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Removing Locking Wheel Nuts Without Damage - Without The Key


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#1 panky

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Posted 04 October 2017 - 07:06 PM

Ran into a problem when I came to do the tie bar bushes today - couldn't find the key for the locking wheel nuts >_< So I had to improvise. I know I'll fall over the key next week but the wheels needed to be off and the locking nuts un-damaged, so I came up with this idea.

Cut a short length (about 1") of 20mm copper pipe and slide it over the locking nut

 

It's a nice snug fit (this was an early attempt so it's a bit too short )

 

V72GuxA.jpg

 

Take a 19mm socket and bash it on over the copper pipe. You will need to taper the end of the copper pipe slightly so it just fits inside the socket - but not much. The socket will push the copper pipe into the grooves in the nut and the soft copper wont cause any damage. Use gentle pressure to undo the nut with a T bar, ratchet of whatever - and it comes right off :D

 

kEGWGHk.jpg

 

I used the same piece of copper for all four locking nuts, but there wasn't much left of it at the end

 

IBDn562.jpg

 

v8x12dE.jpg

 

It took a bit of experimenting to get the right size socket and this is obviously for the Rover 'Minilites' but it could work on other similar styled locking nuts.



#2 minifreek1

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Posted 04 October 2017 - 07:38 PM

Great idea.....

 

Im off to change all my locking nuts now for a better more secure type LOL



#3 GT Jimmy

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Posted 04 October 2017 - 08:37 PM

Now everyone knows how to nick your wheels haha



#4 panky

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Posted 04 October 2017 - 09:04 PM

They would take one look at them and walk away shaking their head, not worth their time wasting a piece of copper :shy:



#5 jamesquintin

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Posted 05 October 2017 - 07:53 AM

I had the same issue. I just used the correct size socket, but one with the multiple ridges inside (not sure of the name) and cut 2 nails down to the length of the wheel nut, put them in the ridges on the nut and slid the socket over.

 

Came of as per normal and no copper was harmed in the process.

 

I also found the locking nut 2 days later  :highfive: 



#6 Steve220

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Posted 06 October 2017 - 10:03 AM

The standard rover wheel nuts and locking nuts are potentially the worst thing I've seen made for a car. If you can find an alternative, I'd jump at the chance!




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