WHAT IS A LOCKING WHEEL NUT?

What is a Locking Wheel Nut and Why do I need them?

Locking wheel nuts are a cost-effective way of protecting your alloy wheels from theft. A standard wheel nut or lug nut can be removed with minimal effort using an ordinary wheel nut wrench, which means your wheels could easily be stolen. But by simply replacing one standard nut/bolt per wheel with a locking wheel nut, a special locking wheel nut key is required in order to remove that last locking wheel nut, stopping a thief in their tracks.

Locking wheel nuts originally became popular among car enthusiasts who were worried about the theft of their expensive alloy wheels. With many paying over £1,000 for their custom rims, it’s no wonder the inexpensive Locking Wheel Nut became a popular deterrent. Nowadays, most car manufacturers fit locking wheel nuts as standard to vehicles as they roll off the production line; indeed, it is a ‘Thatcham’ requirement for most UK vehicles.

Working on a very simple principle, each set of wheel locking nuts has a patterned indent or outer security pattern and a locking wheel nut key which matches this pattern. Only when the special locking wheel nut key is inserted can the locking wheel nut be turned and removed.

This is all good practice unless, of course, you lose your locking wheel nut key. Previously, if you had lost your Locking Wheel Nut Key and security key code, there was no way of replacing it and you had to resort to dangerous and expensive wheel nut removal. That is until now we can replace your Locking Wheel Nut Key - No Key Code Required!

It’s for this reason that it’s important that you know where your locking wheel nut key is kept as, without it, it’s very hard, not to mention, expensive, to remove your wheels should you require a tyre change, new brakes or a service etc. We recommend that you keep your locking wheel nut key inside your vehicle somewhere, either in the glove box or hidden away out of sight, just so long as you know where to find it. If you need to pull over due to a puncture, you’re going to need that locking wheel nut key in order to remove the tyre and put the spare on. Similarly, if your vehicle requires work, your garage will need the locking wheel nut key in order to service your vehicle. So make sure you keep your locking wheel nut key safe – you never know when you might need it.

We're Specialists in the Identification of Locking Wheel Nuts and are APPROVED suppliers of Genuine Locking Wheel Nut Keys. Unlike main dealers, we DO NOT require the locking wheel nut security code! Click Here To Order your Replacement Locking Wheel Nut Key

Are Locking Wheel Nuts the same? The short answer is 'No'.

Each vehicle manufacturer installs different locking wheel nuts for each vehicle model. They're not interchangeable between different brands, so, for instance, you can't use a FORD Locking Wheel Nut Key on a BMW and vice versa. This is to ensure that no one can steal the wheels/tyres. The ‘Locking Wheel Nut Key' is the special tool required in order to remove the locking wheel nuts. The individual ‘Locking Wheel Nut Key’ is inserted into each of the locking wheel nuts, which can then be turned and removed. Once your vehicle service work is complete, the ‘Locking Wheel Nut Key’ is then used again to re-install and tighten the locking wheel nuts back on the wheels.

WHAT DOES A 'LOCKING WHEEL NUT' LOOK LIKE?

Locking wheel nuts come in various designs. Although there are six main manufacturing styles of locking wheel nuts, there are literally thousands of different locking wheel nut combinations available.

We're Specialists in the Identification of Locking Wheel Nuts and are APPROVED suppliers of Genuine Locking Wheel Nut Keys. Unlike main dealers, we DO NOT require the locking wheel nut security code! Click Here To Order your Replacement Locking Wheel Nut Key

Our Guide Below Explains The Six Main Types of Locking Wheel Nuts/Bolts

Type 1 | Keyed Head Locking Wheel Nuts/Bolts

The majority of locking wheel nuts have a keyed head to the locking wheel nut. The locking wheel nut key shares this same keyed security pattern which slots into the keyed head of the locking wheel nut.

Type 2 | Rotating Collar Locking Wheel Nuts/Bolts

This type of locking wheel nut/bolt has a rotating collar which is designed to spin around the wheel nut preventing its removal with any other tool other that the correct matching locking wheel nut key

Type 3 | Combination Flange Locking Wheel Nuts/Bolts

This type of locking wheel nut has a combination flange located around the base of the nut. The projecting collar, or rib on the matching locking wheel nut key fits over the nut and engages into the flange in order to remove the locking wheel nuts.

Type 4 | Sheer Head Locking Wheel Nuts/Bolts

Sheer head locking wheel nuts/bolts are typically found on Peugeot and Citroen vehicles. This type of locking wheel bolt is designed to “sheer-off” if any tool other than the matching locking wheel nut key is used in an attempt to remove it.

Type 5 | Spline/Ribe Locking Wheel Nuts/Bolts

This locking wheel nut/bolt style has splines or ribs on either the inside or outer circumference of the wheel nut/bolt that the locking wheel nut key engages into. This design is fitted to early Audi, BMW, Seat, Skoda and VW vehicles.

Type 6 | Tuner Style Locking Wheel Nuts/Bolts

Tuner Locking Wheel Nuts/Bolts are different to regular locking wheel nuts and feature a slimmer head diameter for use with alloy wheels that have a tuning rim. These type of alloys have multiple slim-line nut holes that are smaller than those found on regular rims - this design is very common with Japanese/South Asian alloys or Aftermarket Rims/Alloys. The tuner locking wheel nuts/bolts require an extended locking wheel nut key to tighten and loosen the fixings.

How Do I Get a Replacement Locking Wheel Nut Key?

So you’ve looked everywhere but can’t find your locking wheel nut key! Don’t worry we can supply you with a Replacement Locking Wheel Nut Key. We cover most vehicles including cars and vans. Unlike Main Dealers WE DO NOT REQUIRE THE SECURITY KEY CODE. Follow our simple step-by-step process below.

Step 1: Purchase your new Locking Wheel Nut Key

Go to our 'Checkout/Shop Page' page to purchase your 'Locking Wheel Nut Key'. If you have a 'Security Key Code' you can enter it there. If you don't have a 'Security Key Code' follow 'STEP’S 2 & 3 below

Step 2: Provide an image of one of your Locking Wheel Nuts/Bolts

Take an image of one of your Security Nuts/Bolts on the wheel with your mobile phone. Take the image close-up and face-on, so that we can see the Security Pattern clearly (example image on the 'FAQ PAGE')

Step 3: Provide proof of ‘Keeper/or Ownership of the vehicle

If you do NOT have a security key code; please take an image of your 'Proof of Keeper or Driver' Document and 'ID'. For a list of acceptable documents, please refer to the 'FAQ PAGE'

We're Specialists in the Identification of Locking Wheel Nuts and are APPROVED suppliers of Genuine Locking Wheel Nut Keys. Unlike main dealers, we DO NOT require the locking wheel nut security code! Click Here To Order your Replacement Locking Wheel Nut Key

We can provide Locking Wheel Nut Keys for most vehicle Manufacturers as follows - if your vehicle isn't listed please get in touch:-

What is an ALFA Romeo Locking Wheel Nut?

What is a AUDI Locking Wheel Nut?

What is a BMW Locking Wheel Nut?

What is a CHEVROLET Locking Wheel Nut?

What is a CHRYSLER Locking Wheel Nut?

What is a CHEVROLET Locking Wheel Nut?

What is a FIAT Locking Wheel Nut?

What is a FORD Locking Wheel Nut?

What is a HONDA Locking Wheel Nut?

What is a HYUNDAI Locking Wheel Nut?

What is an INFINITI Locking Wheel Nut?

What is a ISUZU Locking Wheel Nut?

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