r/Cartalk • u/Capable-Temporary-68 • 2d ago

I need help fixing something How screwed am I?

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This is my first time changing my tires (2016 civic) im assuming I put too much force into the wheel lock key that it kinda snapped inside of the nut? I can order a replacement key easily but what do I do about half the key being stuck inside the nut? Thanks.

93 Upvotes

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117

u/letigre87 2d ago

Hammer a sacrificial socket on it and then just remove it.

25

u/Robby94LS 2d ago

Yep, do this and you’re good. Could be far worse!

32

u/Edit4488 2d ago edited 2d ago

Specifically a 21.5mm socket for McGard wheel locks, which is what you have. Once you get it off, whacking the side of the socket with a 2lb mini sledge an unknown amount of times will pop that sucker out. Now on to the next 3!

Edit: For anyone thinking I’m joking. We use the Steelman flip sockets. The 21.5/22.5mm are used for lugs with swollen chrome sleeves but the 21.5 grabs the locking lugs perfectly once they’re hammered on well enough.

1

u/Robby94LS 2d ago

I’ll have to keep that in mind. I have a Ford with the usual swelling. I keep meaning to get Gorilla lugs. That’s what I ended up doing with my last one after I had to mangle them off with extraction sockets.

1

u/toolman2008 2d ago

I believe you should use a 12-point socket in that size.

1

u/Edit4488 7h ago

That would be ideal because it has more points of contact but I’ve yet to come across a 21.5mm 12-point 1/2” drive socket. Just gotta use what we got!

1

u/toolman2008 7h ago

I've always used a 13/16 hammered on!

4

u/iAmAsword 2d ago

You do realize they make special sockets that are reverse threaded internally for just this.

9

u/letigre87 2d ago

Or I open my mystery box of misfit sockets and smack that sum bitch on there.

1

u/Ihistal 2d ago

Bold of you assume it will back off. Might just need an air chisel and stud replacement.

1

u/ekathegermanshepherd 2d ago

They actually make tapered sockets just for this reason.

I had a wheel key break in simular fashion and eirher mcgard or gorilla (I forget which) sent me a tapered socket.