I took my car in today for a wheel balance and alignment that was missed at the last service. I parked and went to my boot for the lock-nut key that they would need to take the wheels off, only to find it wasn't in the boot

my wheels are now stuck on the car untill I can find the key or I buy some new nuts. their bloody japaness ones too so it's not easy to find a key to suit and I might as well chuck the one's I have, and buy a new set.

Last time I saw the key was at the last service when the balance was needed. I advised the dealer of the need for the key and told them it was in the boot. they then told me to put it in the drink holder so it would be easy to find. that was the last time I remember seeing them.

 

You never had a spare??

 

I had this same problem with a car once. Went to my friendly mechanic, who removed the lock nut (the expensive weird pattern on the stud type) in under a minute per wheel....which concurrently solved my problem AND taught me how useless these things really are at protecting your wheels from someone who really wants them

 

My lock nut is has 7 sides... so it is not impossible to take them off but they will be useless (surely rounded) afterwards.

After this story - I might buy another set just in case; plus Mrs Taka's future SP23 will need some red lock nuts (she nows likes the velocity red :o)

 

Y not? Red car with red wheel cap and red nuts

 

Hey Taka seen those BIM wheels with the "red sputtering"......whatever "sputtering is". I have the link at home, would look nice with the the red cap and your "red nuts" ....... say aren't you a doctor, can't you get a cream or something:D (couldn't resist).

I had lock nuts on an old torana once, cost me a lot (at the time) a mate got them off with a dodgey spanner in about 2 minutes when i lost the socket. Lot of use that was!

 

looks like the reply's to posts email system is down. I had no idea anyone had replied

Revolver: no spare the set only came with one key

Timbo: your right they are more for looks than protection. it will only take me a minute to remove them but I will have to destroy them in the process

Taka: I have the same setup. I would have guessed that the slot on the key changes slightly so the key only suits certain combinations. So when you buy the second set make sure they have the same reference number so the keys are the same. do you know of a cheep place to get them? at the moment shops want about $200 for a set.

Missrx8: yep bummer

 

that'd be the first car lesson for ms. little taka :D

 

No idea Jarl, but I can bring my wheel nut key for you have a crack at.

 

He got new red nuts at the Nats.