Locking wheel lugs
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 388
Likes: 54
From: Sparta New Jersey
Locking wheel lugs
Recently I got new tires mounted on the front of my '93. When I took off the wheels for the change I had trouble with both locking lug nuts. On the second one it took me a long time to get it out of that special 'key' socket. I decided I wasn't going to put them back on so I stopped at the shop I use and he gave me a couple stock GM lug nuts to replace them.
Am I the only one that has this problem or do most get rid of those 'locking' lug nuts?
Am I the only one that has this problem or do most get rid of those 'locking' lug nuts?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 1,225
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From: Park City, TN
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My lugs and key are in a ziplock baggie.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 225
Likes: 81
From: Vancouver, WA
I removed the locking lugnuts on my 1985 and the locking hubcap bolt on my 1988, and replaced with standard nuts/ bolts..If you lose the key you will have a very difficult time getting them off, and I couldn't find replacement keys.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 388
Likes: 54
From: Sparta New Jersey
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 388
Likes: 54
From: Sparta New Jersey
That's what I replaced my locking lug nuts with, got them from the station that changed my tires. Nice thing about that is I can reuse the plastic covers.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
Yes. Notice that the grip area of the splines is huge, compared to the grip area on a "puzzle" lug nut. I've had mine off and on many times, and the splines look like new. Of course, your impact gun should be limited to 100 ft.lbs. I always use a torque wrench. Several companies make these, but they don't seem to promote them. I have two sockets. One stays with the car, and one for my tool box.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 388
Likes: 54
From: Sparta New Jersey
Yes. Notice that the grip area of the splines is huge, compared to the grip area on a "puzzle" lug nut. I've had mine off and on many times, and the splines look like new. Of course, your impact gun should be limited to 100 ft.lbs. I always use a torque wrench. Several companies make these, but they don't seem to promote them. I have two sockets. One stays with the car, and one for my tool box.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,116
Likes: 3
I tossed mine, they're not really effective at preventing theft IMHO. Case in point, years ago I lost my special socket for my C4 and bought a Craftsman -branded lug nut socket remover, you whack it on the nut with a hammer & put a breaker bar on it & it comes off quicker than with the special key.