Wheel Locks
#21
RE: Wheel Locks
I'd like to add some info on the lug nuts subject.
I hate them. I just recently quite my part time job, mostly did tires in a service center. Locking lug nuts suck. Half the people lose the key, then they want to bitch becuase it is going to cost money to get the lockers off. The easiest way is to beat a socket on the lug nut and spin it off with an impact gun. I ain't using my sockets, the customer will have to pay for them, 4 of them. Plus any thief with half a brain can do the same thing. So they are out 4 sockets at a couple bucks each. Your out a truck, or 4 wheels and tires. Slowe em down, maybe.
If the socket doesn't work (lack of anti-seize or custemer tried on there own), then its time to drag out the drill. You have to drill the center out, all the way to the rotor. Start with a 1/4" drill bit, then move up to 3/8", and finish with a 1/2" drill bit. Once you get the tire off, you now have to replace the lug nut stud. On some vehicles that means taking the caliper and rotor off. Figure 1 labor hour to drill it out, 3 bits, and new parts. Your looking at over $80 per locking lug nut. DON"T LOSE THAT LUG NUT KEY!!!!!!
Chevy uses a black plastic cap to protect the lug nuts, and the threads. Plus it adds a decorative finish to the truck. Some of those caps spin off, and some of them are part of the lug nut cap. the S10-Series usually has the spin off kind. I have not seen a locking lug nut that provides the outside thrads for the black spin on cap.
I hate them. I just recently quite my part time job, mostly did tires in a service center. Locking lug nuts suck. Half the people lose the key, then they want to bitch becuase it is going to cost money to get the lockers off. The easiest way is to beat a socket on the lug nut and spin it off with an impact gun. I ain't using my sockets, the customer will have to pay for them, 4 of them. Plus any thief with half a brain can do the same thing. So they are out 4 sockets at a couple bucks each. Your out a truck, or 4 wheels and tires. Slowe em down, maybe.
If the socket doesn't work (lack of anti-seize or custemer tried on there own), then its time to drag out the drill. You have to drill the center out, all the way to the rotor. Start with a 1/4" drill bit, then move up to 3/8", and finish with a 1/2" drill bit. Once you get the tire off, you now have to replace the lug nut stud. On some vehicles that means taking the caliper and rotor off. Figure 1 labor hour to drill it out, 3 bits, and new parts. Your looking at over $80 per locking lug nut. DON"T LOSE THAT LUG NUT KEY!!!!!!
Chevy uses a black plastic cap to protect the lug nuts, and the threads. Plus it adds a decorative finish to the truck. Some of those caps spin off, and some of them are part of the lug nut cap. the S10-Series usually has the spin off kind. I have not seen a locking lug nut that provides the outside thrads for the black spin on cap.
#22
RE: Wheel Locks
I can see your point, but i still want them. My older brother lost his key, so he bought a tool that is for taking stripped nuts off, and put it in his impact wrench, bingo. Any theif can get through any lock, the point of the lock is simply to slow them down. Thats what i want to accomplish. Thanks for the input, and the comment swart.
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