why locking lug nuts??
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,789
Likes: 894
From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
Not 100% sure what you guys mean by locking lug nuts? Are these lug nuts that you need an adaptor to install and take them off. Or do these lug nuts have some type of locking mechanism to them?
Every one of my lug nuts need a special adaptor to take off? I figure this is enough deterant for any thieves.
Every one of my lug nuts need a special adaptor to take off? I figure this is enough deterant for any thieves.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,298
Likes: 1,583
From: Western NY
I have two locks per wheel for two reasons. First, it deters the "amateurs". Secondly, I've heard of situations where people had the traditional one lock per wheel, and the thief stole and/or loosened all of the other lugs. Now you're stuck. At least with two lugs holding on the wheels, I have options....
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,633
Likes: 0
From: Fremont/Menlo Park Ca
Night Owl for life
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 24,699
Likes: 4,543
From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
Here is how locking lug nuts are removed when the key is stripped or unavailable.
http://www.awdirect.com/finditem.cfm?itemid=6759
Bill
http://www.awdirect.com/finditem.cfm?itemid=6759
Bill
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,300
Likes: 6
From: San Antonio Texas
I met a gentleman with a relatively new C6 at the local Chevy dealer a few days ago. Service writer sent him on his way because he had a nail in his tire, and no one could find the special "key" for his aftermarket locking lug nuts. He was going to try to find the previous owner. Dealer could not help him; Discount Tire could not help. I guess there are so many different flavors of locking lug nuts (even within the same brand.)
Ed
Ed
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 37,329
Likes: 12
From: Plano Texas
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
CI-VI Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Might consider doing a search on the Forum - you'll find quite a lot of instances over the years of wheel/tire theft 
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 4
From: C.H., N.J.
It all comes down to what you're comfortable doing. I park my Corvette in my garage and it's rarely out of my sight if I take it someplace. My after market wheels cost about $6K to replace, so I am aware of the potential problems. I don't think someone who wants my wheels will be deterred for long by locking lug nuts. I do know when I take it in for annual state inspection or tire replacement, I don't want to bother with the locks and neither does the technician/mechanic . If you are not comfortable without locks, then clearly you need to have them installed. It's like boxers or briefs, whatever is comfortable for you.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Toronto Ontario
Doesn't take long for a PRO to take them. Thanks, but I'll stick to the locking lug nuts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 5,210
Likes: 104
From: Fort Worth TX
St. Jude Donor '06
Father & Son St. Jude Donor '09
I have two locks per wheel for two reasons. First, it deters the "amateurs". Secondly, I've heard of situations where people had the traditional one lock per wheel, and the thief stole and/or loosened all of the other lugs. Now you're stuck. At least with two lugs holding on the wheels, I have options....
I have 5 keyed lugs per wheel. And they are the one with the free spinning outer barrel. I'm sure a pro could get 'em off, but it will take them a "LOT" longer. And with 5 per wheel, the amateurs don't stand a chance.
I also keep my key(s) in my briefcase and don't leave them in the car. If we're in town, I don't need a key. I have AAA and I'm still running run-flats.
When I had to buy new lugs for my iForged rims, locking ones in bulk only cost $25 more than regular. And with all 5 being keyed, they all match and look good on the wheel.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Louisville KY
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 15,195
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia PA
I have 5 keyed lugs per wheel. And they are the one with the free spinning outer barrel. I'm sure a pro could get 'em off, but it will take them a "LOT" longer. And with 5 per wheel, the amateurs don't stand a chance.
I also keep my key(s) in my briefcase and don't leave them in the car. If we're in town, I don't need a key. I have AAA and I'm still running run-flats.
When I had to buy new lugs for my iForged rims, locking ones in bulk only cost $25 more than regular. And with all 5 being keyed, they all match and look good on the wheel.
I also keep my key(s) in my briefcase and don't leave them in the car. If we're in town, I don't need a key. I have AAA and I'm still running run-flats.
When I had to buy new lugs for my iForged rims, locking ones in bulk only cost $25 more than regular. And with all 5 being keyed, they all match and look good on the wheel.
go all out or go home with the locking lug nuts, a pro will get em off but it will take him forever and perhaps draw attention to the car.
I used to have a DSM with rims on it. Went into the city and some one tried to take my rims they got the 1st one off but noticed they had alot more work to do then it was worth to them.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I believe in making it as difficult as possible for a thief to take what I've worked hard to acquire. I've had a car stolen before and had another car broken into, stealing my personal property.
I protect what I own in layers...take the keys, roll up the windows, lock the doors, set the security alarm, wheel locks, never leave it unattended or out of sight for long...so, in a way I'm glad there's so many others who make it easier for the thieves. They'll pick the easiest target to avoid drawing attention to themselves.
You might as well put a sign on your car, it's open, take what you want, just don't scratch my paint!
But, it's your car to do with as you please!
I protect what I own in layers...take the keys, roll up the windows, lock the doors, set the security alarm, wheel locks, never leave it unattended or out of sight for long...so, in a way I'm glad there's so many others who make it easier for the thieves. They'll pick the easiest target to avoid drawing attention to themselves.
You might as well put a sign on your car, it's open, take what you want, just don't scratch my paint!
But, it's your car to do with as you please!
Last edited by hotwheels57; Feb 23, 2007 at 02:03 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,789
Likes: 894
From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
I average about 1,500 miles a year on my car. Last year I only put a little over 500 miles on it because of road construction in our neighborhood. The only places I park it are at cruise nights and car shows.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 36,838
Likes: 438
From: Manassas Park VA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08,-'13-'14, '16-'17
Ahhh, you can get any lug, locking or not off with an air gun.
Most of the pros just carry a portable air tank and an impact gun and buzz them off in about 15 seconds...
Peace
Chip
Most of the pros just carry a portable air tank and an impact gun and buzz them off in about 15 seconds...
Peace
Chip
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 7
From: queens Newyork
Us people in Newyork always have locking nuts, It is very easy for you to go shopping and come back to find u just got a nice set of milk crates where your ccw's used to be, Hopefully you dont need them but ive got them on both my cars with custom wheels
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Park City UT
I came out of my apt one day to find my cobra (stock rims) sitting on 2 railroad ties with tires and rims gone....keep in mind my bedroom window was about 10 feet from the car....Fu** me!....since then I will always use locking lugs.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 823
Likes: 0
From: Newport Beach CA
Sears sells the kit.