FYI - Removing Locking Bolts

[SuffolkD at aol.com]

Mitch:  12 point offers more options to line the socket and nut corners up.  
6 points have fewer options and the sides of a 6 point touch the bolt on all 
sides better than a 12 pt.  12 pt can strip under high torque so go for 6 pt in 
those situations.  Good take off tip.
-Scott by BOSTON
"try using a 12-point socket (closer fit than a 6-point
socket, more contact points, better grip)."

> From: Mitchell Segal <>
> I just wanted to relate to you something I learned yesterday, in the hope
> that it helps even one other person out there.
> SNIP
> Well, in my haste, as the last step, I was tightening the lock-bolt I have
> on my car, the emergency wrench slips, and I broke the pins off the lock key
> for the bolt.  This was a major problem, since 
> (a) the spare I put on to replace the flat had a bent rim I got 3 days
> before from a nice pothole (we won't go there right now), so it was
> vibrating
> (b) it's Winter here, and I need to put on my winter tires and rims
> 
> So, I go back to the store where I bought the locks (not Audi original), and
> found out the company that made them is no longer in business.  
  The solution?
> 
> 12-point socket set.  He simply found the one that would slip over the whole
> lock bolt, hammered it on a bit, and then removed the whole lock bolt as
> normal with a breaker bar.  Easy as pie, barely even nicked them. 
> 
> He told me it works just about every time.  Didn't damage the socket at all
> (since they're usually stronger than the bolts).  Also, he said that this
> was the way that theives usually get the locks off when they want to steal
> your mags.
> 
> So, if anyone in the future is facing a problem with lock nuts, and missing
> or broken key, try using a 12-point socket (closer fit than a 6-point
> socket, more contact points, better grip).