Wheel Nuts

[Sussex Pete]

#436 came with locking wheel nuts, but no key to undo them, so had to resort to banging a socket on them to undo. Now looking to get this sorted and bought a set of "Ripspeed" (aka Halfords) locking wheel nuts. Checking them before fitting, I find that the locking nuts are twice as heavy as the standard? chrome wheels that were fitted. Question is now, do I try and find standard wheel nuts that are weight equivalent to the new locking nuts, lighter M12 locking nuts, or just get 4 more standard wheel nuts and not bother with locking ones at all?

[macca666]

I've moved away from locking wheel nuts Pete because of issues which you've faced removing them. I'd a set I couldn't remove with the key and ended up damaging the wheel to get it off.

Given my use and where I park etc I now don't bother however always depends whether you want the additional security if you think your alloys are likely to get stolen.

[G4GLM]

You can buy a locking wheel nut removal set very easily for not a lot of money. Using this the nuts / bolts take the same effort to remove as a standard nut (or less as quite often they aren't done up as tight!) or as stated banging a socket does the trick but a little noisier! For this reason alone I never bother with locking nuts, a decent alarm with a tilt sensor is a better option if you are worried. (Don't put the stickers on the windows informing the thief which alarm system he has to avoid!!)

[G4GLM]

Just to add - if you have a dremel tool or similar just scribe your reg into an inner spoke on all wheels quite small. Yes this can be ground out but once covered with a bit of brake dust might not be instantly visible and if then seen on another car a quick check can determine if they are yours.

[E_T_V]

Our wheels fit very little else on the road and aren't very desirable. I'd be tempted to fit standard wheel nuts. They are a 60 deg taper washer type - pretty common.