Best Locking Lug Nuts: Anti-Theft Devices for Your Wheels

DPAccessories Wheel Locks come in a set of five with a uniquely patterned socket wrench. The lug nuts are constructed out of a tough steel metal and painted with a black outer coating for protection against rust. They are also temperature-resistant, meaning they will last through long cold winters and hot summers.

The best feature is each package comes with a different key and lock combination. There aren’t two of the same in the world. Each is unique and resistant to being broken or tampered with by anyone with fancy tools or kits. They also look great when mounted.

Yet, the lug nuts may not be an exact match for every vehicle. They may be too short or too long for wheel studs as well. They are also more expensive than other models and you only get a set of five nuts.

McGard’s Wheel Locks come in all shapes and sizes. This set of five marine and automotive locking lug nuts are built for all types of vehicles. From the Ford Ranger and Jeep Wrangler to the Cherokee and Liberty, these nuts will lock any wheel into place. The pack is set at a reasonable price as well.

The five nuts are developed out of chrome and hardened for increased durability and strength. The key is designed to fit just with the nuts in this specific package, too. Each one is built with a computer-generated pattern for a more unique fit. Plus, each lug nut also features triple nickel, copper, and chrome plating for added toughness.

The nuts may be too small for certain trucks and SUVs. You may also find the inner threads can get jammed due to the thick paint. There is also no extra locking nut included in the pack so if you need others, you are out of luck.

The Gorilla Automotive Wheel Locks comes with a pack of 20 locking nuts. The nuts feature a 60-degree conical seat that makes them glide more easily and securely into place. They are finished with a shiny outer coat that enhances their look and appeal when mounted on the wheel studs.

As another benefit, the wheel nuts are chrome-plated for added toughness. Plus, doubled with the nuts' tough steel construction, they are kept securely in place and are rust- and weather-resistant. They also feature an exclusive lug pattern that can only be removed with the included key. Any attempt to remove them with a normal socket wrench or tools will leave them in a bad shape.

The one not-so-great thing about the lug nuts is their price. They are the most expensive package on our list. There may also be issues with locking them in place with the key, and there have been reports that the lugs can strip.

The Yitamotor Locking Lug Nuts are a sleek-looking set to lock your wheels in place. Each one is developed out of a steel alloy material, making them ultra strong, sturdy, and reliable. Another great feature of these lug nuts are their tough outer plating. They are made up of three different metals—nickel, copper, and chrome—for increased stability.

The lug nuts come in a full set of 20 so you can easily lock down up to five wheels. The set also comes with a socket that is designed to only work with these acorn wheel nuts. Each fits on tightly and securely no matter if you are installing them on your everyday vehicle, a travel trailer, or an RV. Plus, the kit is set at a rather low price.

However, the lug nuts are not universal and are not designed for all wheel studs. There have also been complaints that the powder coating can interfere with tightening them properly. Paint on the inside of the lug may be too thick and can make it more difficult to screw in.

Don’t be confused by these Yitamotor Chrome Locking Lug Nuts and think they are similar to our other choice. These throw out the small acorn design of the previously mentioned model and instead go for a larger more aggressive-looking locking nut. Each one is constructed with a chrome finish to give it that extra flare and shine.

The lug nuts are developed out of a steel alloy as well, and stick with the triple-plated combination of nickel, copper, and chrome. Coupled with the chrome outer shell, the nuts are built to withstand rust and corrosion from rain and other types of weather. Each one is cold-forged and heat-treated for a strong, dependable, and tight fit. They are one of the highest rated locking lug nuts around.

There have been reports that if the nuts are tightened and untightened multiple times, the paint can come off. If that happens, the nuts can start to rust if left in the rain. They may also be too short for some wheel studs or larger wheels.