Wheel Locks - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Fanatic · #1 08-12-2002, 01:35 AM

What is eveyone's opinion of wheel locks? What type do you use and and how many?

There is a lot of debate that it is not recommended to use more than one lock per wheel. Why not? Would this not be more of a deterant for thieves as it will just slow them down (even by just a couple of minutes more)?

Give me your thoughts. Thanks.

PS: I currently using one set of McGuards.

jeneric21 · #2 08-12-2002, 10:38 PM

I would recommend using only one set for all 4 wheels. If someone really wants your wheels, he'll find a way to get them or take your whole car. Also, most owners usually store the wheel lock key in the trunk. I'm sure they also know this fact.

I also use McGuards as they are the OEM supplier for Mercedes.

bobbyv · #3 08-12-2002, 11:49 PM

can the use of wheel locks upset your wheel/tire balance?

It's not always the exact same weight as a regular bolt.

Fanatic · #4 08-13-2002, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jeneric21
I would recommend using only one set for all 4 wheels. If someone really wants your wheels, he'll find a way to get them or take your whole car.

But the question is still why only one set? Trust me, with the problems I've had with previous cars (broken into multiple times, entire car stolen) I know that given a determined theif there isn't anything to stop them.

I ask the question because I want them to think twice before trying. This goes to the old saying "there are easier pickings". I haven't given up on trying to stop/slow them down, otherwise I wouldn't have even bothered with the first set.

Is there anything physically/mechanically wrong with using more than one set of wheel locks?

tvpierce · #5 08-14-2002, 05:42 PM

I'm not familiar with McGuards. Do they truly require a "key" or just a special lug wrench?

Jeff Pierce

Fanatic · #6 08-14-2002, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tvpierce
I'm not familiar with McGuards. Do they truly require a "key" or just a special lug wrench?
Jeff Pierce

Jeff,
McGuards uses a key style lock in which the female receptor bolt head is shaped in different star like patterns with the center left in. The debate is that becuase the male "key" is thin walled, and given manufacturing tolerances, this style of locks only allows "X" value of torque (below what is recommended) before you lose the positive lock between the male and female parts and damage the locking mechanism.

I don't really buy it becuase when I installed my locks, I used a torque wrench to thighten them up just like how I did with the standard bolts and it held up to 90 ft-lbs of torque just fine. The locks doesn't look stripped and I didnt feel any slippage when tightening. So why shouldn't you install multiple sets........??

tvpierce · #7 08-15-2002, 11:34 AM

From a security standpoint, I don't think you gain anything by using multiple sets. Presumably, the only way the criminal is going to be able to remove these is to have his own "key". So if he has the key for one, then he has the key for all five, right?

Jeff Pierce

ke6dcj · #8 08-15-2002, 07:01 PM

Have you seen on TV that funky socket that's comprised of a bunch of steel spokes. It self conforms to the shape of ANY bolt, and allows you to remove stripped head bolts, etc.

Guess what they're using to remove those wheel-locks that are based-upon a pattern . . .

I think a better wheel-lock is the key-based one. There is no pattern for the self-conforming socket to attach to. Just hope you never loose the key.

I myself don't use them because that's what insurance is for. . .

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

tvpierce · #9 08-15-2002, 09:58 PM

The key system does seem superior. Even so, if you have the key for one, you have the key for all five. So I don't think multiple sets offers any more security than a single set.
Agreed?

That having been said -- I am in favor of wheel locks if for no other reason than it makes it a little more difficult on the would-be thief. Maybe they'll move along to the next car. Frankly, that's your only hope. Because if they really want your wheels, they're gonna get them.

In my humble opinion.

jp