Jeep anti-theft lug nuts

[DHugg]

I've had the 12.5 X 35's off a bunch of times since I bought this 1980 AMC 304 CJ7 in 2009. Last time 2mos ago to rotate tires; now I gotta get all four balanced. Where is the anti-theft lug nut socket? I've searched all the logical places this morning, and will clear the floor of the garage tomorrow in case it rolled.

Went to a half-dozen tire and parts stores here in Gulfport, MS, yesterday but no joy. Assuming I DON'T find it, can someone suggest a source that can fit the pattern in the photo?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Get rid of'em.
Look in the socket drawer of your tool chest for the 'key'......
LG

 

[Bill D]

Get rid of'em.
Look in the socket drawer of your tool chest for the 'key'......
LG

I bought a CJ3a with similar locks in place. The key didn’t get included in the sale and when I called the PO, he didn’t have a clue. I got three of the locks off by hammering an old socket onto the lock and using an electric impact tool. The fourth one resisted all efforts so I welded a regular lug nut to the top of the lock and it came right off. Local auto parts and shops including Discount Tire were no help.

 

[Belizean]

If you are going to use one, run a piece of coat hanger wire through it ( hole ) and hang it under the dash well hidden. Then you always know where it is.

 

[xhogboss]

I bought these from Amazon: Maximum Impact Bolt & Nut Remover Set 13 pieces

Worked well with a large hammer and a long breaker bar on Gorilla Nuts -

 

[Bill D]

I bought these from Amazon: Maximum Impact Bolt & Nut Remover Set 13 pieces

Worked well with a large hammer and a long breaker bar on Gorilla Nuts -

I bought a thing about like that at Pep Boys that supposedly was to remove wheel locks. It cost about the same, too. Bottom line - it didn’t work either. It was then that I decided that a cheap set of wheel locks wasn’t worth the expense of tools to remove it. My MIG welder and an old nut solved the problem.

 

[xhogboss]

That would have been my solution of choice, too ... if I had a MIG welder. : )

 

[DHugg]

Got 'em off this morning... took two hours. I used an old socket that had about 16 flutes instead of hex shape. Used a 2 pound BFH to drive the socket over the lug nut body, increasing the hammer force until it got a bite and turned the anti-theft lug nut. The last one got too much of a bite and the socket stuck in the lug nut well after the lug nut was unscrewed, so I dropped the wheel and a couple good raps with an old engine valve stem that I keep for a driver popped it off. Tomorrow early it is off to the tire balancer.

Much appreciate all the input that helped me get a handle on this problem. I think I'll put those anti-theft lug nuts away. I keep my Jeep in the garage and my wife's car outside, so I should have tires on it every day when I wake up.

Sure gonna be nice to drive faster than 45 and not see the hood bouncing.