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Lug nut locks

3K views 27 replies 17 participants last post by  Jay_Hawker 
#1 ·
The wheels that were on my Jeep when I bought it had lug nut locks.

When I bought my 33s, I noticed that the key would go onto the lugs in any direction. I thought it was kind of strange, but didn't think much about it at the time.

Today I was cleaning up my garage and noticed there was a little package left over from my new wheels that included new lug nuts and a lug nut lock set. I checked them out and noticed that the key was exactly the same as the one I have for my existing lugs.

This worries me. Apparently this design is almost as popular as a basic lug nut.

What does everyone use for their lug nut lock set?
 
#2 ·
Hate to have to tell you this but wheel locks are really not that hard to overcome. If a thief wants your wheels, locking lug nuts and all, he can get it.

Sorry to bear you the bad news, but your money is better spent on a tank o' gas.
 
#4 ·
Hate to have to tell you this but wheel locks are really not that hard to overcome. If a thief wants your wheels, locking lug nuts and all, he can get it.
You're absolutely right. So, I suppose we could use this mentality in all aspects of life.

If a thief wants into my house then he'll get in. So no point in locking the doors.

If a thief wants my credit card number, he'll get it. So not point in protecting that.

We do these things to make it slightly more difficult so that maybe the unmotivated, casual, or spontaneous thieves might move on to an easier target.
 
#5 ·
I found some locking lugs by Rugged Ridge that seem like the best way to secure wheels. Most of the other common ones seem have external splines, but these have a shield around the splines, and a unique key not like other ones I have seen. Once I put on a nice set of wheels and tires I will probably make the investment and get 4 sets of these. They are $20/set. They should at least slow down or discourage a thief, but if someone really wants my wheels these still won't stop them.

Rugged Ridge 16715.21 - Rugged Ridge 5 Piece Wheel Lock Set 1/2"x20 Thread - Quadratec
 
#6 ·
Most wheel lock company's usually only have 20-30 keys and you get a random set but it allows there to be a master set to be able to get them off properly.

When I was working at a Cadillac/Chevrolet dealership the brand they used was approx. 15-20 keys in the master sets.

Just by luck you got two of the same.
 
#8 ·
I worked in a wheel repair business for 9 years. I used 2 types of wheel lock removal sockets when the wheel lock key was missing. The most effective socket was threaded inside and grabbed hold of the lock nut when turning clockwise with an impact wrench. Once securely fastened, the attached socket was loosened counter clockwise with a breaker bar.
The best defense against this tool was wheel locks mentioned by njs552 with the spinning outer ring.
 
#10 ·
The 23 lug Gorilla lock system is unique. I repaired over 13,000 wheels, mostly factory OEM, and not one had a wheel lock on every stud. The set of 5 wheel locks sold by Rugged Ridge are designed for 1 per wheel, including the spare.
Problem with any wheel lock system is, you have to carry the key with the vehicle to change a flat tire. There are 3 places that a (mechanic) or a thief will look for the key. Console, glove box, jack kit/trunk.
 
#11 ·
Locks keep honest ppl honest. remember that old saying and you won't be disappointed. Personally I don't bother with locks on my wheels....I have removed enough locking lugs without the "key" to know they are all worthless. (including gorilla's)...worthless might be a bit harsh...they Do keep honest people honest :p
 
#14 ·
Locks will slow people down, but if they want your wheels they will have them. What you need to do is to make it more of a hassle than it is worth. Think of it this way.

Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up, it knows it does not need to run faster than the fastest lion as it just must outrun the slowest gazelle. Think about it.
 
#20 ·
This is a good thread. Something similar...I always wonder if it's better to lock my jeep when the soft top is on. Stupid me for leaving stuff out in the open in the Jeep...but like some have said here..if someone wants something of yours they are going to take it. Lock the doors and have them destroy the soft top to get in, or keep the doors unlocked so the thief won't do any damage..other than taking what they want.
 
#23 ·
Wheel locks are a waste of time. Nobody steals just wheels anymore (that was 70's 80's) How many cars do you see sitting on the side of the road missing wheels? It is far easier to steal the entire car.
 
#26 ·
After getting a tire stolen on my brand new Tahoe and it cost me $1100 to replace, I put two types of locking lugs on every tire/wheel I owned.
I want to make it difficult.
I even caught the security guard who allowed the theft to happen. Our parking garage was under repair and they had a "guard" on the back gate next to where I park. I recorded his lies and showed it to management who then gave me 5 months rent free to not bring suit against them.
You can see my white tahoe (as I am walking up) in reference to how close the Porta-Potty this guy claims he was in during the theft.
http://youtu.be/O1ekMxi-uUM


Btw, can you believe it costs $1100 to replace a tire/wheel on new cars these days?
On my Jeep that is a full set of wheels and tires.
 
#27 ·
Tell that to the guy on here who's wife lost a wheel on the highway and almost crashed last month. Someone loosened all the lug nuts. It don't cost much for the security
That would be my wife.
 
#28 ·
I have a locking lug on each wheel, I'd rather do that then make it way easy to steal em', although someone up there said it best, you have to keep that tool with you in the vehicle or you're SOL when you get a flat, thieves know this so they'd pry dig around in your jeep for the tool. I've had my doors and top off for a few days now, I've felt really nervous even leaving it for a few minutes in populated areas, but there isn't anything out in the open, I'm just worried about my speaker!
 
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