Lost my wheel key. What can I do?

[Altec]

Yep, the socket trick is the easiest I know of. But first I suggest taking a hammer and hitting it on the top and bottom a few times. It helps loosen them up.

You can get extractor that look like a reverse of a normal easy out. I personally don't have one big enough.

Vice grips can work, but sometimes you just don't have the room.

My second favorite choice is the hammer, and chisel trick.

[SUX2BU99]

I'd rather not pound a socket over it and ruin them but since I have lost the key, then what am I worried about eh? I could try that. I don't want to ruin a wheel stud though. Probably not a concern? I tried the vice grips and I couldn't get them perpindicular to the lug to twist it. Rim is too deep.

[fitz]

Craftsman makes a wheel lock removal tool.
It's along the same idea as others have mentioned with the socket trick.
The kit cost $30 and comes with 3 special sockets with grooves cut into them.
You find the socket that is just a little to tight to push on by hand. Now you tap that one on with a hammer then use a 1/2 ratchet to spin it off.
I've used mine a few times and it works great.

[Altec]

I'd rather not pound a socket over it and ruin them but since I have lost the key, then what am I worried about eh? I could try that. I don't want to ruin a wheel stud though. Probably not a concern? I tried the vice grips and I couldn't get them perpindicular to the lug to twist it. Rim is too deep.

Exactly. No need to really worry. I'd skip putting a lock back personally. They really don't stop anyone from taking wheels.

As for the stud, you are fine. When you are putting the socket on the nut the wheel is taking the impact, not the stud.

[Irish_Alley]

Just cut the wheel and give up lol jk. I would leave just the nut on and take it for a drive it should fall right off another joke. But the socket trick should work

[SUX2BU99]

Thanks for all the replies, guys!

[derrick79]

With all these tricks and kits you can do to get the lock off, makes it seem like the wheel locks are pointless doesn't it?

[Captkaos]

well probably not unless you are a wheel thief, and how many have these laying around, or carry them with them.  You have to be pretty determined and well planned to steal tires.

[Altec]

With all these tricks and kits you can do to get the lock off, makes it seem like the wheel locks are pointless doesn't it?

Like with any anti-theft device, it is a deterrent. Most people looking to steal are looking for the easy hits. So wheels without locks will look like a easier target then ones with them. If they want them bad enough though, they will get them...

[VileZambonie]

http://www.tool-sale.com/deluxe-hubcap-wheel-lock-removal-kit-p-1475.html

[Irish_Alley]

was going to write a review about that tool set but you have to log in but it was going to say "a must for a serious wheel thief"

[75chevybakers]

Or this:
http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2684546

[SUX2BU99]

Yeah my 15" rims aren't exactly the most coveted rim that they might have been 10-15 years ago when Center Line Convo-Pros were new and impressive to have   lol   No more wheel locks for me.  I still get comments on them though, due to their ribbed rim.