Chrome Wheel Lock Lug Bolts, 12mm, 60 Degree, 4 Pack

OVERVIEW

Protecting your investment is paramount when you are cruising in a classic air-cooled Volkswagen or a custom dune buggy. Standard lug bolts are unfortunately easy for thieves to remove with common tools, leaving your expensive aftermarket wheels vulnerable. These EMPI Chrome Wheel Lock Lug Bolts provide a robust line of defense for your vehicle. Designed with a 12mm x 1.5 thread pitch, these locks are specifically engineered to fit many early VW applications and aftermarket disc brake conversions. The high-quality chrome plating not only provides a brilliant, mirror-like finish that complements your custom wheels but also offers a layer of corrosion resistance against the elements. Whether you are parked at a crowded car show or in your own driveway, these locking bolts ensure that your wheels stay exactly where they belongon your car.

What sets these EMPI wheel locks apart is the intelligent socket-style design. Unlike cheaper locking kits that use thin, external patterns prone to stripping or rounding off under pressure, these bolts utilize an internal or specific socket-drive interface. This design significantly limits the risk of stripping the head of the bolt, which is a common nightmare for enthusiasts during a roadside tire change. The kit comes complete as a 4-pack, allowing you to secure one wheel bolt on each corner of the vehicle. Each set includes the specialized security key tool required for installation and removal, ensuring you have everything you need to upgrade your security immediately. If you have spent hundreds or thousands of dollars on the perfect set of EMPI, BRM, or Riviera-style wheels, this kit is the most cost-effective insurance policy you can buy.

FITMENT

These 12mm locking lug bolts are designed for specific Volkswagen and off-road applications. Please verify your thread size and seat type before ordering, as many later Volkswagens transitioned to 14mm hardware.

• VW Beetle: 1946 through 1967 (Standard 12mm applications)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1966
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961 through 1965
• VW Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1970 (Front and Rear depending on drum/disc setup)
• Custom Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Utilizing 12mm x 1.5 threaded hubs or brake drums
• Aftermarket Disc Brake Kits: Many 5-lug and 4-lug conversion kits utilize 12mm threads
• Note: These feature a 60-degree tapered (cone) seat, which is standard for most aftermarket aluminum alloy wheels. They are NOT intended for use with original equipment (OEM) steel wheels that require a ball-style seat.

SPECS

• Thread Size: 12mm x 1.5
• Seat Type: 60-Degree Tapered (Cone Seat)
• Quantity: 4 Locking Bolts per Pack
• Finish: Triple-Plated Chrome
• Material: Hardened Steel Alloy
• Drive Type: Specialized Security Socket (Tool Included)
• Part Number: 70-2706-0
• Manufacturer: EMPI

PRO TIPS

1. Always Hand-Start Your Locking Bolts

When installing your new EMPI locking lug bolts, never start them with a tool or a lug wrench. Always thread them in by hand for at least three to five full rotations to ensure the threads are properly aligned. Air-cooled VW hubs and drums are often made of cast materials that can be easily cross-threaded if the bolt is forced in at an angle. By hand-starting the bolt, you can feel for any resistance and ensure a smooth seat. This simple step prevents expensive damage to your brake drums or disc rotors and ensures the security bolt can be easily removed when necessary.

2. Never Use Impact Wrenches on Security Locks

It is absolutely critical that you do not use an air or electric impact wrench to install or remove locking lug bolts. The high-frequency hammering action of an impact tool can vibrate the security key out of the grooves, leading to immediate stripping of the lock pattern or the key itself. Instead, use a high-quality torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the manufacturer''s recommended specifications (typically between 70-80 ft-lbs for 12mm VW hardware, but check your specific wheel requirements). Using a manual wrench ensures that the key remains fully seated in the bolt head, preserving the life of the tool and the hardware.

3. Secure Your Key Tool and Record the Pattern

The most common issue VW owners face with locking bolts isn''t theftit''s losing the key. We recommend keeping the security socket in a consistent, hidden location within the vehicle, such as inside your glove box or a tool roll under the rear seat. Additionally, it is a smart move to take a high-resolution photo of the key pattern and the packaging information. Having this record makes it significantly easier to source a replacement from EMPI if the original tool is ever misplaced. Don''t wait until you have a flat tire on the side of the road to realize your key is sitting on your workbench at home!