by Joshua Thomas
The locking lug nut is the ultimate security for your car tires. Indeed, this car accessory will prevent people from stealing your rim or tires. If you live in a dangerous neighborhood, then you must invest in a locking lug nut to protect your tire.
One of the best things about the locking lug nut is that it works the same way as a regular lock. You get a locking mechanism for the lug and a key for the unlocking and locking.
If you're looking for such an accessory, then our locking lug nut review below covers some of the best models for the money. Without any further ado, let's see which lug that you need to purchase for your vehicle.
Contents
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Gorilla Automotive 61641 (Best Overall) |
|
 | 2. McGard 24538 |
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 | 3. Toyota 00276-00900 |
|
 | 4. Honda 08W42-SNA-100 |
|
 | 5. DPAcessories LCB3L6 |
|
Gorilla is a popular company known mostly for its gorilla glue. But they are also one of the best locking lug nut brands on the market. What we like about this Gorilla model is its excellent price as well as the possibility to purchase it in different sizes to suit your needs.
You get 4-wheel locks with this purchase, along with a key. This lug nut has a conical seat which is very popular and ensures compatibility with most vehicles. If the thread size of 14 mm fit your tire lug, you will have no problem with this model.
Additionally, as almost all locking lug nuts on the market, installation is incredibly easy. Simply remove your old lug and replace it with this one and you good to go.
The only caveat will not with this product is that despite it being made from hardened steel, it may start showing signs of rust over time. Also, you need to be careful because the tip of this lug nut is not very strong, and if you apply excessive force, it may easy to break.
However, taking into account the price of this locking lug nut as well as its excellent build construction, you have very little to lose with this model.
Pros
Cons
If there is one department where the McGard 24538 absolutely shines, then it is in its build construction. This model is made from hardened steel and once installed on the lug of your tires; it will be impossible to remove without the key.
In addition, this model has a chrome-plated finish that makes it aesthetically pleasing as well. You get 4 locks with this purchase as well as one key. It will fit any vehicle s with a 12.7mm lug.
The only disadvantages with this locking lug nut are that it is not universally compatible with most vehicles due to its thread size of 12.7 mm, which is not exactly standard size. Also, you need to be careful when installing it because it can snap if you apply too much pressure when threading.
However, if it is compatible with your vehicle, then it is one of the best anti-theft locking lug nuts on the market.
Notes
You will need to check the specifications to see if your vehicle is compatible with it or not. Not all are.
Pros
Cons
This current model is a genuine Toyota locking lug nut. However, it is superior to an OEM Toyota lug nut because it has a better build construction and greater precision in its build quality.
But what we really like about this model is that it has been weight balanced, so you do not need rebalancing if you install this.
As usual, the build construction is made from hardened steel so this locking lug that will last you a very long time. In fact, it is tripled nickel-plated, and it will last you for decades as long as you take proper care of it. You get all installation accessories out of the box and installation itself is very easy.
The only disadvantage here is its price, which is a little bit high. However, don't forget that you are getting an original and genuine Toyota locking lug nut with this purchase. Caveats aside, this product is one of the best wheel locks to prevent theft of your Toyota vehicle.
Pros
Cons
Again, we have a genuine locking lug nut here. It fits all Honda vehicles and should be universally compatible. What we like about this locking lug nut is that it is tripled nickel plated so not only does it look good, but it is also highly resistant against corrosion.
It will definitely last you a long time. With this purchase, you get full locking lugs as well as a key. But you also get a handy storage pouch for you to store the key which is pretty neat. Furthermore, the installation is extremely easy, and all you must do is remove your old lugs and replace it with this one.
Based on build quality and durability, this model is most certainly one of the best locking lug nuts that you can get for your Honda vehicle, even if it is quite expensive when compared to other models.
Pros
Cons
If you want to enhance the look of your original lug while making it more secure, then the DPAcessories LCB3L6 is an excellent choice to consider. What makes it different from the rest of the competition is that this locking lug nut is available in either a black finish or a chrome finish depending on the look you want.
Moreover, it is made from heat-treated steel, so it is quite durable and long-lasting. In terms of looks, it is aesthetically pleasing and looks better than an OEM grade lug nut.
This unit can be installed on vehicles that can accept an M12x1.5 thread. Which means that most vehicles will be compatible with this model. Out of the box, you get 4 locking lug nuts as well as a key to lock or unlock the lugs.
The only issue here is its price, which could have been better. However, for all intent and purposes, the DPAcessories LCB3L6 is still one of the best locking lug nuts that you can get. Especially considering that it is universally compatible with most vehicles and you have the possibility to choose the color.
Pros
Cons
OEM locking lug nuts are usually seen as an inexpensive alternative for aftermarket ones.
Rightfully so, those OEM models usually come from dealerships and lack the superb build quality of aftermarket locking lug nuts.
The aftermarket locking outlet has started to become more popular than OEM and is usually regarded as the best wheel lock for your vehicle. They come in a wide range of colors and have a superior build quality.
A few benefits that you can expect by purchasing an aftermarket locking nut:
High-quality: Most aftermarket locking lug nuts are made from hardened steel or equivalent metal that makes it high-quality and durable.
Best of all, it is very difficult to break this locking lug nut because it is extremely hard. Therefore, it is also safer than other types of locking lug nuts, including OEM models.
Price: If you choose to go with an OEM locking lug nut, then remember that the dealership needs a cut of their profit.
So, OEM models are usually more expensive than aftermarket models even if they have lesser quality.
Style: Aftermarket locking lug nuts come in a wide range of colors and patterns that give them a unique appearance.
The thread size is one of the most important factors to ensure when purchasing a locking lug nut.
Indeed, if you purchase the wrong thread size then either it will not fit your rim, or you might end up causing damage to it.
A quick way to find the right thread size to purchase is by measuring the existing lug nut with a measuring tape.
In addition, you can also either ask your vehicle's manufacturer or consult your user's manual to know which lug nut thread size to purchase.
The locking lug nut comes in a wide range of styles and colors. Most of the time, this is mostly about aesthetics and does not affect the performance or durability of the locking lug nut.
When it comes to style, the most popular locking lug nut you will encounter is the cone seat style. As its name suggests, it has a conical shape at the seat. This type of locking lug nut is easy to use and compatible with all tires.
But locking lug nuts also come in different styles with a flat seat, mag, or even spherical seat.
As far as possible, it is wise to go with a locking lug nut that is made from a hard material like hardened steel.
This is because, in the event of a theft, a locking lug nut made from hardened steel will be very difficult to break, which may dissuade theft.
Read More: 7 Best Wheel Locks
Since the locking lug nut is made in such a way to prevent theft, it will be very difficult to break.
However, there are still ways that you can remove the locking wheel nut without causing damage to your tire. In fact, there are 2 major options.
The first one is to drive to your dealership and ask them for a key. They will inspect the locking mechanism and tell you if it is possible to get a key replacement for it or not.
Additionally, you can bring the box that your locking lug came in because this box contains a serial number as well as a code. Your local dealership can find a matching key using this code.
However, keep in mind that this procedure can get very expensive because local dealerships will charge you both for their time as well as the key.
However, if this need is not possible, then you will need to open the locking lug nut using a compatible wrench socket. Here is how to proceed:
Find a socket size that matches your existing locking lug nut.
If the socket is a little bit tight to fit in the locking lug nut, use a hammer to make it fit. Don't tap too hard or it may crack the socket, however.
Now that the socket is fitted on the locking lug nut, you can use the breaker bar to unscrew the wheel nut.
DPAccessories LCB3L2HE-BK04LK5 Black Wheel Locks 1/2-20 Closed End Bulge Acorn 3/4 & - Walmart Link
McGard 24538 Chrome Cone Seat Wheel Lock (1/2"-20 Thread Size) - Set of 5 - Walmart Link
Gorilla Automotive 71683NBC "The System" Acorn Black Chrome Wheel Locks (1/2" Thread - Walmart Link
YITAMOTOR Lug Nuts 1/2 x 20, Bulge Acorn Wheel Lug Nuts Open End 0.83" Tall 3/4" Hex - Walmart Link
Gorilla Automotive 61631 Acorn Gorilla Guard Locks (12mm x 1.50 Thread Size) - Pack of 4 - Walmart Link
White Knight 40400SMBT Matte Black Wheel Lock, 4 Pack, 1/2"-20 Thread - Walmart Link
DPAccessories LCB3L2HE-BK04LK5 Black Wheel Locks 1/2-20 Closed End Bulge Acorn 3/4 & - eBay Link
McGard 24538 Chrome Cone Seat Wheel Lock (1/2"-20 Thread Size) - Set of 5 - eBay Link
Gorilla Automotive 71683NBC "The System" Acorn Black Chrome Wheel Locks (1/2" Thread - eBay Link
YITAMOTOR Lug Nuts 1/2 x 20, Bulge Acorn Wheel Lug Nuts Open End 0.83" Tall 3/4" Hex - eBay Link
Gorilla Automotive 61631 Acorn Gorilla Guard Locks (12mm x 1.50 Thread Size) - Pack of 4 - eBay Link
White Knight 40400SMBT Matte Black Wheel Lock, 4 Pack, 1/2"-20 Thread - eBay Link
If you have an expensive rim or tire, then you must protect it from theft. The lug nut is an absolute must-have accessory for this need. It is very easy to install and equally easy to unlock.
However, it is very difficult to break. It is difficult to steal a tire locked with a locking lug nut because, in order to do so, you will have to break each lug individually.
Finally, if you took the time to read our locking lug nut review above and still not decided which lug nut model to go with, then we recommend you go through it again.
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About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
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