[jdp530]

I searched forum but didn't see recommendations for removing what I think are the factory locking lugnuts. I bought a used STI and the tool kit is missing along with the socket for locking lugnut. Any ideas how I can remove the nuts? Would dealer have an assortment of sockets or should I remove with a chisel? Thanks,

[Draco-REX]

Originally Posted by jdp530

I searched forum but didn't see recommendations for removing what I think are the factory locking lugnuts. I bought a used STI and the tool kit is missing along with the socket for locking lugnut. Any ideas how I can remove the nuts? Would dealer have an assortment of sockets or should I remove with a chisel? Thanks,

I thought the toolkit was missing in my WRX when I got it. Then I found it stuffed *under* the spare tire. Try pulling out the spare and checking under it.

Other wise, I think a tire shop may have tools for removing them. You can try a dealership, but I think their solution is to force them off and then sell you a new set.

[scubadiver424]

I know the wheel locks that I was looking at the stealership were made by McGard and Im sure most the the keys are the same, check to see if anyone in your area has the key and meet to possibly borrow it...

[boxer_four]

A couple options:

One, hammer a 12pt socket over the lock, so it fits snug...then unscrew it normally.

Two, buy a tool kit made for this job that has an assortment of sockets with sharp helical flutes inside that bite into the nut/bolt as you turn it.

Wheel locks are pointless....Either of these methods is what thieves will use when stealing wheels....Usually the only person wheel locks prevent from removing wheels is the owner themselves.

[jdp530]

Thanks for the replies! I am going by dealership for a few items and if they dont have the correct socket I will try Discount Tire in my neighborhood. If I dont have any luck I'll remove them with a BFH.

[sujak]

go to the dealer, or you can have them broken off.

Or ask other subby owners if they have a key, but it may not work however. I have 2 sets (one came with the car only 3 locking) so i bought a new set for dirt cheap figuring ill just use 1 of it, well the key from when i bought the car doesnt work on the new ones and vice versa.

So i think youre looking towards having them broken off.

[scubadiver424]

Originally Posted by boxer_four

A couple options:

One, hammer a 12pt socket over the lock, so it fits snug...then unscrew it normally.

Two, buy a tool kit made for this job that has an assortment of sockets with sharp helical flutes inside that bite into the nut/bolt as you turn it.

Wheel locks are pointless....Either of these methods is what thieves will use when stealing wheels....Usually the only person wheel locks prevent from removing wheels is the owner themselves.

While your two options to remove the lugs are helpful, your statement about wheel locks being pointless is simply incorrect. Yes wheel locks can be easily foiled, but the fact that they are there and that it may take someone even just a minute longer to remove them is all anyone with wheel locks could ask for right? Because lets be honest, if someone wanted to steal your WHOLE car they easily could, but blinking alarm lights and other devices make the thief think twice about stealing YOUR car, he most likely will move on to something thats just a little bit easier.

[boxer_four]

Originally Posted by scubadiver424

While your two options to remove the lugs are helpful, your statement about wheel locks being pointless is simply incorrect.

Keep telling yourself that.

Stealing wheels usually isn't a "spontaneous" crime, since it involves tools. Locks may add seconds to a theft event, but probably not minutes.

For all the inconvenience they can cause to the actual owner, they just are not worth it.

[Draco-REX]

The way I look at wheel locks, The Club, alarm systems, etc is like this: You're not going to stop a professional, no matter what you do. THey have the ingenuity, the tools, and the experience to overcome what ever you do. HOWEVER, preventative measures like those will stop/discourage the small-time guy; the punk kid who decides to do it on a whim, or the stupid joy rider.

You're not going to prevent all theft, but giving up and leaving your car unlocked isn't going to help either. Might as well discourage what you can.

[sciolist]

Originally Posted by scubadiver424

Yes wheel locks can be easily foiled, but the fact that they are there and that it may take someone even just a minute longer to remove them is all anyone with wheel locks could ask for right?

For the purposes of this argument, I think there are two kinds of people: Those who aren't going to steal your wheels, and those who aren't going to be stopped by lug locks.

Stripping cars is a premeditated act, and the perp's going to bring the right tools and strike at the right time.

Lug locks might slow a thief down by several seconds, but that's not likely to make any difference either to his decision to strike, or to the outcome.

[scubadiver424]

Originally Posted by boxer_four

Keep telling yourself that.

Stealing wheels usually isn't a "spontaneous" crime, since it involves tools. Locks may add seconds to a theft event, but probably not minutes.

For all the inconvenience they can cause to the actual owner, they just are not worth it.

Your obviously not getting my point here, and I am aware that thieves cannot remove wheels with their bare fingers. I will keep telling myself this, minutes seconds, whatever the frig it may be, i guess the bottom line is, if someone wants anything bad enough, then they will get it. I was speaking to the physiological aspect of it (which may be non-existent in 99% of these low lifes) but really most of these thieves are just uneducated and I believe any measure IMO may cause your car to be overlooked...

As far as inconvenience to the owner ( I think most owners are responsible enough to keep a lug key somewhere) it takes no longer to remove keyed lugs then regular ones.

[scubadiver424]

Originally Posted by sciolist

For the purposes of this argument, I think there are two kinds of people: Those who aren't going to steal your wheels, and those who aren't going to be stopped by lug locks.

Stripping cars is a premeditated act, and the perp's going to bring the right tools and strike at the right time.

Lug locks might slow a thief down by several seconds, but that's not likely to make any difference either to his decision to strike, or to the outcome.

Definately, I agree with you here, the NOT LIKELY, is the small chance that I believe is worth picking up a set of lugs for...

O yeah, and I dont even have them

[jdp530]

I do agree that a pro or someone that has the will and know-how will probably just steal the car. Someone with less skill might steal the rims tho, and I think the anti-theft nuts are a deterent to the less skilled thieves.

I went to local dealer today but I didn't take the STi because I would like to replace the aftermarket non-circulating bov first so they dont think the car has been modded. Dealer didn't have an oem bypass valve and everything I priced out seemed to be about 30-40% higher than web dealers.

If I haven't removed the nuts by the time I replace the bov I will try dealer to see if they have a socket that will fit. I did buy the impact sockets from O'Reillys that are designed to remove lugnuts in case I need to do it myself.

[sciolist]

My understanding is that there are a very finite number of patterns of these things... like 10 or something. Don't know if that's really true, but if it is, might not be too hard to locate the right one... like at a dealership.

[T3h_Clap]

I think my ARP wheel studs will stop anyone (who's doing it what hand tools anyway).