McGard Wheel Locks worthless?

[Svashtar]

Walked out of the local Home Depot today, here in Mexican Gang Infested Salinas, and noticed a couple of guys about 10-15 feet from my car. They were by a shopping cart so figured they had just parked it, but there was something about the way they acted that set off an internal alarm. Anyway, for that reason I walked past my car and stood a couple of cars over pretending to look at my receipt. Then the gang-banging scum went over to their car (a new Lincoln) which was in front of mine. One of them looked at the rear of my car as he walked over and then they backed their car in right next to mine and sat there. At this point all my alarm bells are ringing so I walked over to my car, circled around it checking the paint and the windows, etc., and did look at my tires quickly, while they stared at me. Drove off, got home 3 minutes later and just to be sure checked the car and all my tires very carefully. 1 of the McGard lug nut locks was gone, off the right rear tire, and the other 3 were loose! I quickly drove back but these scrotes were gone. I so wish I had noticed this in the lot. I knew something was up, and had seen them looking at the car, but figured they were just car guys. In this town with anything that looks like a police Crown Vic I always check the outside for key marks, paint, gang tags, etc. anyway, but these SOB's were obviously looking to steal the wheels. When they backed their car up next to mine facing outwards it blocked my car's view from the front of the store, so if I hadn't come back they could have really ripped me off.

The lucky thing was the store didn't have the part I needed, so I was only in there 5 minutes. Normally, once I get looking at tools and stuff I can easily be in there for an hour.

So, what's the deal? The 3 loose ones were in perfect shape, and don't look like they were forced at all, so how many of these keys / patterns are there anyway? I might as well almost have the regular lug nuts on the car for all the good these locks did me. Does anyone have any suggestions for a really secure set of locks for the tires? Do I have to buy 5 sets of the McGards and carry around 5 of the lug nut keys?

Thanks for any information. I knew I was asking for it getting a decent car is this ghetto town.

Regards,

Norm

[BK_GrandMarquis]

It's like the lock picking tools you can buy online. Your supposed to be a licensed locksmith to have a set but you know how that goes. I recently saw somewhere, you can buy a set of tools to remove jammed lugnuts. Even if they are a keyed set. It's like those Craftsman tool you can get to get regular nuts off of things. They have a spiral cut. They use the sharp edges to grab the nut and turn them loose. All you really have to do is get the keyed on off. The ones I have seen that would be more difficult to remove are what they call tuner style lugnuts. The tuner type wheels have lugnut holes that are very small. A normal lugnut can fit but not the ordinary lignut tool. It would be too fat to drive the nut all the way in. So you have to get a special thin walled socket just to fit the hole and tighten the nut. Makes it harder to crack but it can probably still be done.

Even without this new tool, I have a friend that used to work as a mechanic, he got a wheel off without any special tools. I forget what he did specifically but he did this over 10 years ago. When I was at a mechanics shop not too long ago, I thought I forgot my key. He said "Don't worry, if you didn't I could get if off anyway". So basically, "If there is a will, there is a way".

[David Morton]

Don't know how many keys there are but I do know of a tool that Snap-on, Mac and other tool makers sell that jams on the outside of the lock with a hammer and then removes the lock with a pull handle or ratchet. It's just an internal cone. Look for a ring where it mashed the chrome plating.

[Svashtar]

Thanks. Checked the outside of the loosened nuts and they appear to be perfect. I'm going to have to get something else for sure...

[hitchhiker]

Thanks. Checked the outside of the loosened nuts and they appear to be perfect. I'm going to have to get something else for sure...

How about a nice big capacitor to charge up the exterior while parked!

Knock the punks right on their a$$.

:D

[SergntMac]

Sorry about your disappointment and close call, Norm. That really sucks. Sorry too, that there isn't much at hand that will stop the intended theif.

I've pointed this out before, but only got accused of having "gotten out of bed on the wrong side", having bought an "inferior television" (what ever this had to do with the discussion) and be told to "lighten up". But, I learned that folks in NY wear five locks on each wheel, which may be one option for your consideration in the future.

Wheel locks make YOU feel better, nothing more.

[Second Wind]

I watched the local tire shop take some off with vise grips and a hammer. They locked the grips on the nut firmly, and then lightly pecked the grips until loose, then unscrewd them. Didn't take that long, and amazed the guy with the Camaro. :eek:

[Tallboy]

Sorry to hear they were messing with your car, but I'm glad they did not get your wheels. It's a good thing you had the locks you did, all it did was probably slow them down, but in this case that was enough. If all you had was a set of OEM lug nuts, they'd probably be gone. I have the Gorilla Wheel Lock System [5 locks on each wheel], but not why you'd think. Theft protection? Maybe. The OEM lugs look like crap [in my opinion] on our beautiful wheels, and the Gorillas are a one piece unit of much higher quality-they look awesome.

[Petrograde]

How about a nice big capacitor to charge up the exterior while parked!

Knock the punks right on their a$$.

:D

I have given this serious thought. I'm sure I could hook up an old model-T coil to an Ultima battery in the trunk,.. but, with my luck I get sued and lose.

[rayjay]

There is nothing I hate more than thieves and burglars! :mad2: Make sure your insurance covers your wheels. They'll be back. maggots.

[TAF]

THAT^^^ is why many of us here in the A-T-L have gone to allen-head lugnuts all the way around. Without a key and an airgun....the bastages don't have a chance.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_1949.JPG (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=6912&size=big&cat=500)

[rumble]

I have given this serious thought. I'm sure I could hook up an old model-T coil to an Ultima battery in the trunk,.. but, with my luck I get sued and lose.

Forget the capacitor Tom. Remember here in Texas we have "right to
carry" laws. Just get one of those stickers that says "protected by
Smith & Wesson"

[Mike Poore]

An old Army saying: "Locks are what keep honest folks honest". :nono:

You're one lucky guy, the bastages didn't take your car and leave you lying in the parking lot.

Be careful out there, guys.:depress:

[Petrograde]

Forget the capacitor Tom. Remember here in Texas we have "right to
carry" laws. Just get one of those stickers that says "protected by
Smith & Wesson"

yeah,.. just one reason I haven't got my CCL. I'll use it. :rolleyes:

Mike is right Norm,.. that could've ended badly! :bop: Glad you got out of there.

[cyclone03]

I wouldn't call the locks totaly worthless.
If you didn't have them the wheels would have been gone.

Interesting their technique,remove the locks first before even jacking the car,next step I'm sure would be remove the other lugs then I bet just place some wood blocks under the flame and yank the wheels off no jack.

Had you not had locks they would have been gone in less than 1 minute.

I bet they followed you into the lot and like most of us you parked way out by yourself.

Can't win can we?

[hitchhiker]

THAT^^^ is why many of us here in the A-T-L have gone to allen-head lugnuts all the way around. Without a key and an airgun....the bastages don't have a chance.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_1949.JPG (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=6912&size=big&cat=500)
Todd,

Have you considered selling these?

I would be very happy to buy a set from you if you did.

Best Regards,

David

[UAW 588]

Walked out of the local Home Depot today, here in Mexican Gang Infested Salinas, and noticed a couple of guys about 10-15 feet from my car.

Time to call out LA MIGRA!!!!!!!!!!!! :gunfire: :bandit:

Or this might help
http://www.theamericanresistance.com/index.html

[glassman99]

Just got back from Kalifornia last week. Parts of it reminded me of a third world country. We were often the only ones in the stores etc. that spoke anything that resembled English. As long as Kalifornia chooses to keep the borders flowing, I would expect that sort of thing. :censor:

[MarauderMarc]

Please correct me if I am wrong, but will vehicles equipped with Lo-jack help this??? I was told that it made the theft of my rims almost impossible. Please tell me if I am wrong so I can go and buy lug locks or something.....

[valleyman]

Todd,

Have you considered selling these?

I would be very happy to buy a set from you if you did.

Best Regards,

David

I'd be interested in a set of those too. And BTW, that's the only set of rotors I've seen that call for the drilled/slotted pattern to run in that direction. What brand are they?

[Rick-n-Miami]

Maybe we should conduct a group buy of some sorts. If we contact McGard (or any other good wheel lock maker) and request a custom 20-piece lock set with unique one-of-a-kind keys (no master keys), maybe they'll make them for us if we have enough people to make the purchase?

[jgc61sr2002]

IMO the locks are not worthless. They did their job. With out them your tires would have been history. They were delayed in removing the tires.
The locks are not an endall just a deterrent.

[Glenn]

Ford sells a very effective and not too expensive alarm that ties into the OEM PAT system. It also contains a neat adjustable motion and vibration sensor. When the alarm is on just merely closing the gas tank door will set it off. Also, I notice at the drags that a very loud exhaust system right next to the MM also set it off. I am very pleased with it. I believe the motion to remove the lock lugs would have been enough to set it off.

Glenn

[Rider90]

I guess you could always boot yourself (http://www.tirelock.com/)...

[PJR]

I bet they followed you into the lot and like most of us you parked way out by yourself.

Can't win can we?
We need to stop 'revolving door' justice. Vote for judges that take people like this off the street.

[MarauderMark]

Next time if something seems fishy walk by and get the tag and get on the cell phone 911..
Also i belive any lug or lock can be removed with a socket at any extra time at all..
We have bling wheels and stealing them im sure will be a common thing as soon as the newer generation of scum and creeps figure it out..
Had a friend once that had custom rims (not many were sold) that were stolen and he found them called the cops and nothing(even after showing the police his initials that he engraved in the rims) was done because they counldn't locate the owner of the car that they were on..so he called again and again and the police would not come back out .he stayed there and watched as the thieves came up to him with a gun and told him to be gone or die.So he never saw the car or his rims ever again..Sorry for the highjack but i was going to say try engraving the rims until i remebered this...

[Todd]

Taf,

Any links on who sells these that are specific to our wheels..???

I know different wheels require different angle seats. Even that would help...


Todd




THAT^^^ is why many of us here in the A-T-L have gone to allen-head lugnuts all the way around. Without a key and an airgun....the bastages don't have a chance.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_1949.JPG (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=6912&size=big&cat=500)

[Svashtar]

Ford sells a very effective and not too expensive alarm that ties into the OEM PAT system. It also contains a neat adjustable motion and vibration sensor. When the alarm is on just merely closing the gas tank door will set it off. Also, I notice at the drags that a very loud exhaust system right next to the MM also set it off. I am very pleased with it. I believe the motion to remove the lock lugs would have been enough to set it off.

Glenn I do have the Viper/Clifford alarm with 2-way paging and remote start, and it will beep me even if a cat jumps up on the hood, but the wheels take a bit more. I think if they had pulled the wheels off it might have paged me, but am not sure. I need to ask my alarm guy about this.

I know it's not PC, but right now I'd like to park my MM out in the far lot 100 yards from the store with no one around, and lay on a distant rooftop with my heavy barrel AR and watch the jackals circle the bait. Just something about people that violate your space and belongings that makes you want to... well, you know.

But I guess that's unfair isn't it!? Actually wanting to do harm to some harmless, underprivileged, discriminated against 20 year old gang-bangers who don't work, drive a $45,000 car and steal from others.

(Besides, to do it right I would need someone to spot for me...:D)

Just kidding! Really! No, seriously.... (-;

N.

[Svashtar]

Taf,

Any links on who sells these that are specific to our wheels..???

I know different wheels require different angle seats. Even that would help...


Todd
I need to try and find something like this. I am going over the America's Tire in the morning. Someone told me they have these special spline type lugs that are more secure.

Thanks for all the ideas.

Norm

[Petrograde]

... I know it's not PC, but right now I'd like to park my MM out in the far lot 100 yards from the store with no one around, and lay on a distant rooftop with my heavy barrel AR and watch the jackals circle the bait. Just something about people that violate your space and belongings that makes you want to... well, you know.....
N.

Let me know if you need a spotter. I'll call out the range for ya! :up:

[BK_GrandMarquis]

I need to try and find something like this. I am going over the America's Tire in the morning. Someone told me they have these special spline type lugs that are more secure.

Thanks for all the ideas.

NormThe Spline Drive lugnuts have a tool anyone can buy. They are not keyed. It's what Donny has in his Avatar.

[Svashtar]

So, then the Gorilla locks might be the best deal then? I'm surprised, as I see a set isn't much more than the McGards were, and they cover all 20 lugnuts. Does anyone know what model # I should ask for for our cars?

Thanks,

Norm

[BruteForce]

So, then the Gorilla locks might be the best deal then? I'm surprised, as I see a set isn't much more than the McGards were, and they cover all 20 lugnuts. Does anyone know what model # I should ask for for our cars?

Thanks,

Norm

summitracing.com (http://www.summitracing.com) part # GOR-71683N
SYSTEM 1/2" ACORN 20PK

[Svashtar]

summitracing.com (http://www.summitracing.com) part # GOR-71683N
SYSTEM 1/2" ACORN 20PK
Thanks very much, to you and to Tallboy for answering the question!

Regards,

Norm

[seans]

Please correct me if I am wrong, but will vehicles equipped with Lo-jack help this??? I was told that it made the theft of my rims almost impossible. Please tell me if I am wrong so I can go and buy lug locks or something.....
AS far as I know LOJAC will only help you recover your car if its stolen. It has a transponder that they activate when your car is taken and then some police cruisers (a very few) are equipped with a reciever that will pick up the signal if its near by. LOJAC will not prevent the theft of the car or some of its parts.

[jgc61sr2002]

AS far as I know LOJAC will only help you recover your car if its stolen. It has a transponder that they activate when your car is taken and then some police cruisers (a very few) are equipped with a reciever that will pick up the signal if its near by. LOJAC will not prevent the theft of the car or some of its parts.


The NYPD has several vehicles in each command equipped with LOJACK. It works.

[metroplex]

I may consider upgrading to the 17" steel wheels that are coming out for the newer Panthers.

Bling bling wheels are nice looking, but you don't see many on tactical vehicles. Steel is predominantly used on heavy-duty vehicles that see abuse on a daily basis but I know how you want to keep your car looking nice.

[Jolly Roger]

I was going to invest in some Mcgard locks but when on the phone with the salesman at Summit Racing I was told that it would be useless because they now make a lock removal tool for the Mcgards.
So what"s the use?:confused:

[gonzo50]

The OEM MM lug nut is two pieces. The chrome plated exterior you see is a "cap" over the real lug nut that holds the wheel on. After 3 or 4 "impact gun" sessions, the weld that holds the cap in place will fail.

This won't have any affect on holding the wheel in place, but it may prove difficult when changing a tire, because you're OEM lug wrench will round out the shoulders of the remarkably smaller lug nut under the cap.

If y'all are like Zack and I, doing a lot of tire changing for racing, or, pulling for cleaning the insides of the wheels, IMHO, you're better off getting a set of solid 1 piece lugs. Any tire shop should have them in stock.
I'm on the assumption that the Gorilla Lugs are a solid one piece set, right ?

I have replaced all of my lug nuts with Chrome Gorilla Lug Locks.
I did this for 2 reasons...

I wanted REAL CHROME Lugs, not the cheap Ford imitations,
and I had a need for Lug Locks, and a set of 20 accomplished both.

I got them from JDM Motors, out in Garden City, NY, along with a second key for the lugs.

I torque them to 85 ft/lbs, and then to 100 ft/lbs.

They look realy purdy.... :coolman:
Is it safe to say that the Lug Locks are as strong as a regular lug nut, I was under the impression that it wasn't safe to put all Lug Locks on all studs because they weren't as strong as the regular lug nut. :confused:

Most Lug Locks come in sets of four, one per wheel, just want to verify if it's safe to use all Lug Locks on all 20 studs.

I always removed the Lug Lock nut first, then the regular lug nuts when removing the tires, and replaced all lug nuts first, then the Lug Lock nut last when replacing the tires back. I guess now it wont matter what comes off first.

So, then the Gorilla locks might be the best deal then? I'm surprised, as I see a set isn't much more than the McGards were, and they cover all 20 lugnuts. Thanks,
Norm
I'm going to get me a set of these Gorilla locks if they're that good.

[twolow]

I may consider upgrading to the 17" steel wheels that are coming out for the newer Panthers.

Bling bling wheels are nice looking, but you don't see many on tactical vehicles. Steel is predominantly used on heavy-duty vehicles that see abuse on a daily basis but I know how you want to keep your car looking nice.
You are a heavy duty tactical user abusing your car on a daily basis?

[twolow]

Let me know if you need a spotter. I'll call out the range for ya! :up:
I can bring the beer...well, not for the shooter...you may take out a old lady by accident.

We could end up in Red Neck Weekly for taking out a old lady and her dog while the mexicans made off with the car. There might even be a quote from me of "take 'em out!" :P

[bigslim]

Check with the store and see if they have a video of the lot. If so have them contact the authorities and see if something can be done.