Locking Wheel Nuts?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 164
Likes: 20
"locking" wheel nuts only protect you from the honest people. If ANYONE wants your wheels, they're gone.
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- easily bypassed. *And if they are bypassed, you'll need a new set.
- keys are often misplaced, lost, etc.. *Great for when you're on a desolate road with a flat.
- PITA for anyone legimately working on the wheels.
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Anything can be bypassed with enough time and the right tools but the 3 ways I know of to get around them aren't going to happen without a thief taking the whole truck somewhere that they have the time, equipment, and can make noise without anyone caring.
As far as loosing the key, really?? How often do people loose their jack or tire iron? How often do people loose a lug nut while changing a tire? It's all about keeping it somewhere and making sure if you use it, you put it back. Don't put it in the glove box or center console as it could get thrown out or misplaced while cleaning or looking for something else.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 11,854
Likes: 2,559
From: Timbuk3, MI
03Mach1 - I'd like to know how they are easily bypassed?
Anything can be bypassed with enough time and the right tools but the 3 ways I know of to get around them aren't going to happen without a thief taking the whole truck somewhere that they have the time, equipment, and can make noise without anyone caring.
As far as loosing the key, really?? How often do people loose their jack or tire iron? How often do people loose a lug nut while changing a tire? It's all about keeping it somewhere and making sure if you use it, you put it back. Don't put it in the glove box or center console as it could get thrown out or misplaced while cleaning or looking for something else.
Anyways ... As noted - You feel free to PWRA.
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 164
Likes: 20
Not bashing or saying one way is right and the other is wrong just being honest.
Yes you can beat a slightly smaller socket onto the lug and get it off but I doubt someone would attempt to beat 4 sockets on 4 lock lugs in your driveway, like I said a lot of noise and they would have to have 4 of the right size sockets.
I know people loose the key but ime they either didn't keep track of it or I know a few people who they didn't even know they had lock lugs and probably tossed the key out not knowing what it was when they found it because the dealer just tossed it in their glove box.
If you feel better using them they are an added deterant and as long as you use a decent brand and keep track of the key they should not be an issue.
Yes you can beat a slightly smaller socket onto the lug and get it off but I doubt someone would attempt to beat 4 sockets on 4 lock lugs in your driveway, like I said a lot of noise and they would have to have 4 of the right size sockets.
I know people loose the key but ime they either didn't keep track of it or I know a few people who they didn't even know they had lock lugs and probably tossed the key out not knowing what it was when they found it because the dealer just tossed it in their glove box.
If you feel better using them they are an added deterant and as long as you use a decent brand and keep track of the key they should not be an issue.
Last edited by 03Mach1; Apr 21, 2015 at 12:28 AM.
5 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 551
Likes: 185
From: Mid Atlantic
My F-250 I bought 10 years ago had them. Took them off as soon as I got home and the wheels/tires are still there.
Now I wish I was smart enough at the time to take the cable lock off the spare....................
Now I wish I was smart enough at the time to take the cable lock off the spare....................
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 450
Likes: 67
From: California High Desert
Interestingly enough. VW will sell you a kit of 10 keys that fit the factory locking wheel studs. My VW mechanic used them to remove my wheel locks and I ordered 4 replacement bolts and never looked back. Never did find my original key. Real secure, huh?
