Went outside to change some brake pads. This is the first time I had to change them. I start removing the lugs and low and behold there sits one of them security type lug nuts that require a key type adapter. I bought the car used so I do not have the
key adapter. Any suggestions on how to remove it without the
adapter. I'm thinking vice grip maybe?????

 

Weld a big nut to the end of it.

If you dont have a welder handy, cold weld it with those $6 kits you can get from the parts stores.

 

I've always had the best luck drilling out the stud and replacing it.

 

Take an old socket and hammer it over the top of the locking lug nuts. They shouldn't be torqued down enough to cause it to slip. I've done it and it works.

 

that's what I did. I believe it was an 18 or 19mm, but it came right off.

 

Make sure you use a good socket like Craftsmen, they will replace it for free...

The socket is a 20-21mm that will bang onto it. I've had 3 cars with this problem and the socket hammer trick works fine.

If you can't succeed, take it to a GM shop and they will do it in most cases for free.

I also suggest throwing those lugs away and getting 4 regular lugs from a junkyard for it.

My final permament soultion is a $79 kit that has keys for most vehicles, not the key itself but the bang on reusable sockets and such.

Here is the Kit and Part Number:
http://www.toolsource.com/ost/produc...8TKTJBMB1C83C9

Manufacturer: AJ Manufacturing Co., Inc.
Manufacturer #: 400
ToolSource #: 50397

Here are the details:

*It claims a its for an impact wrench but a good socket wrench and extension will work 99.9% of the time.

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Upon looking for it again, I noticed a kit that will work for GMs for less:

http://www.toolsource.com/ost/produc...8TKTJBMB1C83C9

Kit Price: $38.95

Details:

Hope this helps...