[kanling]

I finally got around to looking through all the junk that came with my several month old frontier. There was a special socket adapter for the locking lug nuts, one of which is installed on every wheel. I didn't even realize that the truck had them, so I'm glad I found the kit before I got a flat tire.

Does anyone feel like me that locking lug nuts are a bigger hassle than they are worth? I don't live in a high crime area, so I'm not terribly worried about somebody stealing my wheels. But, I would be worried about having difficulty at a repair shop or getting a flat tire and being unable to find the silly keyed socket adapter.

(Surprisingly, I had to get the truck inspected when it was new because I purchased it in a different state. The shop is supposed to remove the wheels to check the brakes. Being as I didn't even know I had the key adapter, that either means that the shop didn't bother or they already have adapters for all of the "security keys" in existence... ha ha ha.)

 

[Ambassadorhawg]

Leave the lock lugs on there. You can never be too safe.....

Would you be more upset having to deal with removing them in the case of a flat tire or would you be more upset if you went out side and found your truck on blocks without it's wheels?

'hawg

 

[02RedRunner]

Mine didn't come with them. Yours probably had them as a dealer-installed option.

I bet shops have universal sockets like those ones with all the pins, that fit any size nut, to remove the lug nuts.

 

[BluJay]

Mine didn't come with them. Yours probably had them as a dealer-installed option.

I bet shops have universal sockets like those ones with all the pins, that fit any size nut, to remove the lug nuts.

Correct, most reputable shops will have the keys on site. Seeing as they deal with them on a daily basis. As a matter of fact i just had discount tire pull and plug a nail and they pulled the tire without my key. They said " Dont worry we got one"...

I wonder how many non reputable shops have them???

 

[davidapplewhite]

I keep mine in my glove box

 

[RedAlert]

My locks came off the day the truck came home. I hate those things.

 

[Zero Six LE]

I use them. You don't have to live in a high crime area to have your wheels stolen. Somebody might be cruising for a replacement wheel and see your truck with matching wheels in a parking lot. I have been using them since the 80's without any problems. They are not usually standard equipment but they do sell them at dealerships. I just bought a new set after losing one on my lugs during a tire rotation. It just vanished.

 

[BriDroid]

Yep, it's a dealer installed option. Mine came with them and vinyl pinstripes that I removed the next day after I owned it. I hate pinstripes!

I use the wheel locks though, it may not stop them from being stolen, but it will slow them down somewhat.

 

[kanling]

Wow, if it is a dealer installed option I'm surprised because the dealer didn't charge anything for the locking nuts. (I believe it probably is dealer installed, because the key was in a Nissan bag that had already been torn open, Nissan 999H1-A7003)

I wish they had given me a choice, though. Sounds like a determined wheel thief already has all the right keys to get anybody's wheels off.

At least the dealer should have left me the original lug nuts that they took off, but they didn't.

 

[Zero Six LE]

Yep, it's a dealer installed option. Mine came with them and vinyl pinstripes that I removed the next day after I owned it. I hate pinstripes!

I use the wheel locks though, it may not stop them from being stolen, but it will slow them down somewhat.

Most thieves don't want to take a lot of time stealing something. If there is a choice between a vehicle that is secured and one that is not, they will usually pick the soft target. A really determined thief would either steal the whole vehicle with a wrecker or carjack you. I don't like pinstripes either but my truck did not come with any.

 

[solo_clipper]

When I picked up my truck the salesman already had four regular nuts in the bag with the unlocking socket, said most people ask for them.

 

[Zero Six LE]

When I picked up my truck the salesman already had four regular nuts in the bag with the unlocking socket, said most people ask for them.

I'm guessing the dealer installs them to keep people from stealing expensive ally wheels while the trucks sit on their lots. Midnight auto supply happens at a lot of lots even in small towns like where I live.

 

[2WD_NISMO]

Those locks are generally worthless and easily defeated with a 12 point socket. I worked in a dealership and removed them for customers rather often. I highly doubt it would slow down the theft process.

 

[02RedRunner]

You all have me thinking... I might want to get a set. Can I get them at an auto parts store or are they vehicle-specific?

 

[Zero Six LE]

Those locks are generally worthless and easily defeated with a 12 point socket. I worked in a dealership and removed them for customers rather often. I highly doubt it would slow down the theft process.

Removing a wheel in a shop and removing (stealing) one in the street are totally different scenarios. You can use as many tools, take as much time and make as much noise as you want in a shop. Unless you're parked in a dark and deserted place, time, tools and noise make you look suspicious. I would rather have the locks than not have them. Even with the funky wheels I have on my truck now and especially if I upgrade to the new LE 18" wheels.

 

[02RedRunner]

IMHO the wheels on an SE are much better-looking than LE wheels.

 

[Zero Six LE]

IMHO the wheels on an SE are much better-looking than LE wheels.

Probably because you drive one.

 

[02RedRunner]

Yes, but the LE wheels are too spindly for my taste.

 

[mustard23]

Mine came with the locking lug nuts, and the lug nuts they took off...

 

[pullar]

If your going to keep the locks on at least keep the key someplace less obvious than the glove box. I learned the hard way after having brand new wheels and tires put on my last vehicle. They lasted 3 days then were stolen right in my driveway. The key was in the glove box as is most peoples. They popped the door locks grab the key and procedded to take all 4 wheels. SO find a spot that you can remeber but is not totally obvious is my suggestion.