Do you know the feeling of fracturing a club steering wheel lock and having the keys back in your hand? It’s one of the most empowering moments you can experience, but it doesn’t come without risks or difficulties.
Whether your car is locked in an underground garage and the key is forgotten inside, or you have a broken-off key lodged in the mechanism, getting around that security system stopping you from driving away can seem almost impossible.
But with some knowledge of how to break the club steering wheel lock and understanding their weaknesses and limitations, breaking through them is easier than it seems. In this post, we’ll dive deep into how to crack open those pesky Club steering wheel locks – so buckle up!
What Will You Need?
- Hammer
- Vise Grips
- Crowbar or Pry Bar
- Lubricant
Once you have your tools ready, you’ll need strength and patience to break the steering wheel lock.
10 Easy Steps on How to Break the Club Steering Wheel Lock
Step 1: Freezing the Lock
If you can’t pick or cut the club lock, one of the easiest ways to get it off is by freezing it with compressed air or liquid nitrogen. The intense chill will cause the metal on the lock to contract and become brittle, making it easier for you to break off with a hammer. Additionally, this method is very effective on locks exposed to the elements.
Step 2: Leverage with a Pry Bar
Put a pry bar or crowbar into the steering wheel lock and twist it counter-clockwise. This should create enough leverage to pop open the lock. Be careful not to break the steering wheel or damage any other car parts.
Step 3: Use a Hammer
If you don’t have a pry bar, you can use a hammer to hit the club lock directly on one side. Keep hitting it until enough force is applied, and eventually, it will break free from its mount. You could also try using a saw to cut through the lock’s metal.
Step 4: Applying Lubricant
If the lock still refuses to give in, apply lubricant to the locking mechanism. This can be done through the lock’s keyhole. Lubricants like WD-40 are ideal as they not only lubricate but also help to remove rust and grime. Allow the lubricant to work its magic for a few minutes before attempting to use your pry bar or hammer again. The lubricant might provide the extra slip needed to release the stubborn lock.
Step 5: Use Vise Grips
If the lock isn’t budging, it might be time to bring in the vise grips. Clamp the grips onto the part of the lock that you’ve been hammering or prying at. Once they’re secure, use your strength and turn the grips counter-clockwise. This should provide enough leverage to remove the lock. Remember to be patient during this process, as applying too much force may cause further damage.
Step 6: Reach Out to Locksmiths
If you’ve tried all the methods above and the lock still won’t budge, it’s probably time to call in a professional. A locksmith will have special tools designed for breaking steering wheel locks and should be able to get the job done quickly. Additionally, they can provide advice on how to prevent this from happening in the future.
Step 7: Evaluate and Replace
After breaking the club steering wheel lock, it’s important to evaluate the steering wheel and the ignition system for any damages. If anything appears broken or damaged, it’s best to replace those parts to ensure the functionality and safety of your vehicle. It’s also a good time to consider purchasing a new steering wheel lock to protect your car from theft. Make sure to choose one that is sturdy, reliable, and has extra keys.
Step 8: Preventive Measures
Having successfully broken the club steering wheel lock, your next step should be to ensure this situation doesn’t happen again. Maintain your keys well to prevent them from breaking or getting lost. Always have a spare key at a convenient location, and consider investing in a digital copy of your key. Regularly lubricate the lock mechanism to keep it functioning smoothly. If you opt for a new steering wheel lock, choose one with a high durability rating and a complex locking mechanism for maximum security. Remember, the best way to handle a club steering wheel lock is to prevent it from getting jammed in the first place.
Step 9: Inform the Authorities
If the club steering wheel lock was forcibly broken due to a theft attempt, informing the local authorities about the incident is crucial. Provide them with all the necessary details, including the location, time of the attempted theft, and any notable characteristics about the person or persons who tried to steal your car. This information could be vital in helping the police in their investigation and potentially preventing future thefts in your area.
Step 10: Insurance Claims
If your vehicle has suffered any damage while breaking the club steering wheel lock or if the lock was broken due to a theft attempt, it’s important to contact your insurance company. Detailed documentation of the incident, including photographs of the damage and a police report (if applicable), can help facilitate your insurance claim. Remember, the sooner you reach out to your insurance company, the quicker your claim can be processed, and repairs can be scheduled. This final step is vital for recuperating any financial losses and returning your vehicle to its optimal working condition.
By following these ten easy steps, you should be able to break open any Club steering wheel lock easily. Now that you have the knowledge and tools necessary, the next time your car’s steering wheel lock gets stuck, there will be nothing to worry about! Be sure to take all the preventive measures mentioned above to ensure maximum security for your vehicle.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- If the lock is rusty, use a lubricant to help it turn more smoothly. WD-40 or another aerosol lube should do the trick.
- Heating the locking mechanism with a small blow torch can also be effective in getting it to budge. Be careful not to heat too much, or you could cause damage!
- If you have access to a small pry bar, insert it into the lock and gently work it back and forth until the mechanism releases.
- You may need to drill out the locking mechanism if all else fails. Use the smallest bit possible, and be sure not to damage the surrounding parts of the steering wheel in case you want to keep it intact.
- Finally, before taking any of the above steps, check whether the car has an emergency release lever on the inside that can override the lock. This is often a much simpler and safer way to unlock your wheel without damaging it.
With the right tools and knowledge, breaking the club steering wheel lock should not be too difficult!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Do not try to break the lock with brute force. You may damage the steering wheel or locking mechanism, making it difficult to use afterward.
- Don’t forget to check for an emergency override lever before attempting the above steps. It could save you a lot of time and headaches!
- Avoid using too much heat when trying to free up the locking mechanism. Too much heat can cause irreversible damage to the steering wheel.
- Do not use a drill without first attempting some of the other methods listed here – drilling should be a last resort and only used when necessary.
- Don’t forget to lubricate any rusty parts you may encounter before turning them by hand or with tools. This can help to make your job easier and prevent any further damage.
Breaking the club steering wheel lock can be tricky, but with the right tips and knowledge, you should be able to get it done safely and without any major problems.
Why Are Thieves Stealing Steering Wheels?
Car thieves are often after valuable parts of vehicles that can be sold for a profit. Steering wheels are a popular target because they’re relatively easy to remove and can fetch a nice sum on the black market. Additionally, newer models have anti-theft features like locking mechanisms, which makes them even more desirable to criminals. Knowing how to break the club steering wheel lock can give you an advantage if your car is ever targeted by thieves.
By taking steps to protect your steering wheel, such as adding a club and other security measures, you can greatly reduce the chances of becoming the victim of theft. With the right knowledge and tools, you can protect your vehicle against theft and stay one step ahead of criminals!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our blog post regarding how to break the club steering wheel lock. While this task may sound daunting, you now have the material necessary in order to tackle it head-on.
Whether you use something traditional like an adjustable wrench or a more experimental tool such as a coat hanger, always remember to use caution. Depending on the lock’s condition and type, extra care must be taken in its removal process. No matter your choice of tool, though, by following the simple steps outlined in this post, you can safely remove the lock from its place.
We hope this blog was informative and invite you to check out our other posts regarding low-cost car ownership and maintenance tips for additional help with steering wheel locks or any other maintenance related topics. Thank you for reading!
