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So had my detail guy come today to ceramic coat the car and wheels - he showed me i have a wheel lock and thought it was a general wheel lock...the original build did not have the "wheel lock" package. Is this a standard wheel lock that comes or is this something the prior owner put on there? Also, can I buy this at a regular autoparts store (oriely, autozone, etc.)?
lar autoparts store?
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Hmm, looks like the McGard Locks I have used on all my Vettes! Other Brands use similar puzzle Locks. Best hope you can find the key! There are many matching combo's!
Simple McGard puzzle locks were what GM used for years (with their logo on package.) Now they use a more expensive one where top portion turns.
What I have on my E-Ray. ~$31 on Amazon. BUT there are many combo's no universal key! As I do with all mine, I send for a duplicate key (after I receive and send in the order card with my key ID) just in case.
thanks all - so on this 2021 that I have was this a GM wheel lock that they put on or did the prior owner have to buy separately and put on?
Hard to tell. GM offered a wheel lock as an option. It was made by McGard. So it could be that, or it could be a McGard lock purchased and installed by the prior owner. I would reach out to that person and ask if he has the key, or if it's hidden somewhere in the car.
Too easy. Wheel locks slow down a thief, but just temporarily..
True. But unless he really wants YOUR wheels, the thief may decide to find an easier target. The lock on the front door of your house won't prevent a burglar from smashing a window to get it, but we still lock our doors.
Too easy. Wheel locks slow down a thief, but just temporarily..
Originally Posted by Red Mist Rulz
True. But unless he really wants YOUR wheels, the thief may decide to find an easier target. The lock on the front door of your house won't prevent a burglar from smashing a window to get it, but we still lock our doors.
True, get the other guys! Yep, lock my house doors for the same reason!
BTW bought Gorilla Locks for my S-10 Pickup custom wheels. Puzzle key broke when I was trying to get a wheel off to have a flat fixed. I tied hammering a socket and nothing was working. Was ready to use a large NUT and weld it to the lock (yep that it what some have shops have had to do.) I finally decided one last try and destroyed my best 12 point Craftsman socket, hit hard with a 5lb sledge. Got it to turn.
Had the original purchase order and key number and was able to buy a duplicate key from Gorilla. Now always buy a spare after I buy the lock set and get the key number needed!
Too easy. Wheel locks slow down a thief, but just temporarily..
Actually that’s not exactly true if you get the right wheel locks. Take this for example, with its patented free spinning upper lock and with the 2nd lock shaft deep in wheel hole completely prevents any tool from being able to turn the wheel lock without the socket key lock. BTW, each key lock is uniquely keyed. The only downside is you better not lose the socket key because there is no way to remove the lock without it!
I never use wheel-locks on anything! Ever see the damage thieves can do trying to get them off? Tires and wheels are insured; hence, I'd much rather they take them and not destroy half the car in the process.
One of the methods is to weld a nut to the wheel lock. So yes that would probably prevent most thefts as who is going to carry around the welding machine and weld nuts on all 4 wheels and steal your wheels & tires, especially in a public place.
However, say you lost the key, (and couldn't order a replacement) I bet the above method would work. Just hope the welding doesn't ruin the wheel.
Moral of the story is wheel locks slow people down or just make them look for another target.
I never use wheel-locks on anything! Ever see the damage thieves can do trying to get them off? Tires and wheels are insured; hence, I'd much rather they take them and not destroy half the car in the process.
Exactly. And after I've "wasted his time" with my wheel lock, I'd expect he'd leave me a little lug wrench thank you message on glass and body panels.
I remember going there to do calibrations 25-30 years ago. Directions were, turn at Ebenezer church road, go past the dog sleeping in the driveway and turn on Ebenezer... The dog was always there...
Originally Posted by JerryU
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Yep, my old company introduced a battery powered welder! Can weld enough stick electrodes to get all 4 wheels+!
wheel lock question
