Lug Nuts & Bolts

Do your old lug nuts not fit your new wheels, or do you want to protect your wheels against theft? This category brings together lug nuts, lug bolts, wheel studs and locking wheel nuts for you who are changing wheels, building a trackday project or simply want wheel fasteners with the right thread size and seat type.

Nuts, bolts and studs – what goes where?

The wheel is held either by lug nuts, which thread onto fixed studs in the hub, or by lug bolts, which thread directly into the hub. Which system you need depends on the car, so choose the same type as the existing one. Longer wheel studs, e.g. BLOX Racing Forged Extended Wheel Studs, can be relevant when the wheel or a spacer requires more thread length.

How to choose the right wheel fasteners

• Thread size: diameter and pitch must match exactly, e.g. 12x1.25, 12x1.5 or 14x1.5 mm. The wrong pitch can ruin the thread.
• Seat type: conical, spherical or flat must match the wheel – not the old nut.
• Length and engagement: there must be sufficient thread engagement; the requirement depends on the thread and the manufacturer's instructions.
• Hex size and diameter: narrow holes in the wheel may require slim nuts and a special socket.
• Material: e.g. forged nuts from BLOX Racing or titanium from Belak. Weight and durability depend on the product.

Sets such as Rays Dura-Nut also include locking wheel nuts, so the whole wheel is secured with a uniform look. McGard, H&R, Project Kics and Wheel Mate are other brands in the category.

Installation and maintenance

Tighten in a star pattern with a torque wrench to the torque specified by the car or wheel manufacturer, and typically re-torque after the first 50-100 km. Threads and seats must be clean. Check regularly for rust and worn threads, and keep the lock key in a fixed place in the car. If you are also changing wheels, check that the fasteners fit those specific wheels. Whether the parts are approved for road use depends on the product and car and must be checked for the specific part number.

Frequently asked questions

Can I reuse the original nuts on new wheels?

Only if the thread, length and seat type match the new wheels. Aftermarket wheels can have a different seat type than the originals, and the wrong nuts can come loose or damage the wheel.

What do I do if I lose the key for the locking wheel nuts?

Keep any code or card supplied, so a new key can be ordered where the manufacturer offers this. Otherwise, removing the locking nuts without damaging the wheel typically requires a workshop with special tools.

Do lug nuts and lug bolts need to be approved for vehicle inspection?

It depends on the product and car. Check for the specific part number whether documentation or approval exists, and whether the parts fit the car's hubs and wheels. Correct fit and tightening are always essential.

When do longer wheel studs make sense?

Typically when thicker wheel centres or spacers reduce thread engagement. Replacing wheel studs requires correct installation in the hub, so consider a workshop if you are unsure.