Got a couple junkyard factory wheel locks I want to remove with no key. I obviously don't care if locks are destroyed. I've seen a bunch of threads from people mentioning hammering on a 12-point socket that's smaller than the factory lock lug nuts but no mention of the size.

If I can just barely slide a 12 point socket on the lock lug, then would I go just one size smaller on the removal socket or two sizes smaller? Or better yet does anyone remember the exact size 12 point socket he used to remove them in the past? Would like to be prepared when I get to the yard so would just go by pep boys and grab the right size socket if I can. I have a socket set I don't want to ruin.

If you're using a Craftman socket it should have a lifetime warranty, as I've always been told. If so just bring back the pieces and tell them you were torqueing your lug nuts and suddenly the socket exploded around 65 ft lbs.

Spoon

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You can buy an inexpensive set of locking lug nut removal sockets on eBay for about $17.00.

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22mm bolt extractor

Edit:
post 25 on my build i have pics of the oem style i removed from oem wheels
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/...HTML/144556.html#p25

[This message has been edited by skywurz (edited 04-29-2021).]

Which lock... OEM, McGard, etc.
McGard & other aftermarket lock has different sizes depending on lock used.
Which Rims? Because many rims don't clear "ez out" type tools. Many barely fits thin wall sockets to remove normal lugs or the "true" key to remove many locks.

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(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

So I was test fitting some 12 point wrenches on my own locking lugs and it looks like the 20mm is just slightly smaller than the locks. The 3/4" would be the next size smaller if the 20 just freespun once I started tightening it. So I went to the hardware store and picked them up. Drove to the yard and two more of the wheels had been removed from two days earlier. Someone just wanted the 14 inch Fiero wheels I guess because nothing was taken off besides them so I didn't have to worry about it. Wanted to document the sizes for someone else with a future question.

I can confirm the 20mm 12 point works perfectly. I hammered it onto the lock nut with about 3 medium hits from a sledge hammer and it turned right out no problem. No slippage and was able to get the socket off by hammering it a couple times from the side right before the lug was off the threads. The socket has three deformities inside but could easily be used several more times. (If you needed to remove multiple wheels in one trip). I'll likely just swap it out so I have a fresh socket since it's under lifetime from Home Depot. (HD was the only store I could find that had a 12 pt 20mm it (none of the auto parts stores or harbor freight) but didn't check Lowe's).