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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
What do you guys use for locking lug nuts? Or do you?
Do you use 1 per wheel or 2 different ones per wheel?

Any preference between the Gorilla or the McGard?
Any horror stories?

And do you leave the lug nut key in the glove box just in case you have a flat?

Thanks,
 

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I've always used McGard.

As for one or two, it really depends on the value of the wheels, and where I lived at the time.

The key I generally wire under the dash. If someone is trying to steal your wheels, the key is only a broken window away if its in the glove box... but if its hidden, chances are they aren't gonna bother.
 

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Don't remember the brands but I once had a set that used a key that matched a recessed shape cast in the head of the nut. If you can imagin a really big Torx bit with a hollow center, but with irregularly spaced splines then thats what the key looked like. Problem was they key didn't get enough bite on the nut and over just a few tire changes wore down to where it was really tough to keep the key engaged when applying torque. I threw them away in less than a year. Better are the type that have a pattern of grooves all the way around the outside of the nut. If you can imagine a 12-point socket but with irregularly spaced splines then thats what the key looks like. Thats what I'm using now.

Phil D
 

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Either one is easy to remove for a theif without the original. They can either have the master set, removal tool, or just hammer a socket over them. They are one of those things like a club, its a theft deterent but all you are doing is slowing them down. I would use the spline guard McGards myself because then you have one on every lug, but they are more expensive.
 

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Toyota here in Canada supply McGard locks with new vehicles. My Tacoma and my sisters Highlander came with them.

We all know how good Toyota quality is and I don't think they would use cheap non OEM gear.
 

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The company I work for supplies McGard with all their maintenence and production supplies including fasteners and believe me they only buy top-o-line stuff, They have an incredible QC dept. and you could eat of of their floor. Quality is really a priorty for them, I would never even consider another brand.
Just my .02.
Brian
 

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Jeff,

The splined Mc Gard type are what I have on the red car. Every lug is a locking lug and you have to use the tool on every lug on every wheel. You should be able to get them reasonably at Discount Tire. They are the cheapest place I've found.

Leslie
 

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just be sure to get ones that have a socket thats the same size as your supra lugs (13/16ths I belive, don't quote me on that) or your factory tire wrench will be useless. Not all Mcguards use the same size. I'm with Phil, I much prefer the lugs with the spline locks. As for the quality of the Mcguards, I guess I have nothing to compare against, but I once lost the key socket for a set and had to get them off by welding big nuts to them. The metal was very hard to weld onto, it was melting, poping and falling apart as we welded. But like I said, I've never tried that on another brand so I don't know if they're all built with that grade of metal. I have had other fancy rim lugs break on me before though, and thats not fun.
 

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Just a personal preference for me.

Currently have McGuards on the P-Type wheels (got them for FREE from junkyard off of a 85 Brownpra) previously had another set (forgot the brand) that tended to strip easily, esp if the lugs were on too tight & you were trying to loosen it w/ the key. Have the Gorilla's for the Compomotive's (on recommendation from Phil Dupler when he purchased his Compomotive's). Currently don't have locking nuts on the Silver Slug, still thinking about it.

I only have 1 on each wheel.

Where do I hide the key???????? No comment 8) Sorry..... It is somewhere in the car (I PITY those that leave their lug key @ home & they have a flat while they are out & about).
 

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Discussion Starter · #11 ·
oops -wrong question...

Thanks, Chris.

I didn't really mean to ask specifically where everyone kept their keys :oops: - just whether or not they were in the car, carried on a chain around your neck, left at home in the bottom of the tool chest, or with your favorite tow truck operator.

Thanks for your response!
 
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