Thread: Wheel nut locks - ID help request

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I recently bought a 1940 Buick which is about 60% a 1979 Camaro. The engine, tranny, rear end and front suspension all came from the donor car. It's not a showcar but should be a nice driver after I get a few things sorted out.

The previous owner put a very nice set of wire wheels on the car in 2013 with spline type locking wheel nuts but could not locate the key for the lock nuts. It is not a regular spline as the splines are varied in width.

The shop which installed the wheels doesn't have a clue about the locks. I am hoping someone may recognize the locks and tell me what brand and maybe where I can buy a key...

I can get them destructively removed but both shops I spoke with said 'there may be some wheel damage'. One shop uses a left hand thread remover; the other hammers on a 12 pt socket. Either way, I'd prefer to have the key if anyone can help.

Thanks for any help....

splined lock nut.jpg

Maybe something like this? Same top I think, different bottom side. Might be a lead?

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/gor-96643bdx

Maybe McGard? SplineDrive Lug Nuts – McGard

Auto Parts stores have "Emergency Wheel Lock Removers", sized to fit over the outside and grip. One from NAPA - https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_7...hoCkLQQAvD_BwE

yeah the ones Roger recommended work real good I have the full set. The nuts ae no good after removing

i bought a socket on amazon for them . all the lug nits on my trailer are like those but they may be spline drive. would have to look . but amazon has a ton of lug nut stuff .

Another thing, the companies make a bunch of patterns of locking nuts & keys, sold as sets. I seriously doubt that they will be able to identify the key needed for your old lug nuts and sell just a key. If the key is gone, the only real option is to remove the locking lugs by whatever means you can, and buy a new set if you want that security.

I think you are correct that these are Gorilla locks. I just called them and found that their locks are like a lockset that has hundreds of combinations. They can't (or won't) ID the specific key unless I have the registration number. I'll work on a destructive removal tool, but need a thin wall tool to clear the wheel. Thanks for the help so I know I can stop looking for a key. Jim

Originally Posted by mayeraz

I think you are correct that these are Gorilla locks. I just called them and found that their locks are like a lockset that has hundreds of combinations. They can't (or won't) ID the specific key unless I have the registration number. I'll work on a destructive removal tool, but need a thin wall tool to clear the wheel. Thanks for the help so I know I can stop looking for a key. Jim

I was afraid that would be what you discovered. I had the same problem with a set of Champ 500 wheels on a 76 Corvette and was able to remove the locks without damaging the wheels, so good luck. When I put the new American TT two's on the car I found an old leather zippered cigarette case and put the lock for the wheel locks, a spare set of lugs for the original spare, a hex key for the cap and a 13/16 socket and put it in one of the rear compartments so I knew where it was.

i have used a sacrificial socket before. hammer it on then use an impact wrench .
i have found that good insurance is far better than locks .
the napa tool works well also .

X2 on a sacrificial socket. Works great, no damage to wheel.

Originally Posted by shine

i have found that good insurance is far better than locks .

Agree - wheel locks nearly always become a hassle.

In over 45 years of driving everything from smoking junkers with rusted out floors, a TR3 with real wire wheels, to a Jag and several vintage cars I have never had anyone attempt to steal wheels. I lost a radio (and a side window) on a 1986 Caprice, and we've had a couple cars broken into by what the police think were kids looking for cash and whatever else was left in the cars. We live in a fairly rural area, maybe if we were in a big city the story would be different.

When I've bought cars with wheel locks I usually take off the locks because they irritate me. This is the first time I did not notice the locks and didn't get the key.

I had to order regular lug nuts. The fellow at Dayton Wheels in OH was very cheerful and helpful. When I get them I'll first try the hammer on the socket routine. Thanks for everyone's help and assistance. It's nice to know you guys will help even when I didn't know much about what I was asking.

Happy Holidays to all,

Jim

while living in Chicago in the late 60s my 64 Chevy was stolen 3 times and got it back each time. much was taken but we got the car back.

If I had known how easy it would be to take off these locks I would not have bothered you all...

I had an old 8 point socket that hammered on easily and locked tightly, the locks came right off. They are Gorilla locks, the Gorilla name is on the shaft which was hidden in the wheel.

Thanks again to everyone, and have a great holiday.

Jim

Thanks for the update Jim. Merry Christmas to you and yours!