Wheel lock nuts are designed to prevent thieves from stealing the wheels off of passenger vehicles. The wheels locks are matched with a special key socket that allows the vehicle owner to remove them as necessary. Occasionally, the wheel lock nuts become damaged and cannot be removed with the key socket or a regular lug nut socket. A special stripped lug nut removal socket must be used to remove the broken lock nuts from the wheel studs.
Locate the broken wheel lock on the wheel. Place the open end of the lug nut removal socket over the top of the broken lock nut. Align a block of wood with the top of the lug nut removal socket and pound the socket onto the broken lock nut until it's completely seated.
Insert a 1/2-inch extension into the center of the lug nut removal socket. Attach a 1/2-inch wrench to the extension. Loosen and remove the broken lock nut. Remove the broken lock nut from the lug nut removal socket.
Raise the vehicle using an automotive jack and support it with jack stands. Remove the remainder of the lug nuts using a standard lug nut socket and a 1/2-inch ratchet. Remove the wheel from the vehicle.
