Locking lug nuts are one kind of lug nuts that can not be removed using a regular wrench. This needs a specific key that is compatible with that lug nut to remove. For this obvious reason, they are used in the wheels to protect them from stealing. Because it’s very unlikely that the thief will carry that specific key to your lug nut.
As you can see that there are both regular lug nuts and locking lug nuts available in the market. They look almost similar. So, it’s very confusing which one to pick for protecting the expensive alloy wheels of your car. Therefore, I tested and made a list of the 10 best locking lug nuts that are worth buying.
Table of Contents
Best Locking Lug Nuts Reviews
1. Gorilla Automotive 61631 Guard Locks
This is currently the most popular locking lug nut in the market according to the peoples’ choice. Gorilla is already a very good company that makes high-quality products. Yet, this lug nut is their signature product with great customer satisfaction.
The retail package consists of four lug nuts with a key. This is a complete aftermarket set for a single wheel. The nut comes in four different thread sizes. Therefore, it is very unlikely that it will not match your wheel’s thread.
The overall build quality is superb as always. Moreover, I have no complaints in this section. The nuts are built from stainless steel blocks with chrome polishing. This is capable of taking extreme shear and stress. As a result, these can be considered as the best locking lug nuts for trucks.
What I see while buying a lug nut is the finishing of the thread. From my experience, the thread is very strong and I think it will last a long period. The installation and removal were quite a charm too. I didn’t find any malfunction or free rotating issue.
However, I would have loved some more color options to match with the dark-colored rims. But, if we consider only the security measures these Gorilla locking lug nuts are worth buying. At least, if you own a fancy set of rims you should not keep them unprotected in this era.
Pros
- The nut is made of sturdy and solid metal.
- It is not easy to bypass without a specified key.
- This is corrosion and rust-resistant.
- Supports a large number of rim sizes.
Cons
- There’s nothing to complain about these lug nuts.
2. McGard 24215 Wheel Locks
McGard is a common name in the automotive industry. So, you know that I don’t even need to exaggerate anything about McGard products. This wheel lock set is amazing and does the required job perfectly.
The thing I like most about McGard wheel locks is their computer-generated patterns. These random patterns rarely match the patterns of another set of nuts. This is why you can stay worry-free. However, this will lead you to a great hassle if you ever lose the key.
The nuts are made of hardened stainless steel alloy. These are better than regular steel made nuts. Besides, it will protect you from corrosion and wearing out. You know the hassle when the threads become worn out due to rusts.
It has a narrow groove that prevents any tools to penetrate through the nut to bypass the security. I know that lug nuts can’t provide ultimate security. But it’s a good feature that will keep it safe from unprepared thieves.
Overall, this set of nuts are great to balance between security and style. The nickel and chrome finishing on top of it added a stylish look. If you have costly alloy rims on your GMC, these can be the best locking lug nuts for GMC.
Pros
- Their locking nuts are better than many OEM nuts.
- The steel alloy is very strong against extreme conditions.
- Computer-generated patterns give extra security.
- It has nickel chrome plating for style and weather-resistance.
Cons
- There are no additional color choices for fancy rims.
3. McGard 24157 Wheel Locks
This is yet another locking lug nuts from McGard. McGard ruled the market in such a way that I could not help including two locks from the same company. This is another model of McGard nuts with extreme safety.
Another interesting fact about McGard just for your kind information. McGard is the OEM of many automobile companies. This is why you can blindly trust their quality and service. However, I will always tell you to know more about the product itself even if it is from a famous brand.
The nuts come in a set of four nuts in beautiful packaging. You will need a dual hex key for removing the nuts inside the package. At first glance, you will feel the class and premium build quality. The key easily fits with the lug wrench provided by the car manufacturer.
McGard used their specially treated stainless steel for making these nuts. These are hardened maintaining extreme care and structural integrity. These lug nuts will last a few years continuously, if you don’t lose the key, unfortunately. These are known as the best locking lug nuts according to Audizine.
The thread is machine cut and the measurements are very precise. This is the most crucial factor in a lug nut. Overall, this set of lug nuts impressed me in every sector. At least, if you consider the affordable price tag you will be impressed too.
Pros
- Installation is quite easy and straightforward.
- After-sales customer service is excellent.
- The pitch diameter is very precise and the threads are evenly cut.
- It can take loads up to 160,000 PSI.
Cons
- This specific set supports only the cone seat wheels.
4. UPGR8 S-Series Wheel Lug Nuts
This is probably the best looking locking lug nuts out there. This set is from UPGR8. This is a relatively new company. However, they have gained much popularity due to their performance accessories in this short period.
A single set contains 20 lug nuts with a specified key. I like this fact because buying a single set will be adequate for the whole vehicle. It will save effort and money. The nuts come in two different thread sizes that are the most common in the vehicles.
As always, they have used steel alloy for crafting the nuts. However, I like the design and finishing. The shape is unique and sporty. They will look good in racing cars. Since these are made of top-class steel you won’t have any complaints about the durability.
On top of that, they are providing three different color choices. Normally the lug nuts don’t come in multiple colors. However, this little feature of variety is a great thing to have. I like the neo chrome finishing most over the other two colors because of that cool gradient finish.
If you consider the price and quantity this set is a good deal. However, some people reported incompatibility issues with their car models. So, I will suggest you check whether this is compatible with your car or not.
Pros
- Comes with three different color options.
- The package contains 20 lug nuts that are adequate for a car.
- The price is relatively cheaper if we consider quality.
- The nuts stay firmly with the wheel.
Cons
- Power removal tools might scratch out the colored finishing.
5. White Knight 42610 Wheel Lock Set
Well, the White Knight is not that popular brand like Gorilla. But it is a very good competitor in this niche market. They make several wheel security essentials. This lug nuts set is the best of them.
This is yet another conical seating lug nut. But the build quality and finishing are, in a word, supreme. At least you will feel the ruggedness and craftsmanship when you take it in the hand for the first time.
Real-life performance and durability are however on par. They are not bad at all. At first, I was a bit skeptical considering the low price tag. But later on, I found nothing to complain about this product. Rather this thing impressed me in every aspect.
The nuts come in three different hex sizes. The locking key pattern is unique and beautiful. I liked the glossy silver finishing most. However, I don’t know yet how long these will stay shiny like this.
Finally, the build quality and durability are not like those OEM lug nuts. But if you want a good replacement with anti-theft functionality this is a great choice. Besides, the company provides great after-sales support as far as I know.
Pros
- It has rust-protected glossy finishing.
- Compatible with many vehicle models.
- The washers fit tightly with the nuts.
- The locking pattern seems difficult to bypass.
Cons
- The installation was a bit tricky in my case.
6. Mopar Wheel Lock Locking Lug Nut
Mopar is a well-known manufacturer of vehicle accessories. They also provide repair services. Honestly, I didn’t know about this amazing locking nuts set. But after testing out I am pretty positive about this product.
These specific locking lug nuts are actually for the Jeep Wranglers. Therefore, the package contains five different nuts with a compatible locking key. But if you have a different vehicle then you can check out other models from them.
The build quality is above average as far as I experienced. Even the size is similar to the stock nuts. This is why there won’t be any compatibility issues. However, still some people face it only because they have ended up buying the inappropriate model.
An interesting fact about these nuts is that they look no different than ordinary wheel nuts. But when you try to remove them you will feel that they need a key for that. I think security will be a problem for these nuts. Although, I am not sure whether Mopar uses computer-generated key patterns or not.
The only downside is the price. They are quite costly. But if you want to get good protection for your fancy alloy rims then the price is not a concern. This particular set is the best locking lug nuts for jeep jk.
Pros
- They are compatible with almost all Jeep Wranglers.
- The lock is not easy to compromise.
- Build quality and size are comparable to the stock nuts.
- You can order replacement keys by using the secret code.
Cons
- The price is much higher than other locking nuts in the market.
7. Veritek Factory Style Lug Nut
The mag seating wheel lug nuts are not very common. If you own wheels with this type of seating then this can be your pick. Moreover, Veritek is a reputable company and you can rely on its security products.
This lug nuts set comes in a packet of four. They are a decent and worthy replacement for the factory lug nuts of Toyota and Lexus. High-quality stainless steel is used to make these nuts. Besides, they didn’t compromise with the finishing. They look beautiful even in fancy designed rims.
The security of the lock seems okay. The key comes in a matte black finishing. However, I am not sure how many patterns they are using in their production line. This is a very crucial thing because the high number of patterns increases your security.
However, I would love to see different thread options for these nuts. This set provides excellent value. There are a lot of options available in the market. But very few lug nuts are compatible with the OEM standards.
Considering all the facts, I will recommend you to buy this only if you own a Toyota or Lexus. Otherwise, there are much better options for other car models. The price is also not very high that you will regret buying. This is considered one of the best locking lug nuts for F150.
Pros
- Meets necessary OEM standards for specified vehicles.
- The pricing is decent and honest even for budget buyers.
- Raw steel was specially treated with heat for extreme durability.
- The manufacturer is very supportive of any issues.
Cons
- Not compatible with common vehicle models.
8. Utopicar Wheel Locks Lug Nuts
Honestly speaking I was not expecting much from these lug nuts. Utopicar is indeed a good and well-known brand. However, I am still surprised by how they are providing such value in this low price tag.
These locking lug nuts come with a carrying pouch. This is indeed a great courtesy from the manufacturer. Besides you can carry the key in it without the fear of losing. Talking about the key, Utopicar provides a free replacement of the key if you lose that.
The nuts are made of hardened stainless steel. They are rugged and durable. Besides, the finishing is also nice. The chrome-plated polishing added beauty and weather-resistance to the nuts.
You are getting three different thread options to choose from. No matter what kind of vehicle are you driving, these will fit into the rims. The manufacturer also maintained OEM standards to make these locks.
Yet some people reported manufacturing issues while mine was flawless. However, their customer support is very active and provides replacements without any extra hassle. Overall, considering the cheap price tag, this nuts set is a great wheel locking solution.
Pros
- Durable and weather-resistant build quality.
- Price is relatively cheaper than other locking nuts.
- A fabric carrying pouch is free with the nuts set.
- The manufacturer provides a free key replacement service.
Cons
- People reported a manufacturing flaw in some units.
9. DPAccessories Locking Lug Nuts
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These are the premium locking lug nuts from DPAccessories. DrivenProducts is a well-known brand for wheel accessories and locking stuff. They have a large user base with a lot of quality products like this.
This wheel lock comes in a set of four lug nuts. They are conical seating nuts that are compatible with a lot of rims. You can also get the 5 locks set if your rim has 5 slots for nuts. This is a big deal in terms of compatibility.
You will get two different color options. The matte black one is unique and sporty looking. However, the chrome-finished one will give you a regular standard look. The manufacturer didn’t use regular paint for the black variant. Rather they have used proprietary coating on top of the hardened steel.
DPAccessories has taken great security measures. Their locking pattern is unique and computer-generated. Besides, they have included a secret code with the packet in case you lose the key. Everyone knows the hassle of losing the lug nuts key.
Overall, this locking lug nuts set is a great option to protect your wheels from thieves. Some people complained about the high price tag. However, I think it’s worth it considering these are the best locking lug nuts for 2012 Infiniti m37s.
Pros
- Comes with 4 and 5 nuts per set options.
- Has corrosion-resistant black coating.
- Random patterns and hassle-free key replacement.
- It provides good value for money.
Cons
- No hex size variations that means less compatibility.
10. Cheriezing Anti-Theft Wheel Stud Bolt Locks
I am not sure how many of you know this brand. However, despite being less popular, their products are not bad at all. Besides, these locking lug nuts can compete very well with the most popular products in the market.
This specific set is intended for the BMW E, F, and G series. Still, I will recommend you to discuss with the seller before buying lug nuts. Because incompatibility will lead you to a great hassle. However, they provide specific fitments for more car models.
The durability looks fine. It is made from durable stainless steel. The heat treatment made them weather-proof. I am pretty sure that these will be protected from any kind of rust and corrosion. The threads are also machine cut. This is a very important thing to look for while buying lug nuts set.
Cheriezing provides a flower-shaped key for uninstalling the nuts. This is a unique pattern and it will keep the wheels safe from normal thieves. I always say that wheel lugs can’t give a hundred percent protection. But they are very useful as a precautionary measurement if the rims are costly.
Last but not the least, they provide a full year of replacement guarantee. This is a great deal for many customers if you have doubts about the product. Overall, These locking lug nuts are decent and you won’t regret buying these.
Pros
- Compatible with a lot of BMW car models.
- The manufacturer is providing a 12 months warranty.
- Durable material with rust-resistance coating.
- The key is compatible with stock nuts.
Cons
- Not much support for other vehicle brands.
Best Locking Lug Nuts – Buying Guide
As I said earlier, lug nuts are of different types. Hence it’s not an easy task to choose the best one. On top of that, you are getting anti-theft security features in these lug nuts. Hence, you should be extra careful while choosing the lug nuts set.
Otherwise, the security of your car wheels might be compromised. There are a few aspects related to locking lug nuts. If these are present in the product that you are buying you are on the right path. Here I am going to talk about the things that you must consider while choosing the best locking lug nuts.
1. Durability
Durability is a very important aspect of a good product. If this is a security product then durability plays a crucial role. There aren’t any locking lug nuts that are completely anti-theft. Sometimes they can be compromised by using modern cutting tools.
However, if the item is durable and rugged, it is more likely that the thief won’t be able to break it using any tool. Almost all the lug nuts are made of stainless steel. Yet, different companies provide different grades of durability.
2. Key Pattern
Lug nuts with locking mechanisms rely on a key to be installed and reinstalled. The keys are unique. This is why they can protect the rims from stealing. Because the thief won’t be able to get the exact key of your lug nuts.
However, it depends on the manufacturer. Different manufacturers have different policies regarding pattern generation. Some companies will provide you computer-generated random key patterns. The more pattern variations the manufacturer sells in the market, the more will be the security.
3. OEM Standards
This is not a negligible factor at all. OEM standard means compatibility with stock accessories. Sometimes it plays a great role. For example, you have bought locking lug nuts just for a single wheel. If the nuts and keys are compatible with the stock accessories it will help you in many ways.
Some manufacturers are officially accredited by your car company. They are more reliable than most other unknown brands. This is why I will suggest you make sure whether the locking lug nuts are made and maintain OEM standards.
4. Hex Size
Hex size means the hexagonal pattern behind the key. You know the key is attached with a universal wrench to remove the lug nuts. The wrench has a hexagonal groove to take the key. Different hex sizes are used on different tools.
This is why you should choose the hex size that suits you best. Almost all manufacturers have an option to choose the custom hex size. If you mistakenly buy the wrong size you can even return that in most cases.
5. Thread
The thread is a crucial part of nuts and bolts. It helps to keep the nut firmly on the rim. For some obvious reasons, they are very likely to be worn out. Mostly it happens if you install and reinstall the nuts more often.
This is why you should choose a weather-coated nut so that it can prevent rusts and corrosion. Because corrosion can smoothen out the thread and make it loosen. So, please don’t forget to check out the thread before buying the best locking lug nuts for Honda Accord Sport.
6. Design
Well, design and aesthetics depend totally on someone’s personality. But this is a part of choosing the best lug nuts for your car. Once, the lug nuts came in a classic style and color. But, nowadays the manufacturers are emphasizing custom designs.
You can choose a gradient paint finish for your sports car. However, paintings can be scratched after a few days. So, it’s always recommended to choose durability rather than aesthetics. But there’s nothing wrong with going with fancy design while choosing the best locking tuner lug nuts.
7. Key Replacement Policy
If you lose your key then it becomes very difficult to remove the lug nuts. In that case, you have to break them that costs huge money. Besides, it may damage your rims. Luckily, most of the manufacturers provide key replacement services.
However, some companies provide free service while others will take a fee from you. The distance and availability of their service centers are also a big issue. So, these things must be considered while buying lug nuts for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are locking lug nuts?
Locking lug nuts are a different kind of lug nuts for wheels. The difference is that they can’t be removed with a regular wrench. Rather a little socket with a unique pattern is attached with the wrench to remove it. This is called the key. The lug nuts are removed only with the compatible key.
Q. Do locking lug nuts prevent theft?
Yes, in most cases. The lug nuts need a key to be removed. Since they act like a normal padlock. Of course, they can be compromised using power cutting tools. But the thief won’t want that hassle in a public place. So, you can rely on the best locking lug nuts for Mk6 VW to prevent theft.
Q. Are locking lug nuts necessary?
The locking lug nuts can prevent stealing the wheel of your car. So, it’s always recommended to have at least one lug nut in every wheel. However, some people consider carrying the key as an extra hassle.
This is why I will suggest you use locking lug nuts if you have fancy and costly alloy rims. Otherwise, you don’t need to bother using locking lug nuts. Especially, if you don’t need to go to places prone to thieves.
Q. What if I lost my wheel lock key?
It’s better to store the key in a safe and secure place. Yet, we make mistakes. So, if you have lost your wheel lock key, don’t panic. Most manufacturers have a key replacement service. Sometimes it may cost a few bucks.
You just need to show them the security code written on the packet. If you are unable to do that or you need emergency service then you can contact a local repairing shop. This is the best way to get off locking lug nuts.
Q. Are all the wheel nuts the same size?
No, there are different sizes of wheel lug nuts. It’s because of the rim. Different manufacturers follow different sizes of lug nuts. Luckily, the variants are not that unique or random. You will find almost any size in the market. Just mention your car’s name, model and you will get that.
How dangerous is it to drive with a missing lug nut?
You can drive with a missing lug nut. In most cases, it will not create that much problem. But it’s risky. You should put the lug nut back as soon as possible. Otherwise, it may create damage to other components of the wheel by creating excessive vibration. This is why try to put the best locking lug nuts on Jeep and other costly vehicles.
Final Thoughts
Every product has some pros and cons. Different people have different opinions about locking lug nuts to prevent wheel theft. However, the locking lug nuts will indeed help you to protect the wheels from thieves in most cases. I hope this article has helped you to choose the best locking lug nuts for your car. On top of that, it is more likely that you are now out of all kinds of confusion regarding lug nuts.
Last update on 2024-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API