Are wheel locks useless? NO. They do deter, but perhaps not for the reason we think...

[lizpat]

I had to remove 4 wheel locks from my new-2-me used car. The lady who sold it to the dealership didn't give them the wheel key, and I didn't find out the wheels were locked before I bought the car. This lady had wheel locks installed on her steel wheels (with the hubcaps!) It's quite likely that the dealership who sold her the car convinced her they were necessary (for steel wheels with hubcaps!) THey're the McGard Cone-style locks.

So, anyways, after feeling dejected about the wheel locks, I did my research and watched a few videos on Youtube about how to remove the locks. I understood the concept and off I went. In the process I learned soemthing about removing wheel locks, but also stripped nuts of any kind.

So, in short, I removed all 4 wheel locks in about 10 minutes which is not bad. I used a total four 3/4" 12-pt sockets, I can try to hammer away the wheel locks to recover the socket but why bother?

At this point I was certain that wheels locks (in general) were pretty much useless.

But, later I reconsidered.

Here's why: as I was hammering a 3/4" 12-point socket into the wheel lock, the noise alerted many in the neighborhood.

I reck'on an amateur thief wanting to steel wheels will be smart enough not to want to hammer away like that and alerting the surrounding people.

THus we conclude that wheel locks do deter: but perhaps not for the reason we think (well, a little bit of that too.)

 

[sloinker]

I remove and discard the wheel locks always. Many years ago I had a flat and the wheel lock key broke when trying to remove that nut. A giant hassle ensued and that was the end of that. I don't hear much in the way of wheels being stolen where I have lived. Maybe it is different in other locales.

 

[bdcardinal]

What makes me concerned is why did a dealer not take the wheels off to do their inspection? Regularly we have cars traded in without the lock key and we either put on a new set or replace those with standard lug nuts.

 

[eljefino]

What makes me concerned is why did a dealer not take the wheels off to do their inspection? Regularly we have cars traded in without the lock key and we either put on a new set or replace those with standard lug nuts.

There are only like a dozen McGard patterns, so they probably had a master set. As to why they'd let it roll out, the figured they wouldn't get caught, and didn't want to pony up the $1.99 for some Gorilla nuts.

 

[Jetronic]

I had to remove 4 wheel locks from my new-2-me used car. The lady who sold it to the dealership didn't give them the wheel key, and I didn't find out the wheels were locked before I bought the car. This lady had wheel locks installed on her steel wheels (with the hubcaps!) It's quite likely that the dealership who sold her the car convinced her they were necessary (for steel wheels with hubcaps!) THey're the McGard Cone-style locks.

So, anyways, after feeling dejected about the wheel locks, I did my research and watched a few videos on Youtube about how to remove the locks. I understood the concept and off I went. In the process I learned soemthing about removing wheel locks, but also stripped nuts of any kind.

So, in short, I removed all 4 wheel locks in about 10 minutes which is not bad. I used a total four 3/4" 12-pt sockets, I can try to hammer away the wheel locks to recover the socket but why bother?

At this point I was certain that wheels locks (in general) were pretty much useless.

But, later I reconsidered.

Here's why: as I was hammering a 3/4" 12-point socket into the wheel lock, the noise alerted many in the neighborhood.

I reck'on an amateur thief wanting to steel wheels will be smart enough not to want to hammer away like that and alerting the surrounding people.

THus we conclude that wheel locks do deter: but perhaps not for the reason we think (well, a little bit of that too.)

Wheel locks are much harder to reach when you're working with alloys. Takes no time at all with steelies...

 

[Delta]

I detest wheel locks with a passion. My new truck came with them and I didn't leave the dealership without 4 regular lug nuts to replace them with. Most common issue in this area is when you add corrosion to the mix you strip the dang thing anyways.

 

[lizpat]

I remove and discard the wheel locks always. Many years ago I had a flat and the wheel lock key broke when trying to remove that nut. A giant hassle ensued and that was the end of that. I don't hear much in the way of wheels being stolen where I have lived. Maybe it is different in other locales.

Yes, the McGard wheel lock key also broke--they don't seem to be able to handle even moderate amounts of torque before cracking.

 

[spasm3]

I remove and discard the wheel locks always. Many years ago I had a flat and the wheel lock key broke when trying to remove that nut. A giant hassle ensued and that was the end of that. I don't hear much in the way of wheels being stolen where I have lived. Maybe it is different in other locales.

I remove mine as soon as i get the vehicle home.

 

[Hall]

This thread has me considering to just remove my wheel locks (Infiniti dealer added them) and replace with regular lug nuts. I have the factory alloy wheels on a 12 year old G35.... Not sure how popular or in demand my wheels are for being stolen !

 

[ripcord]

Oh, man. This thread just gave me an idea for the worst dirty trick... Mig welder + lug nut = really bad day

 

[4WD]

So, below are what came on my Jeep …
Dealer had no locks & I added Mopar locks to make it “harder”
Carbon Steel/PSD has dual locks on these

https://www.ebay.com/itm/17-Jeep-Wr...177345?hash=item3433222dc1:g:HDIAAOSwrhBfiTTt

 

[02SE]

I remember a customer who came in to the shop I was working at. He was really proud of having locking lugs for EVERY lug nut. A total of six sets, as each wheel was held on with six lug nuts.

I told him I wasn't touching his truck, as I wouldn't risk breaking his lug keys in the process. He did get most of them off in the parking lot. The shop only charged for the ones I had to use persuasive methods on...

 

[lizpat]

Wheel locks are much harder to reach when you're working with alloys. Takes no time at all with steelies...

Oh.. good to know---you're right!

 

[oldhp]

What makes me concerned is why did a dealer not take the wheels off to do their inspection? Regularly we have cars traded in without the lock key and we either put on a new set or replace those with standard lug nuts.

Inspection??? If it rolls it sells. At least in my experience. Even new cars. Dealer pre-delivery inspection. Its new, why check anything???

 

[Jetronic]

We do the inspections on new cars. Used cars, only if the salesteam noticed issues or a service is due and included...

 

[circuitsmith]

In my neighborhood I always get wheel locks on alloy rims. About once a year I see cars on cinder blocks. Happened to a neighbor on my block.
However, I've seen vehicles (seems always big SUVs) with lock lugs (on alloys!) that stick out so far they could come off with vice grips.
Never had a McGard key crack, but when I get tires replaced I put on the regular lugs before going to the tire store.
Then I go home, put on the locks, and re-torque all the lugs.

 

[bdcardinal]

Inspection??? If it rolls it sells. At least in my experience. Even new cars. Dealer pre-delivery inspection. Its new, why check anything???

Maybe it is a state thing. CA is pretty strict about it and we have to do a smog and safety before the vehicle is advertised. New cars get inspected as well, the manufacturers pay the dealers to do it as a final QC check.

 

[atikovi]

So, in short, I removed all 4 wheel locks in about 10 minutes which is not bad. I used a total four 3/4" 12-pt sockets, I can try to hammer away the wheel locks to recover the socket but why bother?

A real thief uses actual wheel lock removal tools, not some youtube recommended sockets and can get a wheel off in under a minute.

 

[atikovi]

I remember a customer who came in to the shop I was working at. He was really proud of having locking lugs for EVERY lug nut. A total of six sets, as each wheel was held on with six lug nuts.

They do make locks that go on each lug and have just ONE key.

https://www.gorilla-auto.com/the-system

Put them on this Wrangler. A thief might bust off 4 locks to steal wheels but doubt they will do 20 or 25.

 

[02SE]

They do make locks that go on each lug and have just ONE key.

Of course. But that's not the route this particular customer took...

As for a thief not trying to get all the locks off, I'd say you're right. They'll just steal the vehicle instead.