The feels when you can't find the key for you lock nuts

[NutBucket]

Stupid, right? The worst part is they're worthless to begin with no matter how expensive the wheel! Definitely never buying those again.

 

[Pulsar]

Locking lugs are pointless.

 

[NutBucket]

I know that now. Didn't occur to me when I bought them many years ago

 

[SparkyJJO]

They need to make locking lugs that are paired with a particular type of stud so that they actually lock together. Sure it means you have to replace some studs but so what.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

I got that "feeling" last fall. Did some brake work on my car. Forgot to take the key off the lug nut after reinstalling the wheel. Drove around the block to test brake work. Got back to the house and was cleaning up when I realized..... key was gone.

Well I walked down the block to the first turn I made and looked around. Took me a couple minutes to find it laying in the road. Really pissed myself off and wanted to kick my own ass. Promptly went online and ordered up a set of normal lug nuts to replace all the stupid keyed type.

Does anyone actually still steal factory rims now that every car comes with alloys?

 

[NutBucket]

It's doubtful. I have somewhat expensive aftermarket wheels but the actual painful part is the key I didn't have was for splined "tuner" lugs. Even though they are McGard the shop didn't have anything that would fit them. Oh well.

 

[tracerbullet]

I've got aftermarket wheels as well and I still use them. I guess it goes back to a time when any amount of deterrent was better than none, the idea being the thieves would just mosey on down to the next car without them.

"These days" however with battery powered impacts and whatever else, I agree they are less useful. But I still use them, hah. That said I do have 2 keys and I haven't actually ever misplaced one.

 

[T2urtle]

I have two mcgaurd spline keys now... I swap wheels for winter and couldn't remember where I placed my old key. Ordered a new one and instantly found the old key. Now one in the car and one in my box.


Ppl in chicago are getting normal standard wheels stolen on the streets so anything is better then nothing. My wheels are forged but blend in with stock looking wheels. Hopefully no one is the wiser.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Why would you ever store the key anywhere but the glove box or console?

 

[T2urtle]

Why would you ever store the key anywhere but the glove box or console?

Because its the most obvious spot. What's the purpose of having a lock and putting the key in the most predictable spot.

my old key was found accidently left in my toolbox. I searched the whole car. I normally have it somewhere in the trunk where the tools are.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Because its the most obvious spot. What's the purpose of having a lock and putting the key in the most predictable spot.

my old key was found accidently left in my toolbox. I searched the whole car. I normally have it somewhere in the trunk where the tools are.

If they've broken into your car, you've got more to worry about than losing your wheels.

 

[cabri]

Once the thief determines that there are wheel locks, the vehicle will be broken into if they want the wheels. Glove box first, center console next and then trunk.

Vandalism will increase from breaking in to getting into trunk

Professionals will have keylocks for most styles available

 

[NutBucket]

Of course this weekend I was packing up the garage and found the keys...and then found another set of lugs and keys from a car I sold 4 years ago! Murphy at his finest!

For the record they were kept in the car but for some reason I pulled them out last year sometime (probably when I did the last wheel rotation) and they never made it back in the car. Oh well.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Once the thief determines that there are wheel locks, the vehicle will be broken into if they want the wheels. Glove box first, center console next and then trunk.

Vandalism will increase from breaking in to getting into trunk

Professionals will have keylocks for most styles available

At that point it makes more sense to steal the whole car. Maybe you shouldn't put $1000 rims on an Escort.

 

[T2urtle]

If they've broken into your car, you've got more to worry about than losing your wheels.

Completely agreed. But nothing says I have to make it easy for them. I did misplace my orginal key like the OP tho.

If they get into my car I hope to never see it again.