Wheel lock set

considering I have it on my Dec 2012 production Model S, and the service center installed them for me at delivery, it's been around for a long time.

I have very mixed feelings about wheel locks after I stripped the wheel lock key on my current car. After some googling/youtubing, I got a socket and hammer, and removed the remaining 3 wheel locks [with no key] in 5 minutes.

Might be more difficult with Tesla's crazy torque requirements, but probably still doable...

Max* said:

Might be more difficult with Tesla's crazy torque requirements, but probably still doable...

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Nope. Still easily doable.

Max* said:

I have very mixed feelings about wheel locks after I stripped the wheel lock key on my current car. After some googling/youtubing, I got a socket and hammer, and removed the remaining 3 wheel locks [with no key] in 5 minutes.

Might be more difficult with Tesla's crazy torque requirements, but probably still doable...

Click to expand...

linkster said:

Nope. Still easily doable.

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Right. Still pretty easy. These are just you're run-of-the-mill McGard locks in a Tesla package. Many shops keep an entire set of keys for these locks, which gives you some idea how easy it is to get the keys. If you don't have the keys, just hammer on a socket as suggested. These will deter only the most casual of wheel thieves.

I lost my key on a previous car. The shop had also lost the exact same key I needed so they just used the hammer and socket trick. It took so little time they didn't even charge any labor, just $10 to replace their socket. I suggested they replace their missing key. :biggrin:

So not worth it?

These kind of remind me of the old "Club" steering wheel lock. I was at a mall or trade show where it was being demonstrated on a mocked up dashboard. The rep had a bunch of tools laid out (hack saw, tin snips, hammer etc) and challenged anyone from the audience to come up and try to get it off the steering wheel. One guy went up, grabbed the tin snips, cut through the steering wheel itself and pulled the gap open enough to slip the still locked Club right off. It was hilarious. Steering wheels are by design kind of weak so that they will bend and not cause injury in a serious accident. Basically just rubber over a coat hanger sized wire frame.

caps04 said:

So not worth it?

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Think of it as a door lock. Would a good lock deter a thief that is determined to rob your particular house? Probably not. Would it deter a thief who's looking to rob any house? Sure, they'll go for the one with the easier to pick lock/window to smash.

mknox said:

These kind of remind me of the old "Club" steering wheel lock. I was at a mall or trade show where it was being demonstrated on a mocked up dashboard. The rep had a bunch of tools laid out (hack saw, tin snips, hammer etc) and challenged anyone from the audience to come up and try to get it off the steering wheel. One guy went up, grabbed the tin snips, cut through the steering wheel itself and pulled the gap open enough to slip the still locked Club right off. It was hilarious. Steering wheels are by design kind of weak so that they will bend and not cause injury in a serious accident. Basically just rubber over a coat hanger sized wire frame.

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Similar in concept to two-way vs. one-way deadbolts on a door with a window (or window trim around the door frame). The deadbolt may be super high-end, but if it's one-way, the burglar could just break the window and turn the knob from the inside (or if the window is big enough, come in through there).

I got these because they have an outer collar that spins if someone tries to use those lug out sockets:

Amazon.com: Gorilla Automotive 61641 Acorn Gorilla Guard Locks (14mm x 1.50 Thread Size) - Set of 4: Automotive

Chris TX said:

I got these because they have an outer collar that spins if someone tries to use those lug out sockets:

Amazon.com: Gorilla Automotive 61641 Acorn Gorilla Guard Locks (14mm x 1.50 Thread Size) - Set of 4: Automotive

Click to expand...

I haven't seen those before, those are pretty cool!

Chris TX said:

I got these because they have an outer collar that spins if someone tries to use those lug out sockets:
Amazon.com: Gorilla Automotive 61641 Acorn Gorilla Guard Locks (14mm x 1.50 Thread Size) - Set of 4: Automotive

Click to expand...

Except that you could still pound a standard 12-point socket in between the lug and the sleeve. I've seen reports online that indicate those actually make it easier because the sleeve helps prevent the sacrificial socket from splitting.

I wouldn't waste your time. If I have the tools to remove your tires, I have the tools to remove a silly lock like this...

Locks keep honest people honest. If someone wants your wheels, maybe a Dash Cam is the best defense.

SabrToothSqrl said:

If someone wants your wheels, maybe a Dash Cam is the best defense.

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Or maybe my standard stock 19s are enough of a deterrent!

I got wheel locks because one time while parked at a hotel with a gas station right across the street (thinking with cameras there and in plain sight it would be safe), the wheels of our loaner Tesla were all stolen overnight... even a small deterrent is better than nothing! A thief is more likely to rob a house with no security alarm than a house with signs that mention security, sure they can still get in if they are good but there are plenty of others to choose from.

I also have seen criminals at my own work parking lot go around cutting off valuable pieces of the undercarriage of ICE cars (e.g. catalytic converters that contain platinum) to salvage the metal for a few hundred (which then costs thousands to replace), I am so glad I don't have to worry about that.

Chris TX said:

I got these because they have an outer collar that spins if someone tries to use those lug out sockets:

Amazon.com: Gorilla Automotive 61641 Acorn Gorilla Guard Locks (14mm x 1.50 Thread Size) - Set of 4: Automotive

Click to expand...

I have these too. My only issue with them is the shiny chrome. My wheels have a dark matte finish, and the rest of my wheel bolts are black. I may try a cheap solution like bit of black vinyl knowing that it will have a limited life.

Terra117 said:

I have these too. My only issue with them is the shiny chrome. My wheels have a dark matte finish, and the rest of my wheel bolts are black. I may try a cheap solution like bit of black vinyl knowing that it will have a limited life.

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i will be getting the 21in Grey Turbine. If I want the locks, should I get the black instead of the chrome?

+1

You cannot stop someone who is absolutely determined to steal your wheels, regardless of any locks you use.

Max* said:

Think of it as a door lock. Would a good lock deter a thief that is determined to rob your particular house? Probably not. Would it deter a thief who's looking to rob any house? Sure, they'll go for the one with the easier to pick lock/window to smash.

Click to expand...