Wheel Locks?
05-01-2013 | 03:52 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 18
From: New York
Wheel Locks?
just wondering what kinda wheel locks you guys use if any.....
i know that wheel locks can not 100% protect you but i would think its worth the investment, i always hated them because the 4 lugs and one lock would look funny
but recently i saw this set from Gorilla called "the system" all 5 lugs double as locks, they look nice and come in black which is a plus
anyone use them that can give me some feedback??
heres a link:
http://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Automo...a+system+black
i know that wheel locks can not 100% protect you but i would think its worth the investment, i always hated them because the 4 lugs and one lock would look funny
but recently i saw this set from Gorilla called "the system" all 5 lugs double as locks, they look nice and come in black which is a plus
anyone use them that can give me some feedback??
heres a link:
http://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Automo...a+system+black
05-06-2013 | 08:12 AM
#4
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Gaithersburg, MD
i'm using them. they feel really solid and good quality, but being made of steel they're also pretty hefty. the paint doesn't seem to be easily scratched. i taped the key to a socket so i wouldn't lose it (the key is pretty short). the lugs are as pictured in the link, so you see more of the smooth part of the lug than the lock splines, unless you're really looking carefully. since they all match in shape, none of them stand out.
it'll be annoying if you don't have a ratcheting torque wrench when putting the lugs on, since it only fits in one direction. it takes a little more time, but unless you're constantly removing your wheels, this shouldn't be a problem. it'll probably piss off anyone that has to remove them without the key, this is good or bad depending on who's trying to remove it. there's also an included card in case you need to order another key.
tire guys had no problems using my key taped on a socket, and they were probably using air tools.
it'll be annoying if you don't have a ratcheting torque wrench when putting the lugs on, since it only fits in one direction. it takes a little more time, but unless you're constantly removing your wheels, this shouldn't be a problem. it'll probably piss off anyone that has to remove them without the key, this is good or bad depending on who's trying to remove it. there's also an included card in case you need to order another key.
tire guys had no problems using my key taped on a socket, and they were probably using air tools.
05-06-2013 | 08:43 AM
#5
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 18
From: New York
i'm using them. they feel really solid and good quality, but being made of steel they're also pretty hefty. the paint doesn't seem to be easily scratched. i taped the key to a socket so i wouldn't lose it (the key is pretty short). the lugs are as pictured in the link, so you see more of the smooth part of the lug than the lock splines, unless you're really looking carefully. since they all match in shape, none of them stand out.
it'll be annoying if you don't have a ratcheting torque wrench when putting the lugs on, since it only fits in one direction. it takes a little more time, but unless you're constantly removing your wheels, this shouldn't be a problem. it'll probably piss off anyone that has to remove them without the key, this is good or bad depending on who's trying to remove it. there's also an included card in case you need to order another key.
tire guys had no problems using my key taped on a socket, and they were probably using air tools.
it'll be annoying if you don't have a ratcheting torque wrench when putting the lugs on, since it only fits in one direction. it takes a little more time, but unless you're constantly removing your wheels, this shouldn't be a problem. it'll probably piss off anyone that has to remove them without the key, this is good or bad depending on who's trying to remove it. there's also an included card in case you need to order another key.
tire guys had no problems using my key taped on a socket, and they were probably using air tools.
andd is there anyway you can post a close up picture of how they look?
05-06-2013 | 09:14 AM
#6
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Gaithersburg, MD
if you're looking for 20 locking lugs for oem wheels, you don't really have any options.
only pic i have:
[attachment=38574:wheellocks.jpg]
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05-06-2013 | 01:38 PM
#8
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
FYI: they are technically not locks. Yeah the thief will not be able to use a standard 19mm, but these are not unique, so a thief could have the same set of lugs = same key. I have like 3 of these keys in my garage lol.
Which reminds me, the key these come with is really weak. They work great with an impact gun, but if you're using a lug wrench or something by hand, there is a high chance of the key snapping (happened to me 2 times) hence why I had 3 sets lol
Which reminds me, the key these come with is really weak. They work great with an impact gun, but if you're using a lug wrench or something by hand, there is a high chance of the key snapping (happened to me 2 times) hence why I had 3 sets lol
05-06-2013 | 02:08 PM
#9
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Gaithersburg, MD
FYI: they are technically not locks. Yeah the thief will not be able to use a standard 19mm, but these are not unique, so a thief could have the same set of lugs = same key. I have like 3 of these keys in my garage lol.
Which reminds me, the key these come with is really weak. They work great with an impact gun, but if you're using a lug wrench or something by hand, there is a high chance of the key snapping (happened to me 2 times) hence why I had 3 sets lol
Which reminds me, the key these come with is really weak. They work great with an impact gun, but if you're using a lug wrench or something by hand, there is a high chance of the key snapping (happened to me 2 times) hence why I had 3 sets lol
"the system" set are wheel locks, with all lugs using the same key. however there is no such thing as a 100% unique key/lock. the chances of someone having the same key as you depends on the number of variations in the splines they make. even house keys and car keys are not 100% unique.
for example, my friend was able to unlock and start a grand am with his car key, only to realize the interior and stereo of that car was not the same as his. he parked a block away in during a trip to NY.
same thing happened with a toyota corolla(?) in a college parking lot.
i know this is true for house door locks, because my dad would search through all the door locks at home depot till he found corresponding key numbers when replacing the the front door and garage doors, so he could just use one key.
i believe they make variations are identified by the key number, and there would be a (large) number of variations in where the splines line up. they are mass produced after all. so yes, it's possible someone out there could have the same key as you. this should be true for both gorilla and mcgard wheel locks, including the oem wheel locks.
don't take this the wrong way, but i don't understand how an impact gun would do less damage to the key than hand tools. i always thought impact guns put more stress on the socket, so it just seems odd.