Locking Lug Nut Pipe Dream?

[sjaroslo]

I am guessing that what I'm looking for isn't available but I thought that I would ask. My Camaro has an Art Morrison front clip and a Moser 9-bolt rear end, so I just discovered that the threads for the front wheel lugs are 12 x 1.5 and the thread for the rears is 1/2 x 20....

Does anyone know if McGard or Gorilla or any of the makers of wheel locks might offer a "mix-and-match" set where I could get 2 of each, but keyed the same? I'm not thrilled about having to buy TWO sets of locks but the real kicker is having to haul around two keys.... Not the hugest deal in the world, I realize, but just thought I would ask the question. Thanks!

[dontlifttoshift]

They both sell lug nuts in 4 packs usually and the locks come in a 4 pack.......

2 packs for the rear and 2 packs for the front and 1 pack of lock nuts and you got 20.

Or you could just safety wire them.......:-)

[sjaroslo]

It is the "one pack of lock nuts" that I'm struggling with as I need 2 of them in 1/2x20 and 2 in 12x1.5mm....

[dontlifttoshift]

That awkward feeling when one thinks they have it all figured out and it turns out they missed the point.........I'm a little slow on the pickup.

Not sure how to help that one other than to install 1/2" studs on the front but I do want to know, why the locking lug nuts? I can't stand them.

[sjaroslo]

That awkward feeling when one thinks they have it all figured out and it turns out they missed the point.........I'm a little slow on the pickup.

Not sure how to help that one other than to install 1/2" studs on the front but I do want to know, why the locking lug nuts? I can't stand them.

+$5000 worth of Forgeline wheels and Michelin tires? Seems like a smart move to me, but I'm open to other suggestions? While I don't necessarily plan to leave the car unattended in bad parts of town, I DO want to drive it, so I won't always be able to control the environment.... Seemed like the right thing to do.

[Nessumsar]

Why not replace one set of studs? The fronts would be easiest; pull the hubs, pound out the old ones, pound in the new ones.

[BonzoHansen]

Lock lugs don't stop criminals, just owners.

But if you must then change the studs. Or maybe call mcguard and ask.

[sjaroslo]

Yeah, and if I'd realized the difference 2 weeks ago when I had the front hubs off, that might have been a reasonable solution, but not that interested in going there again.... Just called McGard Customer Service and they don't offer anything custom. So, either I buy two sets and carry two keys or I just let it go and move on. Will have to chew on that one for a while....

[67rally]

They can't have that many different locking patterns can they?

Can you find a retailer around you and see if you can find a set for the 1/2x20 and a set for the 12x1.5mm that use the same key?

[sjaroslo]

I was kind of hoping that McGard CS might have offered something like that, but no. I suspect there might be hundreds, if not thousands (if not more) combinations for their locks....

My curiosity is piqued now to know how many guys with expensive wheels and tires don't run wheel locks.... Food for thought.

[Dantigan]

Can you not order one set, get the key code, then order second set with same code. You will end up with some spares but all keyed the same.

[67rally]

I was kind of hoping that McGard CS might have offered something like that, but no. I suspect there might be hundreds, if not thousands (if not more) combinations for their locks....

My curiosity is piqued now to know how many guys with expensive wheels and tires don't run wheel locks.... Food for thought.

Yes, I stand corrected. From their website:


3. Computer generated extra narrow groove key patterns
The computer generated key designs allow for an infinite number of key patterns. The narrow groove resists the intrusion of lock removal tools into the pattern

I'm guessing "infinite" is a lot of combinations...

[SLO_Z28]

What I would do is have a machine shop make me a custom set of 5 sided lug nuts, and a matching socket. They can cut whatever threads you want, and you would have the only set. Shouldn't cost too much, and would be a cool talking point.

[sjaroslo]

Can you not order one set, get the key code, then order second set with same code. You will end up with some spares but all keyed the same.

Hmmm, again, I would have expected (hoped?) that McGard would have come back with a suggestion like this.... I'm not sure that the "key code" can be divorced from the style and thread of the nut itself? BUT, this seems like a good e-mail question for them. Thanks for the suggestion.

[TheJDMan]

I had the same situation but I decided early on that I did not want two different size lug nuts so I replaced the 12m studs with 1/2-20 studs. To be honest, in the time you have spent obsessing over lock nut sets you could have replaced the studs by now.

[sjaroslo]

I had the same situation but I decided early on that I did not want two different size lug nuts so I replaced the 12m studs with 1/2-20 studs. To be honest, in the time you have spent obsessing over lock nut sets you could have replaced the studs by now.

Sadly, "Obsession" is my middle name....

[Mr Nick]

Personally, I'd just carry around 2 keys and call it done. Put them in a soft baggy (like what a Crown Royal bottle comes in) put a rubber band around them so they don't make noise (my pet peeve) and toss them in the glove box.

[LeighP]

I have the same sort of set up 12x1.5 on the front, with 7/16 UNC on the rear....I came to the conclusion that I'd be buying two sets of locknuts....

[iadr]

I work for a car dealer who puts those on everything. Personally I don't like them, but at $5K, I see their use.
Anyway my point was our MasterSet has only 5 or 6 sockets, total, in it.
I think that not only is "infinite" blatantly false advertising, but your odds are way better than you think. When I get someone who has lost their key(socket), I can match up a new kit by looking through the package. Usually in the first couple sets I grab.

[sjaroslo]

It is so difficult with Customer Service these days.... I assumed that calling someone up and speaking to them directly would be the best way to get this accomplished, if two sets of locks for different thread sizes could be keyed alike, and the woman on the phone spoke one word to me--"no." End of conversation (post #8). But after chewing on it for a while, I then tried submitting a contact request through their website, and I actually got a very nice (and patient) gentleman named Adam to write me back, and long story short, I just received my order from McGard with two sets of locks that are keyed alike! I'm very happy.

And if anyone is in a similar boat as mine (12 x 1.5 on the front, 1/2-20 on the rear), I now have a keyed-alike lockset, with key, that I'm able to offer you at a reasonable price :-) McGard 24137 & 24138. Look me up if you're interested.

[dontlifttoshift]

The dude that buys your other set will be the dude who steals your wheels......:D

Glad they were able to help you out.

[sjaroslo]

Yeah, I should have specified--no sale to anyone in Northern California!