thieves. I don't use them anymore, but these are the ones I have. Kyo-Ei Dency 2000
To circle back to the topic, any reputable tire shop should be able to remove the locking wheel nuts. They probably have to do it fairly often. Aside from that, if the OP kept the original packaging or paperwork that came with the locking nuts, they should be able to contact the manufacturer and provide the key "code" to get a replacement ordered.
N7turbo
2023 CX-5 2.5T ... 2024 MX-5 RF GT
So I looked at those.There are sockets made specifically for removing locking lugs. Many different one's available.
Example:
Maddox Mc5-1 Unervisal Locking Lug Nut Removal Set 17 19 21 22 Knock Out Pin | eBay
Introducing the Maddox Mc5-1 Universal Locking Lug Nut Removal Set, perfect for those in need of a reliable tool for removing and installing lug nuts on vehicles. This set includes a knock out pin and is compatible with 17, 19, 21, and 22mm lug nuts. Crafted with high-quality materials, this set...www.ebay.com
They look like standard size sockets.
The thing about having "tuner" wheels is that the lug holes are very small, and standard size sockets don't fit in them. I also went with short lug nuts that don't stick out of the holes.
It's enough of a pain that unless someone is carrying the right tool, or a pair of these keys, they will probably not invest the time.
Not applicable to OEM setups, of course.
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I stopped using them years ago when I realized the chances of someone trying to highjack my wheels was pretty much zero. In all my years of car ownership (I'm in my 70's now), I know of absolutely no-one that ever had their wheels stolen. I have removed them from every car that came with them.
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- 2016.5 CX-5 GT AWD titanium/black 2016 Miata Club ST MT white
Same here. I'm in my mid 60's and have been driving for many a year now. I have never heard of anyone that I know having their wheels stolen nor have I had mine stolen.
I don't live in a high-risk area, and I have a garage. I never park in these areas either, ever.
Back in the old days when muscle cars ruled and Cragar mags were hot - wheels were stolen.
Today, muscle cars are only displayed at shows/auctions or parking lot get togethers and nobody's stealing wheels.
- :
- Canada
One more reminder to stay on topic, please.
N7turbo
2023 CX-5 2.5T ... 2024 MX-5 RF GT
It's still happening to targeted cars. A lot. 20 examples here.
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tire shops deal with this all the time, id start there
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