Not sure what you mean by smooth sided but is it smooth on the outside? Like perfectly round? Yeah, that's what I removed. The pipe wrench bit right into that and took it off no problem. I'm sure some of you know but that's exactly what a pipe wrench is made to work with. Smooth pipes albeit softer metal. As you pull it gets tighter from the force and bites harder. If you have steel wheels there's no way for the lugs to be recessed.

If that's not enough you can get removal sockets at Sears for $20 that are meant just for removing lugs like wheel locks. They have spiral grooves on the inside that bite into the lugs and bite deeper the harder you pull. So taking off 20 locks is still not a big deal... sadly.

And I'm not even a thief. I just learned all this when dealing with mine without the key.

 

I find it interesting that a company can market a tool specifically designed for thieving. "This set will remove and replace most hubcap locks on GM, Ford, Chrysler and after market wheel lug locks without factory original key." 9 Piece 1/2" Drive Wheel Lock Removal Kit

If I was a thief this is what I'd do:
1. 2 guys with 2 small floor jacks.
2. Same 2 guys with rechargeable impact guns and the above tools. Loud but fast.

 

It's not specifically designed for thieving, it's designed so a mechanic can remove wheel locks if you lost the key, never got a key, didn't give your key to the dealership when you traded the car in...

Lots of legitimate tools can be used for illegal activities. I could use a gun to hunt for a deer or I could use a gun to rob a bank. I could use a universal wheel lock removal tool to run a legitimate auto service shop or I could use it to steal wheels. I can use lock picks to work as a locksmith or I could use them to commit burglary. Don't blame the tool, blame the intent of the person who uses it.

 

I have aluminum wheels, the locks are round with groves cut into them

 

I have also heard (but never tried myself) that those gator grip universal sockets can be use on many wheel locks.

 

1. Full coverage insurance.
2. Park overnight in a garage.
3. Security cameras.
4. Stealth install alarm system with battery backup and kill switches. Tilt, shock, glass break sensors.

 

Mine are recessed inside the rims. (Alloy) Maybe 1/8" sticking out? No way you could get them with a pipe wrench. Only a thin walled socket can fit in there... Being as they are smooth, don't think something like the gator grip would work. Think it would be a major pain lol.

 

I absolutely agree with you. i.e. locksmiths. I just find their wording a bit poor so I decided to pick on it a little.



BTW, guys I know what aluminum wheels are. A 5 y/o knows what aluminum wheels are. Those lock removal tools will definitely work. And yet there's a 3rd option for thieves. A bit ghetto but still works perfectly. I won't mention it.

I know some of you think you have the solution but take your wheel lock key and throw it in the river. I guarantee every one of you will figure out how to get the lug-lock off without it and then realize how easy it was (steel or aluminum wheels). Thieves know all these tricks for the past 50 years.

 

Yeah, buy the time they get pissed off after the first lock they get off im sure my dogs wouldve alerted me that someone they dont like is in my yard. And each of the lugs is a lock so a theif would either need the key or go through a **** ton of bits.

 

If someone tried to take my wheels my alarm would go off and I'd come running with my 12 gauge, does Sears have a socket for removing buckshot?

 

Maybe these...

 

Yup that and some isopropyl your good

 

Oh and I'd use bird-shot. Ya know, just woke up a few seconds ago so eyes might be blurry, distracting cold air going up my boxers, and aim not so great. Plus if I accidently shoot the unsuspecting neighbor just taking out the trash he'll probably live. But that's me.

 

With me it all depends on the situation, if I need to get outside immediately ill grap the machete behind my door, if im awake and know whats going on the 12g is coming out and they better hope its not loaded with slugs

 

He'd live, but would the court costs and hassle be worth it? Get insurance and make sure your **** is covered.