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The value of locking lug nuts

59K views 156 replies 70 participants last post by  jeffashford 
#1 ·
Folks who get new Jeeps frequently ask here whether or not locking lug nuts are worth it...and many say no since they can be removed fairly easily. Personally, I always use them since the only Jeep that I didn't have them on had its spare stolen, but your mileage may vary.


That said, I just saw this thread on reddit and thought you folks might find it interesting:

I work for a Chevy Buick dealership. This is what I came to work to this morning. : funny



According to the OP (who works there), they had the wheels stolen off 18 of the 19 Buick Enclaves on their lot. The 19th one was the only one with locking lugs.

xbxiii comments on I work for a Chevy Buick dealership. This is what I came to work to this morning.


It's not that they cannot be defeated...it's just that it takes more time...and they might decide to go steal something else instead.

Just a thought.
 
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#130 ·
^Thanks....
I'm pretty much going with the Gorilla Splines from Q-tec....I have already emailed them to set up free shipping. I'm just now trying to figure out which underseat lockbox to go with..
 
#133 ·
Bumping this for a little more clarification.

I'm ready to order a set of Gorilla's from Quadratec. I'm getting the full set. Wheels are the stock '13 Rubicon wheels.

Question 1:
Do I need the spline or acorn style? The Rubi lug holes are not deep, so it looks like the splines may stick out too far, leaving the channels exposed. Can anyone confirm this on stock '13 Rubicon wheels? It looks like the stock lugs are acorn style.

Question 2:
This question will depend on whether I need acorn or spline right now. If I go with acorn for stock wheels, will they work equally on aftermarket wheels with a more recessed lug hole? Or would I require splines at that time?
 
#134 ·
I went with the spline style. I'm guessing either one will work as long as they are the correct size.
All I know is that with the spline style, you get a security lug for each wheel...not sure about the acorn versions.

The splines are much thinner than the stock acorns, but also longer as well.....so they will work with aftermarket wheels.

I'll have to look at see how far (if at all) my splines stick out on my stock (2013) Sahara rims.
 
#137 ·
In looking at pics on qtec, I see the Acorn versions are indeed security as well.


The five on the top row look to have security tops.
 
#138 ·
I haven't read all of the posts in this thread, but these are the ones to own.

Gorilla Automotive Products - Lug Nuts, Wheel Locks, Auto Security, Wheel Accessories

The outer sleeve spins, preventing a simple socket to be placed over them and removed. I've had to remove one of these off a BMW in a dealership...took a couple techs an hour to figure out how to remove the first using air hammers, BFH, etc..it's not easy.

I have about $4,000 worth of wheels/tires, these should keep them mine.


I would not buy any other style than the ones with the spinning sleeve..
 
#143 ·
I've lost 3 locking lug keys. So, I got rid of the front 2, the back 2 are still on and will eventually take them off. The one on my spare, well, if I blow a tire, I'm screwed. Soon all of them will be gone and I'll secure the spare with a combo bike lock.
 
#144 ·
So, I had the McGard locking lugs on mine and just broke the key putting my new wheels on. I felt stupid until I was told how common that was. The dealer never gave me the card with the serial number so I was a bit stuck. Went to a dealership and three shops for help. The second shop tried what I did... Pounding socket/removal tool to lug than backing it off. That was useless. The fat part of the locking lug just spins freely. The third shop, a very generous tech took two hours getting four of them off without damaging my wheels. Had to split the lugs to get them off. He suggested gorilla lugs because most tire places/shops carry removal tools for those which confirmed what I was told at two previous shops. Upside is I think I found a new shop to take care of my jeep. I won't put locking lugs on my wheels again, but will find one for the spare because of how easy it is to steal and doesn't require as much torque.
 

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#145 ·
My Jeep Dealer has a set of special sockets with teeth that you drive on with a hammer. The socket is tapered and crushes that ring allowing the teeth to bite into the body of the lug.
If you go in the mud at all the McGared locks get full of mud and must be cleaned out really well. Gorilla lugs are best.
 
#147 ·
My Jeep Dealer has a set of special sockets with teeth that you drive on with a hammer. The socket is tapered and crushes that ring allowing the teeth to bite into the body of the lug.
If you go in the mud at all the McGared locks get full of mud and must be cleaned out really well. Gorilla lugs are best.
Not my dealership. They offered no help. Wish I went to yours!
 
#146 ·
I don't really see a need unless your Wrangler sets out at night unsecured.
Mine is in my garage at night, but it is occasionally at a shopping maul so I did install them on the spare tire, because it is just to easy to steel!
Discount Tire installed them on my spare at no charge!
 
#148 ·
I have the locks on all of my wheels, but the problem is that I have lost the tool to remove them. I guess if I don't get a flat tire then it really doesn't matter.
Since I am running 8 ply tires on my, it's not a issue!
Discount tire said that they can cut them off if needed.
 
#151 ·
Folks who get new Jeeps frequently ask here whether or not locking lug nuts are worth it...and many say no since they can be removed fairly easily. Personally, I always use them since the only Jeep that I didn't have them on had its spare stolen, but your mileage may vary.


That said, I just saw this thread on reddit and thought you folks might find it interesting:

I work for a Chevy Buick dealership. This is what I came to work to this morning. : funny



According to the OP (who works there), they had the wheels stolen off 18 of the 19 Buick Enclaves on their lot. The 19th one was the only one with locking lugs.

xbxiii comments on I work for a Chevy Buick dealership. This is what I came to work to this morning.


It's not that they cannot be defeated...it's just that it takes more time...and they might decide to go steal something else instead.

Just a thought.
To me. It looks like they took the only thing of value off of the Buicks.
 
#152 ·
Here is my main question before I get into my rant for those of you who don't care to read. Why are these 1/2" wheel locks saying they won't fit my jeep in Amazon:

Gorilla]Gorilla Automotive 61681 Acorn Guard Locks (1/2" Thread Size) - Pack of 4 : Amazon.com : Automotive Automotive 61681 Acorn Guard Locks (1/2" Thread Size) - Pack of 4 : Amazon.com : Automotive

I need a set as I have the black 17" pro comp wheels.

Now let me weigh in on this and address some of the arguments that have been going back and forth.

1. The gorilla locks in that link are much higher security than the full lug nuts they sell. The outside cylinder rotates, preventing you from hammering on a slightly larger socket and unscrewing it. Same story with vise grips or trying to weld to it. In my opinion 1 of these on each wheel will deter 99% of theives out there (so long as they fit). Are they unbreakable / unstealable ? No. Nothing is.

2. The "I have insurance" - I'm lost on this one. For starters, how big a pain in the @$$ to walk out and find your wrangler sitting on blocks? That claim money isn't accessible from the ATM. You're gonna have to come up with a temporary solution to get back on the road. If you can take reasonable measure to prevent this why wouldn't you? I'm in the insurance business (health - not property and casualty) but it's the same idea. If you file claims your rates go up. Not to mention that $500 or 1k deductible you would have to pay... the more insurance claims going on the more everyone has to pay as well. Please help those of us who are willing to try and deter theft. :flowers:

3. The "they can be removed without a key" argument. Of course they can. Nothing out there is unbreakable. The reason they put those "security screws" on the blinders by the urinal is so your average idiot can't take a pocket knife and take them down. Not because they're unremovable. Your deadbolt on your front door to your house can also be compromised so why bother with it? Are door locks on your jeep unbreakable? Does the alarm work 100% of the time to stop theft? Nope.

4. "The key can be lost / damaged" argument - This one has some validity. It's a risk you need to think through and plan for. Maybe get a second key or lock them in a security console. In my opinion the odds of that key getting lost or damaged are much lower than some crackhead jacking your wheels and tires while you're in the theater watching Fast and Furious 6 with your lady friend. If you're trying to avoid all risk of getting stuck somewhere in your jeep go ahead and throw out your vehicle security system. That thing can get messed up and prevent you from starting the jeep. Also your whole ignition system runs on an rfid in the key so if that gets messed up it can leave you stranded without being able to start your jeep. Heck your starter can fail and not allow you to start (not me - I have a manual :D ). Tons of things have a chance of leaving you stranded.

5. The OP's photo tells the story. That could be your jeep in a parking lot somewhere. My thoughts are I would rather be the guy who paid $30 for wheel security and they decided not to mess with.


Thieves suck. In some cases they'll just slash your tires or ruin whatever they can't steal. Still better than them getting it. $#it happens and you can't avoid everything. Just stay classy, San Diego
 
#153 ·
I got a free set of Pro Comp splines when I bought my tires and wheels. I went ahead and put on all 20. I haven't mounted my spare yet so I am gonna need to pull a few off some of the wheels for it.
This made me think what a hassle having all 20 is. What do most of you who use them do? Are using them for every lug or maybe just one per wheel and three for the spare?
 
#156 ·
Posting in this thread since there seem to be a number of other threads on this but with less comments.

I just purchased the Gorilla Automotive Spline Drive Lug Nut Kit. Having seen a number of cars around the neighborhood sitting on cinder blocks, figured it couldn't hurt. I've already had my window smashed before, and most thefts are smash and grabs. Sure, the key is hidden somewhere in the vehicle, but now the thief has increased the time spent on the job and likelihood of someone seeing them.

To all the comments on insurance, $60 is a lot cheaper than my $500 deductible. As with all things in life, security does not equal safety from bad actors. Talking down to people for spending $60 as a deterrent doesn't make a lot of sense from my view point.
 
#157 ·
I have Gorilla's on all wheels and spare, thief's are creatures of opportunity. While I live in the mountains on a one way road, I can remember in the city when I was a kid and did not live in a very good area, there were a few creeps that you told them what you wanted and they came back the next day with the parts. Pretty sure that still exists in urban areas.
 
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