5 Best Wheel Locks to Make Thieves’ Lives a Lot Harder

Alright, alright, It’s true that wheel theft is not as common as it once was. Remember those movie scenes where cars in bad neighborhoods, usually situated somewhere in New York, were left sitting on block cement? Yeah, these things don’t happen that much anymore. But believe it or not, wheel theft is still a trend. In fact, the problem simply slightly shifted. While street crime was a lot more common in big cities before, heavy investment towards police departments in highly-populated areas moved those crimes farther away from the city, slowly creeping in suburbs and more rural areas. Unfortunately, thieves went nowhere. Well, in fact, they did; they went where police presence is a lot more scarce. Hence, wheel theft became significantly more frequent in locations that were traditionally safer.

Luckily, one very simple solution to prevent having your wheels stolen is using wheel locks—or at least make the thieves’ job a lot more challenging. Wheel locks are designed to protect your rims by making them unremovable without using the matching key. It is essentially a lock for your wheel bolts or lug nuts. And the good news is, this mod is both effective and affordable.

However, tons of manufacturers produce wheel locks, so it might be hard to find a good fit. To help you with that, we selected some of the best models on the market—or should I say, the models that I hated removing the most while working in the shop (yeah, people often lose their wheel lock key; but more details on that below). Also, we’ll dive in on the various types, their pros and cons, what to look for in a good set, and a couple of tips and tricks that I learned over the years, working with wheel locks…

Best Wheel Locks Reviews

Nice wheels can be eye-catching to people, and that includes thieves. And sometimes it’s not the wheels they want but the brand new winter tires they sport (good winter tires often cost more than cheap mag wheels these days). Wheel locks act as an extra layer of protection for your wheels getting stolen by marauding stealers. Think of them as an affordable insurance policy for your shining rims. Of course, no lock is ever bulletproof. Give me a good set of torches and a couple of minutes and these locks are off. But it will still prevent anyone with a tire iron and bad intentions to try its hand at it. After seeing a set of wheel locks, any impromptu thieves would probably just go look for another car.

But I digress.

If you are on the lookout for a good set of wheel locks, here are our top picks!

It is worth noting that although the equivalent locking wheel locks are also available as wheel bolts (I’m looking at you German cars!), we only reviewed lug nut types— they are just more common and it was simpler that way. Just know that if you drive a Volksor a Beamer, we still love you… we just hate your dumb wheel bolts. 😉

1. Gorilla Guard II™ Wheel Locks

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When it comes to wheel locks, the Gorilla brand is already well-established and has nothing to prove anymore. For over 40 years, the company has been excellent in making good quality and affordable wheel locks, especially the Gorilla Guard II™ variant.

The Gorilla Guard II™ wheel locks are even more solid than the previous generation, with cold-forged hardened steel construction and narrow face groove. In addition, the set is now available in six different thread sizes, so you should easily find the one that fits your car. Moreover, it comes in the three most popular nut styles to suit the most popular applications—acorn, short shank, and standard mag.

The set gives you four-wheel locks and a key with straightforward installation. Sadly, some users have experienced premature rust, which might be due to particular weather conditions. Nonetheless, it still comes with a one-year warranty, just in case.

But, of course, this is an entry-level model. It’s not the best out there, and could technically be removed with a really big pair of pliers and even bigger muscles, but it’s cheap and will deter most thieves from even trying—there must be easier wheels to steal around here, right?

Key Features

• Type: Shank Seat
• Nuts Style: Acorn, Short Shank, Standard Mag
• Thread Size: 12mm x 1.25, 12mm x 1.50, 12mm x 1.75, 14mm x 1.50, 7/16”, 1/2″
• Hex Size: 3/4″ and 13/16″
• Set of 4 wheel locks with 1 key
• Chrome finish
• One-year warranty

Pros

• Great value
• Plenty of thread size variations
• Secure design (to some extent)

Cons

• Prone to rust (depending on your weather condition)
• Only comes in one color/finish

2. Pro Comp Lug Nut Kits

The Pro Comp Lug Nut Kits is perfect for those who seek extra protection for their wheels. Instead of installing one for each wheel, the kit lets you replace all of your standard lug nuts with corresponding locking wheel nuts. All of them can be unlocked with a single socket key too.

The kits are offered in six thread sizes, and with a minimum set of 20 for a 5-lug nut pattern, it should cover your regular cars and SUVs just fine. However, a set of 24 for 6-lug and 32 for 8-lug applications are also available for larger vehicles like vans or trucks.

Although removing these wheel locks without the key is quite a possible attempt (spline type locks are by far the easier to force-remove), the fact that there are 20 of them should be more than enough to have poorly-equipped thieves think twice about it.

Along with the locking wheel nuts and key, the kit also includes four handy valve stems. Why? Not sure— but it’s not included with any other products on this list, so I thought it was worth mentioning. Pro Comp also offers a very generous two-year warranty, despite its higher entry price.

Key Features

• Type: Shank Seat
• Thread Size: 12mm x 1.25, 12mm x 1.50, 14mm x 1.50, 14mm x 2.00, 9/16”, 1/2″
• Hex Size: 3/4″
• Packs/Nut Patterns: 20/5-lug, 24/6-lug, and 32/8-lug
• 1 key and 4 black valve stems included
• Chrome or Black finishes
• Two-year warranty

Pros

• Entire wheel nut replacement meant tighter security
• Plenty of thread size variations
• Comes with handy valve stems
• Generous warranty

Cons

• On the pricier side

3. McGard 5-Lock Sets

McGard is another famous aftermarket wheel lock brand on the market. If you were buying wheel locks directly from the dealership at the same time as your new car, that’s probably what they would sell you—and for a good reason. Available in five thread sizes, the McGard Cone Seat 5-Lock Set is made for durability.

The McGard Cone Seat is awarded our Editor’s Pick because of the advanced technology it uses. It has through-hardened alloy steel construction, rust-resistant triple chrome plating, and a computer-generated pattern that reducing the risk of duplication. The design makes it really tough to break into without the key.

It comes in either black, silver, or chrome finishes to match your wheel color. McGard also throws in a one-year warranty for every purchase. Despite the slightly steep price, these locking nuts really stand out in terms of quality.

Key Features

• Type: Cone Seat
• Thread Size: 12mm x 1.25, 12mm x 1.50, 14mm x 1.50, 1/2″-20, 7/16”-20
• Hex Size: 3/4″
• Set of 5 wheel locks with 1 key
• Black, Silver, or Chrome finishes
• One-year warranty

Pros

• Corrosion-resistant coating
• Computer-generated key pattern
• Plenty of thread size variations

Cons

• Quite pricey

4. Dorman AutoGrade™ Tuner Wheel Lock Set

Dorman made some great wheel locks over the past few years, and this AutoGrade™ Tuner is the only radius seat-styled set on this list. It is built to last and resists rust incredibly well.

This model comes in a set of 4, but you could also have the complete 20 lugs just like the Pro Comp Lug Nut Kits for added peace of mind. Moreover, it is affordable, carries an excellent value for money, and can easily deter thieves. Sadly, although colorful locking nuts are one of the brand’s signature, it only offers the AutoGrade™ Tuner set in chrome.

Worth mentioning, there are only three thread sizes to choose from, so you might not easily find the right fit for your vehicle. Luckily, the brand has a highly informative website, with a detailed application list of its wheel lock sets, so you can easily check whether a specific vehicle’s make and year would fit that product or if you can reuse it on your next vehicle.

Key Features

• Type: Radius Seat
• Thread Size: 12mm x 1.25, 12mm x 1.50, 1/2″-20
• Hex Size: 3/4″
• Set of 4 or 20 wheel locks with 1 key
• Chrome finish
• One-year warranty

Pros

• Super affordable
• Rust-resistant

Cons

• Lack of thread size variations
• Only comes in one color/finish

5. Gorilla X2 Wheel Locks

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The X2s are another wheel locks variant from Gorilla Automotive and the most advanced yet. Indeed, this one comes with Gorilla’s patented dual-stage technology, making them much, much harder to remove without the key.

With the new patented technology, Gorilla cleverly designed the X2s, making them even more secure than its other variants—and probably any other wheel lock model I’ve seen in the past. The first stage of the wheel lock is free-spinning, protecting the second stage/lower part from thieves trying to force them off the wheel. Heck, you can’t even grab the nut with a set of pliers and force them out—the thing won’t stop spinning!

In fact, if you don’t have the bespoke dual-stage key, removing the wheel lock is virtually impossible—trust me; I tried. Ended up damaging the client’s wheels to an extent where they were not worth much on the hot market anymore (and also really hard to resell without obviously demonstrating that they were stolen).

The X2 comes in four thread sizes, sets of four or five (only for 12mm x 1.50 and 1/2″ thread sizes), and one key. However, it is the most expensive variant in Gorilla’s lineup. Still, we reckon the safety boost makes the higher price tag worth every penny.

Key Features

• Type: Shank Seat
• Nuts Style: Acorn
• Thread Size: 12mm x 1.25, 12mm x 1.50, 14mm x 1.50, 1/2″
• Hex Size: 3/4″ and 13/16″
• Set of 4 or 5 wheel locks with 1 key
• Dual-stage technology
• Chrome finish
• One-year warranty

Pros

• Patented dual-stage technology makes them virtually impossible to remove without the key
• Heavy-duty construction
• Simply the best thing out there!

Cons

• More expensive than conventional models

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Ok. Let’s make something clear here. People lose their wheel lock keys. A lot.

You think you’ll just leave it loose in your glove box and you’ll still find it there next time you need to remove your wheels? Well, I really have no idea where they go, but in about 15 years working in various auto repair shops, I probably had to remove wheel locks by force a thousand times (of course, it’s probably worse here in Canada where we need two sets of tires for a whole year so tire changes are more frequent than in hotter climates, but that’s another story).

Still, people lose these a lot. So just keep your lock key and spare lug nuts in one of those.

These little lock nut key bags are made just for that. Also, they are super affordable and made of durable materials such as thick canvas fabric and a brass pull zipper for extended use.

You could also use it to keep your wheel locks altogether. In winter country, mechanics usually recommend using a cheaper set of wheels and remove the wheel locks. Due to the winter weather and salt, wheel locks might often be hard to remove when summer comes back.

Hence, keep your regular nut or locking wheel nut in one compact bag and store it somewhere safe in your car (e.g., in the glovebox/center console, under the seat/floor trunk—wherever you want but make sure you remember when Spring comes back around). Besides, you can also use them for other small tools, like your tire pressure gauge, wheel center caps, pocket screwdriver, and such.

Just make your mechanic a favor and get one. Please…

Key Features

• Thick canvas fabric material
• Gray color
• Brass pull zipper
• Dimension: 7.24” x 5.63” x 0.55”

Pros

• Compact size
• Highly affordable
• Comes in packs of two
• Useful for safekeeping
• Never wonder where that lock key is in your cluttered glovebox

Cons

• Might be too small for keeping all of the nuts/bolts if you run with a set of 20 or more

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Benefits of Using Wheel Locks

Wheel locks are affordable and bring a high return on safety. They are also easy to find and install. There’s simply no good reason to not have one. Still, if you are not already convinced, here are some of the benefits of investing on a set of quality wheel locks:

Added Layer of Protection

Wheel locks add both short-term and long-term protection to your precious wheels and tires. Whether you leave your car for a quick park on the side of the road or leave them outside your house while you go on an extended vacation, these wheel locks would prevent any theft attempt from happening.

Although subtle-looking, wheel locks are still noticeable enough so that they will discourage most thieves before they even try. Anyone who tried removing wheel locks without the corresponding key without having the car on a lift and access to a proper air compressor and impact tools knows how hard it can be.

Even if a stealing attempt is still possible, they would know that breaking into the wheel locks will take extra time. It could also generate more noise, attract unwanted attention and potentially damage the wheels—all things that a good thief should avoid.

Saves You Money and Trouble

Wheels are a valuable addition to any vehicle. Many car manufacturers nowadays offer optional wheel upgrades that can easily cost you thousands of dollars. Aftermarket wheels can often set you back even more. Factory wheels hold their value very well in the secondhand market and tuner wheels are easily resold online. No to mention that tires aren’t that cheap either.

And how much does a wheel lock set cost? You do the math…

Gives You Peace of Mind

These days, peace of mind cannot be underrated. The fact that these small cheap wheel locks could let you know your wheels are safer from thieves makes them worth getting. With them installed, you can flex your expensive rims and tires worry-free.

What to Look for in Wheel Locks

The most important thing to note in buying wheel locks is getting the correct lug type, size, and thread pitch for your vehicle. The “lock” design is really a question of budget and personal preference. But the type and threads need to fit your car. The two lug types are lug nuts and wheel bolts (further discussed in the next section).

The most common sizes are 1/2″, 5/8″, 9/16″, 7/16″, 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm. Thread pitch can be a little more tricky but, if you aren’t sure which one is which for your specific vehicle, you can find most specifications in your vehicle owner’s manual. However, you can also easily identify your thread size by using a thread pitch gauge available at a common hardware store.

You also want to check whether the seat type, dimension, and finishes match the rest of your lug nuts/ wheel bolts. The seat type refers to the spot where the lug nut makes contact with the wheel surface. Some of the common seat types include acorn, mag, and ball seat.

Meanwhile, you must also confirm the length/dimension of your nut/bolt to ensure the wheel lock properly fits for both appearance and safety purposes. This includes the overall length and outside diameter of the nut. For mag seat type, don’t forget to determine the shank depth and diameter too.

Lastly, you might want the color/finish of your wheel lock to match the other nuts, so make sure you ended up buying the one with the right color. Trust us; it never hurts to verify these as there are a lot of variations and sizes.

I know it might seem like a lot. Luckily, you don’t have to do any of that. When buying most wheel lock kits online, they will already be application-based. Simply enter your car’s model, make and year and the system will sort it out for you.

Lug Nuts VS Wheel Bolts

When they are fitted to the wheel, lug nuts and wheel bolts look just about the same; however, they are very different. Lug nuts usually thread onto a wheel stud that is attached to the wheel hub. They come in various forms (e.g., hex nut, tuner nut, conical seat, open-ended) and are more commonly used by Asian car manufacturers such as Honda, Toyota, and Subaru—in fact, pretty much everyone, except…

Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, just to name a few, use wheel bolts instead, with a threaded stem that is permanently attached to the tapered head. Think of it like a lug nut affixed to a wheel stud that screws directly into the hub—a big bolt with a lug nut as a head. It eliminates the need for a wheel stud, allowing the wheel and the brake rotor to be attached straight to the hub. You would find most of the wheel bolts application in European car brands but are also found increasingly in American vehicles sharing their platform with a European counterpart (Jeep on certain models recently switched to wheel bolts, for instance. Yeah…)

In changing tires, especially when you need it to be done quickly, lug nuts are much easier to work with than wheel bolts. With the lug nuts setup, you can hang the wheel on the studs while you screw the nuts back. They are much simpler than wheel bolts, whereby you need to align two sets of holes first before you can thread the bolts.

Note that if your vehicle came fitted with wheel bolts, you always have the option to swap them out to lug nuts by installing an aftermarket wheel stud kit. Look it up; it’s a thing. Death to wheel bolts!

Types of Wheel Locks

Although they might look similar, there are actually a few different types of wheel locks available on the market. Three of the most common ones are cone seats, shank seats, and radius seat style. It might be essential to consult a professional mechanic or refer to your dealership for that. You can often find the info in your car’s owner or repair manual but it’s often tricky, especially if it’s your first time buying a set of wheel locks. When in doubt, just give your dealer a call.

Cone Seat

Cone seat wheel locks have a unique groove security pattern imprinted on top of the lug. Most carmakers offering wheel locks often use this type, making it the most popular type. But these factory locks usually come with a small set of key combinations, so going for the aftermarket ones instead might be a good idea for increased security. McGard is one of the most popular brands of this type.

Shank Seat

Shank seat wheel locks have splines whereby they contain a unique external security pattern. This shape is also typical in regular wheel nuts that came with your vehicle from the factory. They have excellent stud engagement, excellent grip power, and a better seating surface than radius style lug nuts. You would commonly find this type on brands like Gorilla Automotive Products.

Radius Seat

Radius seat wheel locks have a hollow center patterned in a typical hex key style socket. It could also adopt its own unique socket pattern. This type is less common than the other two and least difficult to break into. Nonetheless, they are noticeable enough to deter thieves from attempting a steal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do I need wheel locks?

Wheels and tires are expensive. Whenever you park your car, you are exposed to the risk of wheel theft. Of course, you might argue that you live in a safe neighborhood and that these things “don’t happen here”. And to be honest, you are right. But how much do wheel locks cost compared to a new set of wheels and tires?

Understandably, if you are running on a tight budget, and basically need to choose between installing wheel locks and having your next oil change done in time, Of course, go for the oil change. Wheel locks are not essential. But if you can afford it, getting wheel locks can be a sage move.

Better safe than sorry, right?

How do I identify the right wheel locks for my vehicle?

Wheel locks need to fit the studs already installed on your vehicle and, for that, you’ll need to know the correct lug type, size, and thread pitch. When in doubt, consult a mechanic or consult your car’s owner manual.

How do I install wheel locks on my vehicle?

Installing wheel locks is the easy part. Simply remove one of your lug nuts/wheel bolts from your wheel with a wrench and replace it with your wheel lock. Thread the wheel lock by hand initially, then properly tighten it using the key.

That’s it!

How many wheel locks should I purchase?

You would find most wheel locks are available in packs of four, as you are assumed to need only one lock for each wheel, and that is safe enough. But some companies also offer wheel locks in a set of twenty, by which you can replace all of your nuts/bolts with wheel locks, and you can unlock them with a single key.

We also witnessed some people using two packs of wheel locks so that each wheel has two different locks. It is a less practical approach but is indeed more secure.

What if I lost my wheel lock key?

If you lost your wheel lock key, you could either contact your wheel lock’s manufacturer to get a replacement key or hire a mechanic to remove it for you. If you are lucky enough and use wheel locks from a well-known manufacturer like McGuard and Gorilla, your mechanic could already have “Master Sets” and just remove the locks for you.

However, if your kit uses randomly generated, computerized laser designs, there might not be a Master Set for it. In that case, the mechanic will need to use his brain and find a way. There’s of course always a way to remove wheel locks by force, but that will often damage the wheel. So if the goal was to protect your beloved Goldie rims in the first place, that might not be best.

Remember that every purchase of a wheel lock will usually contain a card/booklet with a unique imprinted code that you should not lose. Often, you must provide it to the manufacturers to validate your ownership status before sending you a replacement key.

In addition, don’t forget to always bring your keys with you in case you need to remove the wheels yourself. Do not leave it at home! You never know when you’ll get a flat, an accident, or whatever so just keep that key in the car. Just get one of those neat little storage bags and leave it in your glove box.

Yes, you could argue that then the thief could just throw a brick in a window and go get the key. But if he is ready to go that far, he could just steal the whole car and deal with the wheel locks later. Once again, wheel locks won’t prevent really determined thieves from stealing your wheels or even your car from being stolen using a tock truck either—but it sure can help!

Verdict

Unless you keep your car parked in a locked garage, you are always somewhat at risk of being a wheel theft victim. Hence, it’s just simpler to get yourself a set of affordable wheel locks to prevent that.

For those who are short on cash but still want to take safety precautions, the Gorilla Guard II™ is a pocket-friendly and decently secure option. But for those with a slightly bigger budget, the McGard 5-Lock Set might be one of the best performing locking wheel nuts without breaking the bank. It is easy to use, modernly developed, and pretty challenging to break into.

Finally, if you want nothing but the best of the best, the Gorilla X2 Wheel Locks is what you need. This one is a no-brainer—it’s the best thing out there!