It was a nice day here today. Decided to swap rims for the Winter.

Something that needs to be done around here since after it Snows
you cant tell where the curbs are. I've had my share of nicks
and don't want them to get any worse.

scrubbing the insides of the 17in 20 spokes.
almost forgot the camera. believe me the insides were black


some tough brake dust stains.


looking better.
havent been this clean since new.


close up of the 20 spokes
(for those of us with them know how much of a pian they are to keep clean)



so the 18 in millies come off.


17 in 20 spokes go back on.
(2 new tires on fronts) $ 195 each... ouch

decided to keep the chrome lugs on


now for the other side..


Then This Happened




NOW WHAT DO I DO???????

I am now riding with 3 17in rims and 1 18in rim
as this happened when I was tightening the 3rd rim.

well, i do gotta admit, that is pretty funny

perhaps you can go down to mr dealer man and buy another one?

I actually removed my locks on my Malibu, they were dealer installed and were a PITA. I actually have 2 sets of nuts, to go along with my 2 sets of rims. Summer nuts and rims, ( alum rims stock) and winter nuts and rims ( steel with OEM looking hubcaps).

I know there are alot of shops out there that remove and re-install the locking nuts WITHOUT the tool. You must be able to find the right tool for it.

is it normally a one tool fits all, or vehicle specific?

Thats intresting enough...God, how to remove that..?
That just looks odd.
Car is nice though hehe

I have gone back to where I purchased the locks
wanted to match up the lock code.
Dummys--- duh I dont think we can help you.

tried needle nose visegrips


then went to the tire place they were closing in like ten min.
and said to come back tomorrow.

Leave it to a guy named Jolly to find it funny

Yeah they make different "keys" for each set of locking nuts.

there is a tool that is used that will remove that, they usually charge about 20 bucks to take the nut off, other than that, go to mcGards web site, you can order a new one from them the numbers will either be on the key or with the original packaging

I was in chat last night when Jim came online.

I've seen my mechanic buddy get them off when people lose the key etc with an air chisel by spinning them off the stud. It'* really quite a talent to use an air chisel and never hurt the rim or the stud.