I'm an idoit, can't find my wheel key

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Nov 16, 2003 | 07:20 PM
  #1  
I installed my coilovers last week and I think I accidently left them on the wheel and drove off. I've spent a good 3 hours looking for the damm key and cannot find it. Is there a special socket I can use to remove a wheel lock? I don't want to risk screwing my new wheels up by hammering a socket on the wheel lock and use a rachet to break them loose.

2003 G35 Coupe 6mt Diamond Graphite
1992 Jeep Cherokee Blk 5.5 RE lift /w 33s
AIM= bkchang79
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Nov 16, 2003 | 07:33 PM
  #2  
Re: I'm an idoit, can't find my wheel key
That's the only drawback with wheel locks. If you can't find the key, you'll have to contact the manufacturer for a replacement. You should have the reigistration # handy when you contact them.
An alternative is to go to the dealer and borrow a key from another set. I don't think there are that many different keys.
I have 2 sets from 2 seperate cars with the same key pattern.
BTW. my locking sets are Nissan, and they supply a tether for securing to the lug wrench.
The dealer should be able to get you a replacement and maybe even the registration # you need to get one.
If you get a flat in the meantime, use a can of sealer to get you by until the new key arrives. It's messy to clean up but it's not as bad as getting those security bolts off without the key.
G/L
GSM

<font color=red>GSM</font color=red> <font color=black>Silverstone Coupe</font color=black>
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Nov 16, 2003 | 08:55 PM
  #3  
Re: I'm an idoit, can't find my wheel key
I think the lock are made by mcguard. The dealership did not give me the registration number so I'll probably contact them tomorrow.

2003 G35 Coupe 6mt Diamond Graphite
1992 Jeep Cherokee Blk 5.5 RE lift /w 33s
AIM= bkchang79
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Nov 17, 2003 | 12:39 AM
  #4  
Re: I'm an idoit, can't find my wheel key
Try getting a locksmith to remove it.

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2003 CB Coupe 6MT
Z-tube
Stillen Hi-flow
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Nov 17, 2003 | 02:10 PM
  #5  
Re: I'm an idoit, can't find my wheel key
The locks are made by McGard for Nissan/Infiniti. Order a replacement key with your registration card for $10 or $15 bucks like Gsed said or go to the tire shop and have them spin them off. They might get ruined in the process which is highly likely.

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Nov 17, 2003 | 03:27 PM
  #6  
Re: I'm an idoit, can't find my wheel key
Take it to a tire shop. They will remove them and you can buy a set of gorilla locks on the way....

The thing about my lugs is that ALL my lugs are locks hehehe. They are require a key so it would be a bicth for me if I lost mine.

- Don't argue with idiots. They will bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.=P-
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Nov 17, 2003 | 04:07 PM
  #7  
Re: I'm an idoit, can't find my wheel key
You know, I have thought of that also. I was told not to use all lugs that are keyed because they are weaker than standard lugs? Any truth to this?

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Nov 17, 2003 | 04:53 PM
  #8  
Re: I'm an idoit, can't find my wheel key
I dunno know about that, some lug sets are made that way so you need to use a key on all of them. If you are talking about the sets where you it have one key per wheel, then that's news to me.

- Don't argue with idiots. They will bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.=P-
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Nov 17, 2003 | 05:59 PM
  #9  
Re: I'm an idoit, can't find my wheel key
Well my dealership didn't give me a registration card. I called them this morning and they said they have a tool to get them off. All I have to pay is for new locks. Hopefully they won't f up my wheels.

2003 G35 Coupe 6mt Diamond Graphite
1992 Jeep Cherokee Blk 5.5 RE lift /w 33s
AIM= bkchang79
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Nov 17, 2003 | 11:03 PM
  #10  
Re: I'm an idoit, can't find my wheel key
bwahaha don't trip man. I did the same exact thing when I first put my rims on. My neighbor took it off my lug before I forgot, but I put it back on to tighten one more time, then took off. I came back and couldn't find it.

I had mcguard too, some of them are pretty nice. I first ordered the key regular ground. 3 weeks passed and I didn't get my key. I called to ask what the status was and they said it's been a while so we'll make a 2nd attempt and send it priority at no extra charge. I got it 3 days later. They said the regular ground gets lost from time to time.

So Just go priority and you'll get it around 3 days. A small little key in a big legal document sized fedex envelope.

BS G35C 6spd navi/aero/prem
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Nov 17, 2003 | 11:09 PM
  #11  
Re: I'm an idoit, can't find my wheel key
oh I forgot to tell you. I asked mcguard what's the chances of me going back to the shop I bought the locks from and finding the same pattern. He told me there's about 220 different patterns and they "try to mix it up". I don't know how hard they try so you might get lucky and find the same key. Just get paper and a crayon and trace your pattern.

BS G35C 6spd navi/aero/prem
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Nov 17, 2003 | 11:26 PM
  #12  
Re: I'm an idoit, can't find my wheel key
Holy crap.

I about fell out of my chair when I read your post.

Two saturdays ago, my cousin, who worked second shift came over to help me put my coil-overs on. We started at like 1am and finished up around 4am. We were tired but we were excited too. So, we took a quick test drive after we put the wheels on. I had just tightened all the locks on. On my wheels the key BARELY fits into the lug hole. Well, I pulled the wrench off and hopped in the car and took a drive through the neighborhood.

Two days later, I couldn't find the key and figured out what I did.

Well, my beloved wife, who supports all the mods I want (she even helped put my Eibachs on my old mustang, and broke her finger putting a 4.5" lift on my wrangler), found that damn key about 100 yards from my driveway in the middle of the road, at night, 2 days later.

So look atleast that far from your house. That 100 yards also included one turn. Thats your search radius.

Thanks for the courage to fess up to this bonehead move. And thanks to everyone who didn't just ridicule.

J.

2004 G35 Coupe 6MT
NAV-less
TEIN Basics
Volk GT-7's
Falken 245/35/ZR19 & 285/35ZR19
Limo Tint, Clear Sides
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Nov 20, 2003 | 12:35 AM
  #13  
Re: I'm an idoit, can't find my wheel key
yeah i got a replacement "key" from McGard ($10), a nice nylon pouch ($3), and 2-day fedex saver shipping all totaling $20

the next day i found my original key, the dealership had put it in my small tool case in the trunk, instead of handing it back to me by hand like how i'd given it to them... geez.

make sure you save your mcgard registration card, just call them up, they are really nice on the phone.

<font color=green>-Rambo</font color=green>
G35c-6MT-DG/Willow/HyperGround/BorlaExhaust/350Z-intake
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Nov 20, 2003 | 11:17 AM
  #14  
Re: I'm an idoit, can't find my wheel key
ROFL!

Isn't that always the way?

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter
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Nov 20, 2003 | 05:42 PM
  #15  
Re: I'm an idoit, can't find my wheel key
You know it!


2004 G35 Coupe 6MT
NAV-less
TEIN Basics
Volk GT-7's
Falken 245/35/ZR19 & 285/35ZR19
Limo Tint, Clear Sides
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