8 ways to remove a wheel if you lose your secret key

One of the most effective ways to protect the wheels of your car from thieves is to install special secret bolts on them in place of the standard ones. To remove such a bolt, you need an individual key, which is also included in the kit.

The other side of the issue is that the owner of the car often loses it, and then it will be impossible to remove the wheel with a regular wheel wrench. You can contact a specialized car service and pay a hefty sum for this procedure. However, there are other methods that you can resort to even in your own garage.

Types of wheel locks

The main difference between locks and traditional bolts is the non-standard shape of the head. There are several main varieties known on the market, differing in appearance, but not in their principle of action:

• irregularly shaped faceted polygons, which can have from several to several dozen faces;
• curly profiles on which many lines are applied;
• perforated. Unique heads in which a number of holes are drilled, and they differ in depth and size. One of the more reliable options for driver practice;
• combined. They usually combine the features of both figured and hole bolts.

The owner usually comes with a bolt and a key that fits it perfectly. If you lose it, you can try to choose from several other options - this happens with Chinese products. At the same time, to protect expensive tires and solid wheels, it is better not to use such products.

Making a copy from a cast is a simple but unreliable method

The option of making a duplicate is quite interesting. True, it is only suitable if you have lost the key and are in your garage. First you need to make an impression, for which regular wax or plasticine is suitable. But it is better to use plastic, which after heating becomes hard, like plastic. We fill the resulting imprint with plaster, and when the mass has almost hardened, we remove it to create a recess with grooves that repeat the cutting of the secret.

All that remains is to fill the mold with a suitable metal. Of those that can be melted using a homemade method, only copper and aluminum are available, with the latter being preferable because it is stronger. But it is not a fact that you will be able to unscrew a steel bolt with an aluminum wrench, so the second option is to contact a turner-miller to make a duplicate using a cast on a machine. This method of obtaining a key is quite simple, but will cost a considerable amount.

Method of tightening “standard” bolts or nuts

A very interesting method of unscrewing the lock from a cast disc, which takes time. Its essence is to rock it at the mounting location by alternately tightening and loosening all other wheel bolts. The step by step activities are as follows:

1. First, each of the bolts is tightened all the way - this leads to a reduction in the load on the lock.
2. We need to lift the car with a jack until the wheel with the bolt we need comes off the surface.
3. To hope to remove it from the wheel, it must be tapped from different sides. This leads to it loosening in the socket.
4. Now you can lower the vehicle onto a hard surface.
5. All bolts are unscrewed from the disk one by one, with the exception of the unique one.
6. The car is jacked up again.
7. Rock the wheel with your hands until it begins to dangle on the hub.
8. Again, it is necessary to remove the load from the unique bolt, and to do this, screw all the others back to their original place.
9. This leads to even greater loosening of it, as a result of which it simply has to be twisted by hand. If there is strong sticking, you will have to do the whole cycle of actions again.

Before starting manipulations, it is advisable to treat the secretion with a few drops of machine oil, which has a penetrating effect. It will be able to corrode scale and rust, which will make dismantling easier. The well-known WD-40 classification liquid is not suitable for these purposes.

Loosening is the most difficult option without damaging the notch

If you swing a tightly tightened screw or bolt for a long time with light rotational movements, sooner or later it may give in and begin to unscrew. This is what this method is based on. After placing the car on a jack, you first need to remove all the usual mounting bolts or nuts, depending on what is exposed. Then the corresponding paired fasteners are removed. Then you need to place a reliable stand under the bottom of the car so as not to test the strength of the jack. And only then can you begin to swing the wheel disk, moving it slightly towards you on the hub, and lightly pressing with a rotational movement along and against it.

If you can’t unscrew the lock without a key, due to its absence, and there is a car shop on the way, we take several heads to unscrew the bolts

Then, after 5-10 minutes of active work, we screw all the bolts back into place, firmly fixing the wheel. We try to unscrew the secret, you can lightly tap on it if it sticks out well. If unsuccessful, repeat all steps in the same order. If not the second, then the third or fourth time after unscrewing the bolts and swinging, the secret may give in. Also proceed if you need to change the stud on the front wheel or on the rear. But there is a possibility that this method will not produce results.

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Cap extractor

There are special devices invented just for emergency unscrewing of bolts. Cap extractors vary in size, manufacturer and can be sold from 500 rubles and much more. In appearance, they are similar to wrench heads, only inside they do not have a standard thread, but spiral-shaped sharp edges.

If you lose your wheel key, you need to use the extractor as follows:

• the device is applied close to the secret bolt;
• take a heavy hammer or sledgehammer - you need to force it into the socket head;
• If this succeeds, then you can begin to unscrew it using a lever.

The method is effective in 99% of cases if it was possible to install the extractor. But it will not work for those bolts that are equipped with a protective skirt.

This is a rotating ring that does not allow the extractor to wrap around the head. In a situation where it is present, you first need to knock it down with a chisel, but this will also take time.

By analogy with the external extractor, you can use the same method with a socket head, which is found in any set of tools. It is better to use a 12-sided head, but the main thing is that it is made of high-quality steel. In this case, the effect and consequences will be the same as from using an extractor.

How much does a secret protect against theft?

If everything is so simple and even with the help of improvised means you can dismantle a modern secret, then how effective is it. Why can’t the same attackers use a similar algorithm?

rice. Theft protection

In fact, any of the above methods requires significant effort. And you can hardly call them quiet. Therefore, thieves simply do not want to bother with dismantling wheels that contain such secrets.

For example, if there are two cars nearby, but one of them has protection, then they will choose the other. Therefore, despite the fact that almost any secret can be deleted without the key itself, it still has the function of direct protection.

How to remove a protective skirt

Removing security bolts from disks becomes difficult or impossible in situations where they are equipped with protective skirts. They were created as an additional barrier against intruders, but the driver himself may also suffer. Therefore, first you need to eliminate this obstacle, and this will have to be done in one of the following ways:

• cut off the skirt, armed with a grinder with a small disk. The main thing is not to damage the bolt itself;
• Taking a chisel with a large hammer in your hands, make notches on the skirt around the circumference. This is done in order to stop the free rotation of the ring. Then you need to drill a hole at the point where it connects with the bolt. Now it will be easier to break it out with some improvised tool;
• the ring can be sawn from the outside using a power tool equipped with a thin bur or cutter.

Now that you have managed to get rid of the obstacle in the form of a protective skirt, you can use the services of a cap extractor.

Re-stretching technique

This method is recommended to be tried if you need to quickly unscrew a flat tire.

To do this, you need to perform several steps:

1. The car must first be set to the handbrake. The engine must be turned off.
2. Next, we proceed to tightening the standard bolts. To increase the crimp on the wheel wrench, you will need to use an amplifier. To do this, we will use a small piece of pipe of the required diameter.
3. Now you need to hang the wheel using a jack.
4. To work you will need a hammer. We tap it a little on the surface of the secret and try to unscrew it using pliers.

Attention! If the lock was recently fixed on the wheel rim, then it will not have time to “stick” to the metal nut. If the manipulations are carried out correctly, it is possible to get rid of the security bolt the first time.

Using the internal extractor

For secret, as well as various damaged (deformed) bolts, special equipment is used, which is called an internal extractor. To eliminate them from alloy wheels, you need to take the following steps:

1. In the secret compartment left without a key, a hole is drilled that is suitable in shape and size for the extractor tip.
2. The device is driven into it with a hammer so that you can then remove the secret with its help.
3. It is grabbed with a knob on top and rotated slowly, without jerking, in a clockwise direction. It is necessary to prevent “licking” of the thread.

Possibility of removing secrets

If the set was relatively inexpensive, then you can try to select a key element. However, if the locks are branded and were installed a long time ago, then most likely they have become stuck, for this reason you will need to take the time to remove the locks.

Removing the bolt tension

The removal method involves rocking the lock by tightening it and loosening the other nuts.

How to open a secret lock without a key, algorithm:

You need to relieve the load on the secret. To do this, tighten all nuts without exception to the maximum.

Raise the car with a jack so that the wheel with the lock does not touch the ground.

Using a hammer, tap on the seal from all sides. The goal is loosening.

Lower the wheel back to the ground.

Unscrew all the nuts so that only the locks hold the wheel.

Raise the car again using the jack;

Loosen the wheel with your hands so that it rests solely on the hub.

Screw all the nuts back completely, removing the load from the protective bolts in a similar way. As a rule, at this point you can unscrew the lock with your hands, but if they are stuck, you need to repeat the steps several times until you can remove the wheel.

Fully tighten all nuts

Socket head

How to remove the secret key without a key using an effective method, take:

Hammer, screwdriver, standard bolt;

Torque wrench;

A socket with a smaller diameter than bolt heads.

Algorithm of actions:

Using a hammer, tap the socket head onto the head of the socket. Continue beating until it takes the shape of the socket faces.

Place a torque wrench on the nut head and begin unscrewing. Try to unscrew as slowly as possible, pausing periodically. The main goal is to move the nut from its place, it should unscrew.

Screw the regular protective bolts into place.

In order to remove the unscrewed element from the end head, you can slightly screw it back in, but so that the secret can be unscrewed by hand. The socket head is loosened and pulled off the bolt with a sharp movement.

Sometimes, the configuration of the protective bolts does not allow filling other people's heads, even with a well-chosen diameter.

Drive the socket

Internal extractor

Essentially, the device was invented to remove broken studs from bolts. But it turned out that this tool can also be used to independently remove the protective bolts.

Algorithm of actions:

Drill a hole in the bolt, according to the shape and size of the extractor, in order to insert it there.

Use a hammer to hammer the extracts into the bolt.

Use a screwdriver to secure the extractor and begin unscrewing it clockwise. Rotate slowly, without sudden movements or jerks; if you break the thread, you can’t do it without the help of experts.

Choose drills for high-speed steel. For hardened metal, drills with pobedit tips are used. To prevent the drill from breaking, the nut head is generously lubricated.

Drive the extracts into the bolt

Using a gas key

If the key has been lost and there is no other way to unscrew the protective nuts, use a gas key.

Use a special wrench to tighten the protrusion of the nut. Then focus, apply maximum effort and start cranking. Alternatively, you can cut out the edges with a file and try to remove the nuts with an open-end wrench.

Use the gas key

Use drill

Removing the secrets using a drill and a strong drill bit, this way you can try to drill out the protective module. Principle of operation:

Drill a hole approximately in the middle of the module;

Gradually it is necessary to increase the drilling area, slowly removing the body of the nut;

The drill blade must be replaced as the diameter of the hole increases, and drill until the module is completely removed.

Drill a hole in the middle using a drill and a strong drill bit

Welding method

When removing nuts by welding, there is a high risk of damage to the disc or rubber. However, with a responsible approach, such consequences can be avoided. Completely insulate all parts of the wheel and body that may be damaged by welding sparks and arcs.

Algorithm of actions:

Select a special nut of the required diameter;

Weld it to the socket head;

Wait for the weld to set;

Remove it from the wheel using a wrench.

Sometimes it is not possible to weld anything to the head, because some manufacturers are so concerned about the safety of the wheels that they produce protective blocks from metal consisting of different alloys, which simply cannot be welded.

Weld the nut to the lock head

Split the secret

If you don’t want to use a lot of physical force, but you don’t know how to unscrew it on the wheel any other way, then try to split it. This method requires liquid nitrogen; you can buy it at auto markets for about 400-500 rubles. The method may seem frivolous, but in the end it is very effective.

Algorithm of actions:

Drill a small hole in the middle of the protective module.

Fill the hole with liquid nitrogen from a can.

Wait for the metal to freeze optimally and start hammering. In theory, it should crumble.

The main thing is not to freeze too much and start hitting with a hammer in time.

When using this method, first make sure that nitrogen does not get on your skin or eyes.

This method requires liquid nitrogen.

How to make a new key

In order to make a new copy, you need to find a good locksmith and provide him with a cast of the protective modules. To make a cast, use regular children's plasticine. Place the casts in a box to avoid deformation.

Make a cast of protective modules

Welding

A very good method that allows you to remove the wheel lock without a key, even in difficult situations. Naturally, during welding work the disk can be damaged. To prevent this, it is advisable to surround it with a protective casing - any tin can can play this role.

The paintwork on the body near the wheel may be damaged by flying sparks. For protection, experts advise covering it with damp rags. The essence of the operation is to weld a small piece of metal onto the protruding part of the secret, by which it could then be grabbed. This role may be a nut, a piece of profile, a metal polyhedron, etc. During welding work, it is necessary to take breaks and cool the welding area so that the bearing on the hub does not overheat.

All that remains is to remove the secret with a gas or balloon wrench. If necessary, use any lever or pipe for a more convenient grip. The only difficulty with this method is that you need to have a welding machine or invite a specialist.

Causes of possible damage to the mechanical lock

When removing and putting on car wheels at a service station, drivers do not always follow the process of tightening/unscrewing bolts or nuts. For this operation, specialists use pneumatic or electric screwdrivers and impact wrenches. Devices set to a certain force usually overtighten the threads, exceeding, albeit slightly, the permissible forces when the locks are removed from the wheels or tightened.

After such an operation, the thread may become stretched and stick. It becomes difficult to overcome such force manually using a figured key. Therefore, breakage of fastener heads or tools is possible.

Also, dirt or dust can get into the holes of the secret. In such a situation, the response pattern from the key may not completely fit into the working groove. When the “secret” is turned and not fully inserted from the key, the figured part becomes deformed or breaks. It may remain in the head groove or fall out of it.

Duplicate key

Another scenario for how to behave if you lose your security key is to make a duplicate of it. However, there are not many specialists who will take on and do the job wisely. This is a complex process, but it will allow you to use your existing unique bolt rather than spending money on a new one.

To make a new key for dismantling, a specialist will make an impression of the bolt head using a soft material. To prevent it from sticking to the surface, the head is lubricated with machine lubricant. Based on the cast, the craftsmen make a new key.

As it turns out, even if you lose the key to a unique secret, you shouldn’t give up. By adopting any of the methods proposed above, you can remove it with or without damage. But access to the wheel and rim will be restored.

Where can I see my security keys?

There are so many places in your car where you can find these wheel nuts that we can't list them all, but we will look at the most obvious places where they are usually found.

In the car we check:

• Glove box as this is one of the most preferred places to store a key.
• Check under the car seats. Some cars have hidden compartments under the seats.
• Look at the pockets in the back of car seats and cup holders.
• Don't forget to check the door pockets and ashtray.
• If you don't find it in your car, it may be hidden somewhere in the trunk.
• Check all the compartments in the trunk, as well as the first aid kit. Lift up the rug and check underneath.
• Remove the spare tire and check it.

Check under the car seats

Don't forget to check the door pockets

Don't forget to check the ashtray

Check the pockets in the back of your car seats

Check your inbox

Check your first aid kit

Lift the rug and check underneath

Remove the spare tire and check it

However, people often forget or lose their keys. If you're not lucky enough to find one, don't worry. It is possible to remove the installed protective blocks on the car without a key, but to do this you need:

Common mistakes when dismantling secret boxes

When removing the locks, it is easy to make mistakes that lead to damage to the wheel, rim, hub or brake system. Examples of gross violations during the dismantling process:

• Over-tightening of conventional bolts when using the retightening method. It is important to know the measure even in this case, otherwise you will get thread failure instead of the result.
• Inaccurate loosening of the car wheels after being lifted on a jack. At this stage, keep the force and amplitude light - do not bend the hub or disc.
• Using the constriction technique when two secretions are installed on the disk. Remember - this method is only effective with one non-standard head, otherwise it will not work.

Varieties

The imagination of the developers of unusual wheel bolts is incredible. With difficulty, but it is possible to derive a certain classification of fasteners with secret heads:

• asymmetrical profile, no regular polyhedrons or protrusions with a fixed pitch, only randomly located stops for the key, this allows for individual coding, even buying the same set will not help;
• figured arrangement of contour lines on a turnkey basis, modern machines allow you to draw patterns of any complexity, synchronizing them with the mating part of the tool;
• eccentrically displaced circles or ellipses of external and internal surfaces;
• ring protection of the coded surface, a gas key will not help;
• a set of coded holes in the end of the bolt for the pins of your own key;
• a combination of several of the listed protection methods.

A good device has the same level of protection as a well-designed door lock. Which can also be opened, but you will have to try, and most likely call an experienced specialist and show him the ownership documents.

Other ways to solve the problem

Have you tried the tools and the tightening method, but the lock still won’t come off? This is not a reason to give up - let's look at 2 more tips on how to unscrew the lock on a car wheel:

• A standard bolt is welded to the unique fastening and then unscrewed with a regular wrench. It does not always work (only if the clamp is made of metal of poor quality), and it is also necessary to protect the wheel rim from damage by welding.
• The unique head produces a long recess for a flathead screwdriver. A screwdriver is inserted into the finished groove and force is applied to unscrew the bolt. You can grind a flat groove with a drill or grinder with a small disk.

Nothing helps? Try to find a compatible key at an auto supply store or car market. The most convenient way to do this is through an online store, where in the product catalog you can set up a filter for the profile type and price category that your secrets belong to.

What tools will you need?

If you don’t have a security key, you can use the standard set, which includes:

• socket heads and wrench for them;
• hammer;
• screwdriver;
• extractor;
• gas key;
• welding machine;
• chisel.

Depending on the chosen method of dismantling the lock, the appropriate tool is selected. For locks that were recently installed and have a relatively standard design, regular keys may be suitable. If the wheel locks are strongly stuck, then they will have to be removed only with the help of additional equipment. It is important not to forget about the safety of others and yourself when performing work.

How to unscrew the lock if there is a rotary ring

Some mounts are equipped with a protective swivel ring. It eliminates the possibility of dismantling the disc retainer using a gas wrench. There is a solution in this situation as well - removing or locking the protective wheel using one of the following methods:

• Complete removal of the guard with a metal cutting tool. It is acceptable if the latch is not installed in a recess and there is easy access to it.
• Locking the ring by partial deformation. Apply several blows with a chisel and hammer to the protective ring. It will bend and will not be able to scroll.

Once you can remove the movable ring, you can use a gas wrench or an extractor to remove the unique bolt. If that doesn't work, try removing the lock by tightening it.

Method number 1 - simple

Pros:

• You will not be able to damage the disc or hub bearing when driving in the nuts. The extractor is simply screwed in and the secretion is removed. The set has several diameters for different sockets and bolts.

• They can be used until they break. Regular nut sockets cannot be used many times, especially cheap ones. Soft metal greatly deforms the inside of the head. After several removals of the security bolts, it can be thrown away.

Method number 2 - complex and cheap

It can be called difficult for the first time. Then get used to it and it will be easier. For this method of removing a seal with a protective outer ring you need:

• Two drills of different diameters;
• Chisel or chisel, hammer and small diameter tap.

Our task is to jam this protective ring or cut it off.

Use a chisel to core the bolt and the ring so that it does not turn when drilling. Drill a hole between the bolt and it with a small drill. We achieve a depth of 1 centimeter. Use a larger diameter drill to drill a hole.

Use drills of different diameters to drill a hole between the locking bolt and the protective ring

Important! You need to drill towards the ring to break it. The fact is that the bolt is made of hard material, but the ring is not. We wedge the drill between them and the ring should crack.

We drive the tap between the lock and the protective ring and break it.
We drive the tap between the ring and the lock and pull it out. As a result, we are left with one bolt. We unscrew it with a gas wrench or fill the head.

Minuses:

The disc may be damaged. If the drills are of poor quality, they may break. There is a chance of scratching the alloy wheel.

Method number 3 - use of special equipment

Take a large diameter nut. We put it on the security bolt. We weld it to the bolt from the inside. We unscrew the secret with a screwdriver.

Minuses:

You need a welding machine and an experienced welder. Otherwise, you will damage the disc.