TERRIBLE! - Rugged Ridge Locking Lug Nuts for JL/JT

[WILDHOBO]

Do not purchase the item in the thread title. The steel is so soft on the nuts and key that the steel deforms with normal hand sockets. I only had these on for 5k miles. I installed them new when I replaced my wheels. Upon trying to perform the first rotation, I couldn’t get the wheels off due to these extremely poor quality parts. Rugged Ridge support apologized and confirmed that they’ve heard of this happening with other customers. It took three more keys that they sent me to get three of the four off. They were able to send me 4 matching keys, since unbeknownst to me, they only have one key pattern. When they told me that, I just started laughing. The fourth had deformed steel in the lug nut that was beyond help. After a bunch of things tried, I finally succeeded in removing it with a 23mm socket hammered onto it. They’re all replaced with normal spline lugs, but I wanted ti warn others before they’re in the same predicament. I’ve never had this happen to me on any vehicle. And I never use power tools on wheel lugs. Hand tools only.

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[Badunit]

Sounds like they excelled in their stated job of keeping someone from removing your wheels. Even a thief with the key wouldn't be able to steal them.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Sounds like they excelled in their stated job of keeping someone from removing your wheels. Even a thief with the key wouldn't be able to steal them.

Exactly. Very frustrating. I get that locking lugs are a basic deterrent for basic thieves, but it made me feel better. Now they’re gone. If anyone knows of a good quality alternative in black, I’m all ears.

 

[AmishMike]

Put the stock lug nuts back on. It is much more likely that they will steal the whole truck than the wheels.

 

[Mojave20]

Exactly. Very frustrating. I get that locking lugs are a basic deterrent for basic thieves, but it made me feel better. Now they’re gone. If anyone knows of a good quality alternative in black, I’m all ears.

Sorry to hear about, frustrating no doubt. I’ve had these from McGard for 3 years with no issues.
https://www.extremeterrain.com/mcga...on-lug-nut-kit-14mm-x-15-set-of-20-84527.html

 

[WILDHOBO]

Put the stock lug nuts back on. It is much more likely that they will steal the whole truck than the wheels.

Stock lug nuts don’t fit in most aftermarket wheels. They definitely don’t in my nomads.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Sorry to hear about, frustrating no doubt. I’ve had these from McGard for 3 years with no issues.
https://www.extremeterrain.com/mcga...on-lug-nut-kit-14mm-x-15-set-of-20-84527.html

For now I’ll just leave them with splines. But I’m happy to see there is another black locking lug that holds up. Thanks!

 

[AmishMike]

Okay, you need clearance. Yes go with splines. I have been in a shop for nearly 40 years and locking lug nuts are always a problem over 100 ft/lbs. If you rotate regularly, they get worn, if you don’t- they get tight. First time you let someone else try, they bugger them up.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Okay, you need clearance. Yes go with splines. I have been in a shop for nearly 40 years and locking lug nuts are always a problem over 100 ft/lbs. If you rotate regularly, they get worn, if you don’t- they get tight. First time you let someone else try, they bugger them up.

Yep. I’m pretty sure I’m done with them. I do my own 5 way rotations every 5k max, so I’m not dealing with that ever again. And I only use hand tools on lugs. They eroded as easily as cutting butter. Exaggeration included for free.

 

[Pickle_Bill]

 

[WILDHOBO]

The advanced ones look great, and they sell them for JT’s for n black, but I’m not sure they’ll work with my wheels yet. They require a 1” lug opening on the wheel. They’re pretty expensive, but not compared to wheels and tires.

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