What to Do if You Lost Your Wheel Lock Key: Easy Solutions

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Learn how to remove wheel locks without a key or order a replacement

Co-authored by Hunter Rising Reviewed by Jason Shackelford

Last Updated: February 26, 2025 Fact Checked

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Removing Locks without a Key

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Replacing the Key

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What to Do About a Stolen Key

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Where to Look for a Lost Key

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Video

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Tips

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Warnings

While wheel locks are great for preventing tire theft, they can become a hassle if you need to remove your tire and you don’t have the key. The good news is you can usually get a replacement or even use DIY methods to remove wheel locks in a pinch. Keep reading, and we’ll help you find the missing key or remove your wheel locks without one.

What to Do if You Lost Your Wheel Lock Key

If you can’t find the key, fit a 12-point socket over the wheel lock and tap it on with a hammer. Then, use a ratchet to turn the wheel lock counterclockwise to remove it. Alternatively, take the vehicle to a tire shop, mechanic, or dealership to have the locks removed or the key replaced.

Section 1 of 4:

How to Remove Wheel Locks without a Key

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1
Hammer a 12-point socket onto the lock and unscrew it with a ratchet. Choose a socket that’s slightly smaller than the wheel locks. Then, tap the socket onto the locking nut with a mallet or hammer so it has a tight fit. Attach your ratchet to the socket, and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the lock until it comes off.^{[1]
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- If the socket doesn’t grip the lock nut, carefully cut flat edges on the top and bottom of the wheel lock with a rotary tool. Then, fit the socket over the lock. Just be extremely careful not to cut into the wheel or tire with the tool.
2
Use a universal wheel lock key to unscrew the wheel locks. Universal wheel lock keys have a spiral pattern so they get a better grip on the lock nuts. Use a removal tool that just barely fits onto the wheel lock, and tap it on tighter with a hammer. Then, attach the tool to a ratchet and turn the lock counterclockwise to remove it.^{[2]
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- Wheel lock remover tools are universal, so they’ll work on any type of wheel lock.
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3
Tap the lock off with a hammer and chisel. Dig the point of the chisel into the side of the lock nut so it points to the left. Tap the other end of the chisel with a hammer or mallet so the point cuts a groove into the side of the lock. Then, hit the chisel harder to force the wheel lock to turn counterclockwise. Once it’s loose, continue unscrewing it by hand.^{[3]
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- Be careful with the chisel so it doesn’t slip and damage your tire.
4
Go to a tire shop, mechanic, or dealership to get the locks removed. Tire shops, mechanics, and dealerships usually have master key sets for wheel locks. Bring your vehicle in and let them know that you lost your key, and they’ll find the matching key to take the locks off your vehicle.^{[4]
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- Even if the shop doesn’t have a master key set, they will use other tools to remove the wheel locks for you.
- The shop will usually either replace the wheel locks with standard lugnuts, or they will sell you a replacement set of wheel locks.

Section 2 of 4:

How to Get A Replacement Wheel Lock Key

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1
Ask a mechanic or dealership if they sell replacement keys. There’s a chance that auto shops and dealerships have extra wheel lock keys in stock. Take your vehicle in so the employee can check which key your wheel locks use, and check if they have any in store.
- Replacement keys usually cost around $40-60 USD, but it depends on the brand.
- Even if you can’t purchase a replacement key, ask for the specific key code that your wheel locks use so you know which one you need.
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Order a replacement key directly from the lock manufacturer. If you still have the wheel lock set, check the container for a key code listed inside. Visit the wheel lock manufacturer’s website and find their contact information. Most times, you can submit the key code asking for a replacement key, and they’ll send you one for a small fee.^{[5]
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- You may be required to provide a receipt or proof of purchase for your wheel lock.
- Order an extra wheel lock key so you have a replacement in case you lose one again.
Universal keys have spiral pattern inside that dig into the sides of the wheel lock so they're able to turn. However, these keys can damage your wheel locks over time, so it's best to use a key that is made for your specific locks.

Section 3 of 4:

Should you get a new key or replace wheel locks?

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Replace all your wheel locks if you think the key was stolen. A replacement key will use the same locking pattern as the old key, so your vehicle is still at risk if another person has your key. If someone stole your wheel lock key, then they could use it to easily steal your tires. If you want more peace of mind, get replacement wheel locks that use a different key.
- New wheel lock sets usually cost around $40-50 USD.
- If you suspect someone stole the key from your car, check for other signs that your vehicle was broken into, like broken windows, damaged locks, or a mess inside your vehicle. Contact law enforcement to let them know the issue.
- Keep your vehicle parked in an enclosed space or in a well-lit area to deter thieves from targeting it.

Section 4 of 4:

Where to Look for a Lost Wheel Lock Key

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Double-check your car and garage for the key. Most of the ways to remove wheel locks without a key damage them, and you’ll have to replace them. Before trying anything else, look around everywhere for your key. Wheel lock keys are small metal cylinders or hexagonal sockets that are around 1 ¹⁄₂ in (3.8 cm) long. Some common hiding spots to check are:^{[6]
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- The glove box
- The center console
- Under the seats
- With your spare tire
- The trunk (including under the carpet)
- Door pockets
- Seat pockets
- Garage cabinets
- In a toolbox

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Tips

If you take your vehicle to a mechanic and they had to remove the wheels, ask where they put the wheel lock key so you know where to look for it next time.

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Warnings

Avoid drilling through the wheel lock nut to remove it because you could easily damage your tires or wheel bearings and require costly repairs.

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