[Nivek]

Some early morning humor:

Originally Posted by Web_Foot_STi

I have Gorilla nuts.... One is a LOT bigger than the regular nuts.

What kind of jeans fit those?

[Gumpajim]

Ok folks, I'm not 100% sure all suby locks are the same, but it sure looks that way. All a thief would have to do is walk into a suby dealer, buy a set of locks for 25.00, and that's it. Free wheels. Does anybody have proof that some are different.

Jim

[Slowride]

I got these:

http://www.oakos.com/Merchant2/merch...t_Code=MUTLUGS

[norcal-sti]

no, they're not all the same...i lost my key (dohhh) and had to order a new one, and i can't remember, but there are either 5 or 10 different ones. still not too hard to defeat, but better than just 1!

[sciolist]

I would certainly agree that the limited number of patterns is shoddy design work, but realistically, this kind of weel lock isn't going to do much more than "keep the honest people out". All a theif has to do is grab the outside of the lug and spin the whole thing.

[Slowride]

Originally Posted by sciolist

All a theif has to do is grab the outside of the lug and spin the whole thing.

How? The lug nuts on my Rota SDRs are recessed. I don't think anyone's going to be grabbing and spinning them without some kind of socket. There might be a universal socket like the one they advertise on TV for stripped bolts and such that could get 'em off, but it's better than nothing. And if you leave standard hex head nuts on there, you're making it as easy as possible for someone to steal your wheels.

Of course, I use the splines with the el cheapo Rotas not for anti-theft, but because the stock nuts don't fit in the recesses without a pretty thin-walled socket.

[sciolist]

How? The lug nuts on my Rota SDRs are recessed.

I meant on the stock STi wheels. I have Gorillas and FN01R's on my CRX, which provides that same recessed relationship you're talking about. That is quite a bit more secure than the factory STi locks, because they project clear of the wheel, and because only one lug on each wheel locks. The CRX has locks on all the lugs.

My basic point is just that it's not that hard to figure out how to spin one non-recessed lug free on each wheel if you have enough cover and a little extra time. I think simply avoiding high risk parking areas is the most important security measure.

[Slowride]

OK, good points. Yeah, if you really want to protect your BBSs, park carefully, and use better locking lugs than the standard Subarus.

[Web_Foot_STi]

Blue Jean by David Bowie. The wording of my first post was deliberate. :P

Seriously. The tyre store that I bought the Gorilla Nuts from said to be very careful not to loose the socket. If I didn't have it and I came in with a flat they would have to break the wheel stud to get the wheel off. That's doable, but it isn't easy. I use to break wheel studs for a living. I'd have a nut welded to the stud and use a 2,000 ft-lb torque wrench. More than once the weld broke.

[sciolist]

The first thing I do when I get a set of locks is order a spare key. I hide one key in the car and put the other in my hand tool box with my socket handles. After a few trips to the tire shop, the guys don't even bother to call to ascertain the key's whereabouts.

I see the locks as more of a way to slow down theives than as an absolute deterrent, so I'm not that concerned about the key in the car. Of course it can always come out.

I actually prefer the Gorilla key to a standard socket from the standpoint of basic function. The locks are almost worth it just for that reason. With closely recessed wheels, you are less likely to scratch the finish with the Gorilla socket than a standard wrench.

[davesti]

I checked with SOA (Subaru of America).

...I hope this helps.

Hello Mr. ....

I have been advised by our Accessories Department that there are 45
different wheel lock patterns for the accessory wheel locks that we offer.

Thanks for the opportunity to be of assistance. If you need any future
assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Best wishes,

John J. Mergen
Subaru of America, Inc.

[Gumpajim]

So has anybody found one set that doesn't fit another set?

Jim