locking lug nuts

I need some advice if possible.
I am trying to remove a stripped locking lug nut off a 93 geo tracker. Each wheel has one different lug nut that requires a clover shaped key. The drivers side front is stripped and I can not get the key to grip. The outer part of the lug nut isn't hex, it is round like a socket.

How can I get this lug nut off? I have tried using vice grips (not the locking kind as I will have to buy). I tried many other things as well, but no luck. It is just making it worse.

Tire shops say they will cut the stud... One dealership said they would torch it off or drill it, at $55/ half hr. I can't afford to spend a lot. I was planning to get some locking vice grips and see if I can get them to grip and use a hammer or cheater bar to try to get it loose but I still would like other suggestions.

you need a thing called a stud remover, it's a 1/2" drive socket with a cut helix inside, you put it on the nut and as you turn to undo it, it cuts into the nut and grips it, so you can remove it.

Irwin make good ones, they call them Bolt Extractors.

http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/images/small/53910_sm.jpg

http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/jhtml/browse.jhtml?catId=IrwinCat100511

Remember to give those bolt extractors a few whacks with a mallet before you start turning them, otherwise you'll just chew up that lugnut even more.

buy a socket from autozone or use one you dont care about that is a hair smaller than the lug nut. heat up the the socket until it glows red then hammer it onto the lug nut. let it cool a little then just turn the socket and hammer out the the lug.

i've done this on my car where the key stripped. you may need to file the socket a little so it will fit.

thanks guys. I will try these ideas and let you know what happens.

buy a socket from autozone or use one you dont care about that is a hair smaller than the lug nut. heat up the the socket until it glows red then hammer it onto the lug nut. let it cool a little then just turn the socket and hammer out the the lug.

i've done this on my car where the key stripped. you may need to file the socket a little so it will fit.

I agree. This way is quick and cheap.

Try hammering on a 12 point socket. I have had success here without heating up the socket, because a 12 point seems to wedge itself on more easily that a standard 6 point.

it really depends on the lock style and rim style. No solution is universal IMO.

Our shop is way way too cheap on this.....often I remove them for free. Pisses me off honestly, considering how much I have invested in the tools to remove them. But the point being, if you shop around, you very well might find a shop that'll remove it for very little money. Just tip the tech that does it, if its reasonably priced. You've already seen how expensive it can be if you go to the wrong place.....

And better yet, if you find a shop that does it for free or cheap, go back there for all your other mechanical work.

Theres a much higher chance they are an ethical, honest shop :)