Locking lug nut removal

Previous owner can't locate the key for the locking lug nuts. What's the best way to get them off?

+5 points if it doesn't involve a torch

 

Go to a tire shop, they may have the right one.

 

I've seen YouTube videos on how eazy these are to remove.

 

Got a Discount Tire nearby?

 

Pic of the lug. Many can be defeated with a set of vise grips.

 

This style, tapered.

I may swing by my local Discount Tire. Those guys are pretty good.

 

Force a socket over it by hammering it on. Of course you'll likely damage the socket so use one that you intend to throw away.

Edit: I believe a 12pt 19mm should work best on those. I recently got a set, but before I was researching for the best type to get and saw how easy it would be for a thief to still get at them

 

Some of the tire shops have master sets.

 

Following since I just realized my 2021 I picked up on Saturday has the exact same locking lug nuts (one per wheel) in black. No key to be found anywhere.

 

Sometimes the dealerships have a set of master keys as well.

 

If you have the OEM Toyota locks, I can confirm that a 19mm 12pt socket works perfectly. Hammer it onto the locking lug nut, and get your torque wrench. Easy peasy.

How do I know, you may ask? I left my locking lug nut key on the lug nut one time after rotating tires myself and drove off. Didn't realize it happened until the next time I had to rotate tires and couldn't find the key. I looked up and down my very long driveway and all over the road about half a mile away before giving up.

Now, I have a black zipper bag that says LUG NUT KEY on it. I leave that in my driver's seat to remind myself to put the key back in the bag and back in my console safe where it belongs.