Lost lug key

got new wheels put on my truck a couple months ago at a tire shop, went to get my tires rotated only to find that my lug key was not in my glove box! Any ideas? Anyone know the brand or part #?

 

The shop didn't have one? I have 2, but the shops I've been to usually have one as well.

 

Check the cubby with the jack and if it's not there call the shop. They should have one and if not they probably have the key to remove. At least you figured it out now instead of at night on the side of a snowy highway.

If you want to try and remove yourself you can probably get it with an air chisel but it may cause some cosmetic damage to the wheel. Another option is to try and pound a socket onto it then use a ratchet.

 

Hammering a slightly too small 12 pt deep socket works pretty well. Or tack weld one on if you have access.

 

Just checked where the jack is again, not there. Was going to rotate the tires myself. Just don’t want to end up stranded on the side of the road if anything happens.

Called the shop, they gave me the run around “we always give the lock keys back, I’ll look around” then hung up without getting my number.. so doubt they will be any help

 

If you go to the dealership they can give you a key number (using their master key set) and you can then call Gard and order a replacement.
The tire shop should be paying for it though.

 

If my truck is ever in a shop where they MIGHT need my lug key, I ALWAYS ask if it is in the truck. Then one day they accidentally gave me theirs. Now I have 2.

 

Get rid of the wheel locks. Completely useless.
My number one pet peeve as a mechanic was wheel locks.
You would be shocked how many times people don’t even know they have wheel locks.
The key is buried somewhere in a car full of garbage.
The key is by the spare tire with a 200 pound subwoofer box sitting on top of it.
The key is in their garage or they threw it out because they didn’t know what it was. Do yourself and every mechanic a favor and get rid of them. Even a piss poor thief can remove wheel locks without a key easily.

 

X2 but the company is McGard. Not trying to be an ass on the correction just trying to help OP

 

Yep, you're right. Wasn't thinking when I typed it.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-wheel-locks-are-these.521427/#post-16541150

 

Maybe a gator grip socket and pound that on. Never tried it but it's been suggested before

 

Use an impact socket. They don't go to pieces the way a mild steel 12 point will.

Charlie

 

If they were original equipment there ought to be a card in the owner packet with the McGard part number on it. Go to their website and they will send you one. Also they can usually identify the key if you send them a high res photo of the pattern.

Charlie

 

Don't do any chisel crap.go to any tire shop and have them sell you a key,and or remove the locks.

 

Most wheel locks come with a unique code used for a replacement, which is long gone for sure. Other guy above was right about them being more harm than good. Mistakes happen, and it's bound to happen again even if you get a new one. Most guys at my shop can remove a set of wheel locks in under 5 minutes with a sledge and wheel lock removal socket. They have specialty sockets for it with a spiral inside. What shop did you take it to?

This is the socket:

 

Check with a few local tire shops. Some keep keys (usually from when people have new lug nuts installed) for when customers dont have them.

 

If you are going to use wheel locks, trash those types of locks and go with something like gorilla locks. Those cheapo Mcgard type of locks tend to strip and will leave you stranded.

 

I've gotten replacement ones from McGard, (?) who is the manufacturer of mine. I think they come with a serial number of sorts.

 

Excellent post!