Removing a locking bolt without the locking nut.

Step 1 - Locate the locking bolt on the wheel you wish to remove.



Usualy its a slightly different colour and almost certinatly a different shape. In most cases, the locking nut will have a little alloy casing on it to make it look like a normal bolt. This can be a little fiddly to remove but is easy enough using a screw driver to pop it off.



Step 2 - Rummage around in your tool box for/go out and buy an 18mm 12 sided socket.



Usualy wont cost much more than a few quid. Make sure its a thick walled socket. Using weaker sockets may split them when hammering them onto the bolt.



Step 3 - Place the 18mm socket onto the end of the locking bolt.



It wont push all the way on (that would be too easy...) but should sit on the end so that you dont have to hold it on for the next step.



Step 4 - Hammer the socket on.



Get a big fat hammer and whack the socket onto the bolt. It doesn't require much effort as the socket is only a minute bit smaller than the locking bolt.



Step 5 - Unbolt the locking bolt



Using a socket wrench or a breaker bar, simply unbolt the locking bolt! Fingers crossed you wont round the locking nut. If you do, repeat steps 1-5 using a 17mm socket instead.