Quality Lug Nuts (Standard and Locking) (1 Viewer)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

jaymar

jaymar

SILVER Star
Joined
May 12, 2015
Threads
329
Messages
3,101
Location
SoCal
The question has been asked before, but there was no definitive answer--more like, Meh, McGard and Gorilla are okay. And, yes, short of titanium, you can probably slam an oversized reverse-thread socket on any locking lug nut and spin it right off--but I'm guessing most would-be thieves don't carry that gear.

So--any opinions as to the best lug nuts out there--locking or unlocking? I prefer short and closed-end to avoid rocks and grit. Also black or gray--so stock are out. McGard, Gorilla, Muteki or...?

Thanks for any help!
 
bigredmachine said:
factory, their still on the truck after 22 years and still fine. or do you have aftermarket wheels that wont fit factory
Click to expand...
'95 but will be running aftermarket wheels requiring 60 degree conical lug nuts (like the older 80s). Going for a subdued look so can't use silver chrome or anything remotely bling. Would like to avoid stripping-and-plating just to change the color. Also thinking to run lock nuts, which rules out stock as well, at least on some studs.

Must be SOMEbody out there who's OCD about making quality lug nuts...
 
1973Guppie said:
the locking ones are pointless, very easy for anyone to take off with a hammer, oversized socket and a ratchet. I used to use them until I realized how much they just got in the way.
Click to expand...
1973Guppie said:
the locking ones are pointless, very easy for anyone to take off with a hammer, oversized socket and a ratchet. I used to use them until I realized how much they just got in the way.
Click to expand...
There is a mfr looking to enter the locking lug nut market with a product that will likely be superior to what's out there, but they're still in development with no firm ETA. For the moment, I'm looking to see what's out there. If nothing's suitable, so be it--but I'm still looking... :)
 
jaymar said:
There is a mfr looking to enter the locking lug nut market with a product that will likely be superior to what's out there, but they're still in development with no firm ETA. For the moment, I'm looking to see what's out there. If nothing's suitable, so be it--but I'm still looking... :)
Click to expand...

let me know if you find something, I would def be interested......
 
1973Guppie said:
the locking ones are pointless, very easy for anyone to take off with a hammer, oversized socket and a ratchet. I used to use them until I realized how much they just got in the way.
Click to expand...

Agree, the other reasons that I don't run them:

Have seen this a bunch of times, including once on mine. The would be thief removes nuts and can't get the lock off, so leaves, goes unnoticed and drive off, only to have the wheel come off at speed, hub, wheel, body, etc, damage. I was lucky the wheel didn't hit someone else in traffic, others were not that lucky. I would rather have the wheels gone, insurance get to buy me new ones than go through that again. If I were to do it again, would run more than one, like 3 locking lugs on each wheel.

Also several times, have a flat on the trail and the lug key is nowhere to be found. Have twice had the lug key break or strip, either way, makes for a nice day/night on the trail, not. They are one of the first things we remove from wheeling rigs.
 
Tools R Us said:
Agree, the other reasons that I don't run them:

Have seen this a bunch of times, including once on mine. The would be thief removes nuts and can't get the lock off, so leaves, goes unnoticed and drive off, only to have the wheel come off at speed, hub, wheel, body, etc, damage. I was lucky the wheel didn't hit someone else in traffic, others were not that lucky. I would rather have the wheels gone, insurance get to buy me new ones than go through that again. If I were to do it again, would run more than one, like 3 locking lugs on each wheel.

Also several times, have a flat on the trail and the lug key is nowhere to be found. Have twice had the lug key break or strip, either way, makes for a nice day/night on the trail, not. They are one of the first things we remove from wheeling rigs.
Click to expand...
One of the sets out there has twice the surface area of a hex nut, so that one at least should be hard to strip. I think if you're going to use the things, use them on every stud. That's gonna take a socket-jammer a while to get off. Probably split his sockets before he gets to wheel #2. Bwahaha! Also, if you just use on one stud, it's possible on some vehicles to torque the wheel and snap the final stud.

Mine's a DD, so more time on-road than off. Lugs are for thieves, and armor for traffic. Mostly.
 
Last edited:
1973Guppie said:
let me know if you find something, I would def be interested......
Click to expand...
The one I mentioned should be excellent, just...not here yet. In the meantime, you'll get some interesting results by using search terms like lug nuts locking security titanium. Although it seems Grade 8 steel is comparable in strength, but of course thicker. (Not a concern for me.) Aluminum isn't even close.
 
Last edited:
I usually buy lug nuts by the box full at my local Discount Tire. They can usually find whatever I want. Have never had a problem with them stripping out if properly torqued. Chrome and black easily available, not sure about grays. Don't believe in locks. Theft of large offroad tires has not been a big problem around here. Now if your running 22's with bandaid tires, then that's a different story.
 
I had the Toyota McGard kit and the socket broke. Ordered up the reverse thread 2 pc kit. Didn't fit. Banged a HF nxt size larger socket on with 3lb sledge and was able to get both off with some luck as it split socket. Threw every one out and will Never Never Never use a security socket again. Ordered these on Ebay for $21.15 Shipped:

24 TOYOTA OEM FACTORY MAG LUG NUTS | 12X1.5 | FITS LEXUS SCION MAG SEAT WHEELS

If wheels get stolen I will pay Progressive $500 and get a new set of wheels and tires. They are stealing the 20" Wheels on things like Chargers and Custom wheels around here. A 1996 Land Cruiser wheel just is not a hot seller.
 
I tend to be a fatalist about things (theft prevention has been a side career with some employers) - and I won't promote the tool but there is a super workaround for any locker lugnut that employs the funky shape McGuard style.

If I wanted the wheels, it would take me longer to block your axles/jack & drop on rotors than to defeat the theft deterrent (oxymoron since if I choose to steal, I am not deterred).

And like Kevin said - they are flat a PITA for the owner.

That said, my 40th is wearing some I'll trade anybody for 4 shank style lugnuts - they're on my "stinkeye" list. I welded the "stupid socket" in a handle for whoever wants 'em.
 
I have had these saved in my watch list, similar to the ones above [cant get that link from hornd to work]
24 Pc TOYOTA TACOMA FACTORY / OEM TYPE SOLID (LONG) LUG NUTS Part # AP-5307L

but I bought another batch similar to all these from ebay from tuneshop and they get a little rusty........which is why these have been saved, though I too have been told oem is the way to go
 
I have them on mine. If they want the tires/wheels, they'll get them regardless, the can even grab the whole truck and put it on a flat bed in about 1-2 minutes
Nuts.jpg
. Locking nuts are more of a deterrent, like the alarm. As for the thief that removes the lug nuts and leaves the locking nut, I carry extra lug nuts just in case. These are Mc Guard. Between them and the Viper, so far are keeping the truck away from crooks...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

MoGas
Quality aftermarket alarm suggestions
Replies
0
Views
307
MoGas
MoGas
kendgray
Check your nuts: aftermarket wheels and minimum lug nut thread engagement.
Replies
10
Views
2K
Marvelicious
M
P
Gobi roof racks quality
Replies
3
Views
602
jeffro109
jeffro109
AcroSteve
Non standard tie rod ends.
Replies
3
Views
534
AcroSteve
AcroSteve

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom