Re: Wheel Locks

[todd@qualmedoregon.com]

I had a similar problem (with my Jeep), where the spare had been
put on with "locking" nuts.  I searched the local parts chain
stores and found a set with the matching key, and the same brand
(no-name) seemed to be sold at most the chain stores.  All of
the ones I saw had a "groove" on the head of the otherwise
smooth cylindrical nut into which the "key" fits.  The ones at
http://www.mcgard.com fit this description.  In a Jeep accessory
catalog, I saw a better kind: it was shaped more like a mag
wheel chrome nut with a domed top, but near the middle where the
hex part usually is, it widened and had notches in it in at
irregular intervals.  The key slides over it and has teeth that
fit into the notches.  Not only is this less prone to rust and
looks more like a regular lug nut, but it is greater security
by obscurity since the average idiot can't just buy the key at
a big parts store, at least not around here.  I suppose the
argument could be made that it would be easier to turn it with
Vise Grips, but I'm not too worried; heck, if you lost the key,
you might have to do that yourself, but it would at least slow
down or discourage a would-be thief.