Stolen Wheels - Wheel Locks Worth It?

[Shenanigans 31]

Had my wheel stolen over the weekend from my gated apartment complex. Thieves only had two blocks so the car was sitting on the front rotors. I'm hoping there is no damage.

I'm considering getting wheel locks but I know that a dedicated thief is going to be able to get through them. Do any of y'all have any experience with them? Is it worth it? Will it do nothing?

I have concerns that now that they know where I live they'll hit me again.

[Soldierhorn 206]

If I told you...

then I wouldnt be able to get your next set of wheels!  Undoubtedly, you are going to buy better ones this time round.

[Shenanigans 31]

They were stock rims on a Camry...hardly an extravagant vehicle. I just want the OEMs.

[Soldierhorn 206]

I recommend that you "Donk" it up and make the snatching worth the effort this time round.  

[XYZ 2154]

I’ve also been wondering if wheel locks are actually effective. It seems that those wrenches that have a bunch of “pins” that conform to whatever shape would easily defeat those locks.

[SurlyBDR 22888]

Totally worth it. Unless your local criminal has $70 and an Amazon account.

https://www.amazon.com/Steelman-Pro-78537-16-Piece-Locking/dp/B00JF5F420

 

If someone wants your wheels, they're going to get them. The wheel locks are simply a deterrent that will slow down the process, which is not typically conducive to their trade.

Edited July 2, 2019 by SurlyBDR

[RPM 26382]

A lock only stops an honest man. A boobytrap stops everyone.

[ShaggyBevo RIP 3868]

Wheel locks are about sending thieves looking for easier targets. 

[Soldierhorn 206]

I think the trick is getting wheels that others DONT want....

[Francisco 2.0 32432]

Not really.  If they want the wheels, they can get them off.  Even with a Craftsman socket.  Shit, here's a 9 year old Youtube clip

 

 

[pops 7014]

That sucks man. What an asswhip. 

Bag that fucker and drop it when you park so they can't get a jack under it. 

 

[millhouse 2637]

You had to have anticipated this when you bought the swangas

[Baboontyme 2832]

This is why I refuse to drive a Camry.

[dingleberryswitzer 2724]

Yea if their stealing OEM rims from a Camry then you are just screwed.  What you're going to find out though it that OEM rims are expensive to replace, even for used ones.  Check Craigslist for your wheels in a few days.

[ShaggyBevo RIP 3868]

On 7/2/2019 at 9:14 PM, Francisco 2.0 said:

Not really.  If they want the wheels, they can get them off.  Even with a Craftsman socket.  Shit, here's a 9 year old Youtube clip

 

 

The better ones have a rotating outer sleeve these days so that method no longer works. The socket will just spin the sleeve.

 https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Automotive-61631-Acorn-Thread/dp/B000CMJ2QE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?creativeASIN=B000CMJ2QE&imprToken=y-ADqWXlvw5nPtdTZge0xA&slotNum=0&ie=UTF8&qid=1522512819&sr=8-3&keywords=locking+wheel+nuts&linkCode=w61&tag=dan0389-20&linkId=7e12824222d771694ea650be1edace9e

But again, wheel locks are about making thieves look for easier targets 

[NeverMarryAStripper 22000]

So is Smith and Wesson

[tbone_ 14219]

Oem Camry wheels. Lol

[Grade of D as in David 13253]

Sinks, swangas, and stolen stock Camry wheels. This thread has it all.

[housious 468]

10 hours ago, ShaggyBevo RIP said:

The better ones have a rotating outer sleeve these days so that method no longer works. The socket will just spin the sleeve.

 https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Automotive-61631-Acorn-Thread/dp/B000CMJ2QE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?creativeASIN=B000CMJ2QE&imprToken=y-ADqWXlvw5nPtdTZge0xA&slotNum=0&ie=UTF8&qid=1522512819&sr=8-3&keywords=locking+wheel+nuts&linkCode=w61&tag=dan0389-20&linkId=7e12824222d771694ea650be1edace9e

But again, wheel locks are about making thieves look for easier targets 

This. They are about as effective as a home security system. Neither will stop a thief, but your best bet is to make it more of a pain in the ass to steal your stuff than your neighbor’s stuff.

 

Thats why I use wheel locks.

[LonghornJones 837]

I walked out one morning and found my wheel caps (?) on the street, but all of my wheels were still there. I attribute that to the locking lug nuts. However, I never got to say a proper goodbye to my 3rd row seats.  #neverforget