locking lug nuts - any pros? (1 Viewer)

[OregonB]

After I got a phone call from the guy doing my alignment that he couldn't find my key (it was in a hard to find spot) I recalled a thread somewhere here on this topic.
...anyway, dumb question, but are people stealing wheels from 05 LX's? And I've seen several ways to pull locking lug nuts off w/out the key... Honestly, I would like to just replace them. Just in case I get a flat someplace remote and am unable to find the key

 

[AlpineAccess]

After I got a phone call from the guy doing my alignment that he couldn't find my key (it was in a hard to find spot) I recalled a thread somewhere here on this topic.
...anyway, dumb question, but are people stealing wheels from 05 LX's? And I've seen several ways to pull locking lug nuts off w/out the key... Honestly, I would like to just replace them. Just in case I get a flat someplace remote and am unable to find the key

Nope, nobody is stealing our wheels or tires

Why does he need to take the wheels off to do an alignment?

 

[DanInDenver]

Good news is they are easy to remove by pounding on a socket a tad smaller than the locking nut. Its a false sense of security so IMHO not worth it.

 

[OregonB]

Nope, nobody is stealing our wheels or tires

Why does he need to take the wheels off to do an alignment?

sorry - I mis-spoke...he was doing a tire rotation along w/some other work. I keep the key in the tire change kit (not the glove box), inside the access panel, however I installed a sleeping/storage platform (from a Mud vendor) that the mechanic *thought* blocked removal of the access panel. Actually, the platform comes w/a piano hinge at that location, allowing for flipping it up and out of the way, but the tire guy didn't see that.

 

[LongHaulCruiser]

Best to get rid of them. A thief would break your glass, probably the windshield at that, to get to the key. Better if that not happen. Hey, I just noticed you must be my neighbor.

 

[Kabanstva]

They sell master sets that have the keys to all those wheel locks so if someone is actually serious they’ll take your wheels off regardless. I’ve seen some of our customers use 5 (I am not kidding) wheel locks, each one requiring a different socket. Waste of time and tremendous PITA to remove the wheels for servicing.

 

[OregonB]

Best to get rid of them. A thief would break your glass, probably the windshield at that, to get to the key. Better if that not happen. Hey, I just noticed you must be my neighbor.

Lake Oswego?

 

[OregonB]

Lake Oswego?

Sorry, meant to reply to prev post

 

[OregonB]

They sell master sets that have the keys to all those wheel locks so if someone is actually serious they’ll take your wheels off regardless. I’ve seen some of our customers use 5 (I am not kidding) wheel locks, each one requiring a different socket. Waste of time and tremendous PITA to remove the wheels for servicing.

Best to get rid of them. A thief would break your glass, probably the windshield at that, to get to the key. Better if that not happen. Hey, I just noticed you must be my neighbor.
lake Oswego??

 

[DuckLN]

Thieves in Arkansas will jack your rims if you have a newish ride but they’re not likely to grab some 20 year old land cruiser wheels unless they’re gold dipped.

 

[feza]

If you have the OEM wheel locks remove the stupid spare tire lock too.

 

[OregonB]

Am I missing something - don't you still need that mini-lug key to lower the spare. I agree, it is a PITA!

 

[feza]

The oem wheel locks came with a spare tire lock too AFAIK. The lock comes right off and leave a normal spare tire slot screw.

Spare tire removal-weird jack receiver?
Removing Spare Tire Winch Anti-Theft Key

 

[nitteo]

no one locks up their spare tire hanging by 3 lug nuts on the back bumper that has the newest tire on?

 

[beachedwhale]

Waste of money! forget the master wheel lock sets you can buy from harbor freight...some simple bolt extractors and those things are off.

 

[OregonB]

Alright, I'm pulling the locking wheel lugs.
Looking right now at some aftermarket ones in a black/matte finish, replace all of the old chrome ones. Match the rattle can.

 

[RyanStl]

Nothing worked for me to get mine off. Sockets with hammer no. Lug nut remover from auto parts shop no. Using impact wrench with either, no. I had to take to a dealer and to get off they charged $20 a lug nut to replace. I ate it and never went back.

 

[neckbone]

Thieves in Arkansas will jack your rims if you have a newish ride but they’re not likely to grab some 20 year old land cruiser wheels unless they’re gold dipped.

If you’ve gold dipped the rims on your ‘99 Lexus any model, they’re doing you a favor when they steal them.

 

[hotdiggitydamn]

Nothing worked for me to get mine off. Sockets with hammer no. Lug nut remover from auto parts shop no. Using impact wrench with either, no. I had to take to a dealer and to get off they charged $20 a lug nut to replace. I ate it and never went back.

12 point socket is the way to go. I’m sure that was tried but my experience is only 12 points work.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

Good news is they are easy to remove by pounding on a socket a tad smaller than the locking nut. Its a false sense of security so IMHO not worth it.

Tire shops have been known to do this even when you give them the key. Easy peasy.
Don’t use the locks