Missing Locking Lug Key '86 2.5

Discussion:

(too old to reply)

mark

2008-08-27 07:01:46 UTC

I recently bought this & the lug key is missing (called the previous
owner but he didn't have it). I see that some have been able to remove
it by hammering on a tight fitting 12-point socket. Unless someone
here can recommend a better way of removing this lug key I would like
to try the socket method (the local dealer has also lost their lug
keys so they drill them out & I don't want to do that). I would like
to do it right the first time (vs experimenting with different size
sockets) so what size socket should I hammer on? I do have an impact
wrench so I will use that as the added vibration will help loosen it.

Thanks for any suggestions,
Mark

Mr Potatohead

2008-08-27 14:29:13 UTC

Permalink

Post by mark
I recently bought this & the lug key is missing (called the previous
owner but he didn't have it). I see that some have been able to remove
it by hammering on a tight fitting 12-point socket. Unless someone
here can recommend a better way of removing this lug key I would like
to try the socket method (the local dealer has also lost their lug
keys so they drill them out & I don't want to do that). I would like
to do it right the first time (vs experimenting with different size
sockets) so what size socket should I hammer on? I do have an impact
wrench so I will use that as the added vibration will help loosen it.
Thanks for any suggestions,
Mark

There were only dozen or so different keys, Mark, but
the odds on you finding one in a junkyard that fits are
rare. I'd go the socket arrangement. I had to do it once
a decade ago and it worked. Once off, you can get a
complete set with key if you want to. I forget what size
socket. It will either go on or it won't. Don't worry
about saving the lugnut. You won't... and you still
won't have a key anyway.

Best bet, get them off and toss them. Get a set of
regular lugnuts and don't bother with the keys. I've
never heard of anyone stealing Fiero rims and tires,
unless they were real expensive after-market rims.

But if you still want the keyed lugnuts, you can get a
set at
the Fiero Factory (Alabama),
Kick Hill Farm (Connecticut), probably
the Fiero Store, (also Connecticut)
and I probably have a set out in my garage.

I'd be more likely not use an impact tool. Use a
half-inch breaker bar or big ratchet instead. You have a
better sense of feel about when the nut will break free.

If you need addresses for any of the above enterprises,
let me know.

Fred

BTW - good luck with the car. Still fun to drive after
all these years.

R W Hughes

2008-08-27 15:51:04 UTC

Permalink

There were only dozen or so different keys, Mark, but the odds on you
finding one in a junkyard that fits are rare. I'd go the socket
arrangement. I had to do it once a decade ago and it worked. Once off,
you can get a complete set with key if you want to. I forget what size
socket. It will either go on or it won't. Don't worry about saving the
lugnut. You won't... and you still won't have a key anyway.
Best bet, get them off and toss them. Get a set of regular lugnuts and
don't bother with the keys. I've never heard of anyone stealing Fiero
rims and tires, unless they were real expensive after-market rims.
But if you still want the keyed lugnuts, you can get a set at
the Fiero Factory (Alabama),
Kick Hill Farm (Connecticut), probably
the Fiero Store, (also Connecticut)
and I probably have a set out in my garage.
I'd be more likely not use an impact tool. Use a half-inch breaker bar
or big ratchet instead. You have a better sense of feel about when the
nut will break free.
If you need addresses for any of the above enterprises, let me know.
Fred
BTW - good luck with the car. Still fun to drive after all these years.

your local Discount Tire (if there is one) or probably any large tire
place) probably has a tool to remove them. The identifying code will be
on the back of the driver's sun visor if they were OEM locks and you
want to check junkyards.

c***@mts.net

2008-08-27 17:02:40 UTC

Permalink

Parts places sell a set of "remover sockets" that bite into the
outside of the lock nut. Kind of like an easyout. Nice to have when
visiting scrap yards and finding a nice set of wheels.

Pete

Post by R W Hughes

There were only dozen or so different keys, Mark, but the odds on you
finding one in a junkyard that fits are rare. I'd go the socket
arrangement. I had to do it once a decade ago and it worked. Once off,
you can get a complete set with key if you want to. I forget what size
socket. It will either go on or it won't. Don't worry about saving the
lugnut. You won't... and you still won't have a key anyway.
Best bet, get them off and toss them. Get a set of regular lugnuts and
don't bother with the keys. I've never heard of anyone stealing Fiero
rims and tires, unless they were real expensive after-market rims.
But if you still want the keyed lugnuts, you can get a set at
the Fiero Factory (Alabama),
Kick Hill Farm (Connecticut), probably
the Fiero Store, (also Connecticut)
and I probably have a set out in my garage.
I'd be more likely not use an impact tool. Use a half-inch breaker bar
or big ratchet instead. You have a better sense of feel about when the
nut will break free.
If you need addresses for any of the above enterprises, let me know.
Fred
BTW - good luck with the car. Still fun to drive after all these years.

mark

2008-08-27 21:12:35 UTC

Permalink

Post by c***@mts.net
Parts places sell a set of "remover sockets" that bite into the
outside of the lock nut. Kind of like an easyout. Nice to have when
visiting scrap yards and finding a nice set of wheels.
Pete

Post by R W Hughes

There were only dozen or so different keys, Mark, but the odds on you
finding one in a junkyard that fits are rare. I'd go the socket
arrangement. I had to do it once a decade ago and it worked. Once off,
you can get a complete set with key if you want to. I forget what size
socket. It will either go on or it won't. Don't worry about saving the
lugnut. You won't... and you still won't have a key anyway.
Best bet, get them off and toss them. Get a set of regular lugnuts and
don't bother with the keys. I've never heard of anyone stealing Fiero
rims and tires, unless they were real expensive after-market rims.
But if you still want the keyed lugnuts, you can get a set at
the Fiero Factory (Alabama),
Kick Hill Farm (Connecticut), probably
the Fiero Store, (also Connecticut)
and I probably have a set out in my garage.
I'd be more likely not use an impact tool. Use a half-inch breaker bar
or big ratchet instead. You have a better sense of feel about when the
nut will break free.
If you need addresses for any of the above enterprises, let me know.
Fred
BTW - good luck with the car. Still fun to drive after all these years.

- Show quoted text -

I hammered on a 25/32 medium length socket (went on with little
effort), used a breaker bar with a piece of pipe for leverage & it
came off more easier than I thought it would. I did pre-spray it with
penetrating fluid last night so that may have helped. I'll try to get
the lug key out of the socket & use it to take the other keys off
otherwise I'll go buy some cheap throwaway sockets. Thank you all for
your suggestions.

B Fuhrmann

2008-08-28 23:50:19 UTC

Permalink

You have a dealer that is feeding you a load of crap.

The lug nut keys (I think that the Fiero only uses ones from the first box
of 6) were used on a number of cars, so a dealer could not afford to not buy
a $10 replacement if they lost one.

The dealer can also get the code for yours by calling GM with the VIN number
of your car.

There are some dealers that really do not want to deal with old cars and
will make up excuses.
--
Bill Fuhrmann