So of course, I seem to have lost the key to my locking lug nuts. I'd like to be proactive about the situation and remedy it before I have a flat on the side of the road. I've read several guides that say "Just jam a socket on it and hit it with a hammer", but mine being perfectly round I don't think that will work. Is there a trick or tool I can use to get these off?
For reference, this is basically the same structure as mine, except that my lugs are "female" while this is "male"
There are sockets designed specifically for this job. Here is an example of one; they have a reverse thread on them and are made of hardened material so as you turn them anti-clockwise, they tighten themselves over the locked wheel nut until they are fully tight and the nut begins to loosen.
They are made by most tool manufacturers and available from most tool and auto shops.
Weld a new (cheap) nut onto the rounded one and use a regular socket to remove them both together
These are usually made by a company like McGard. Our dealership has a master set you can use to identify the correct key, which you can then purchase for around $30.
I guess your best chance would be to visit the dealer. These things are made to go of only with the right socket
