McGards locking bolts - how many keys?

[parapaul]

In a nutshell, what I want to do is buy 2 sets of McGards locking bolts that share the same key. It must be possible, there can only be a finite number of key shapes - but will they sell them on that basis?

Are the packs numbered somehow, to identify which key is used?

[Orbin]

from what i have seen, you only find out once you've opened the packet.

is there a reason why you can't just have two keys?

[parapaul]

I need longer bolts for my rear wheels than for the front, hence why I'll need 2 sets of lockers. I don't want to carry 2 keys in the glove box, that's the only reason.

[XVar]

The chance of buying 2 sets with the same pattern is about zero since the pattern is randomly generated for each set and there's a near infinite number of possible patterns. To give you an idea of the uniqueness, the ID code for mine is about 20 digits long!

From what I've read in the past they'll make up custom length sets for you if you contact them, but if for whatever reason they won't what will definitely work is buying one set and then ordering 2 longer/shorter bolts using the ID code from the set you bought.

[Monty Python]

Be careful with McGard - I bought a set and the first time I used them the key slipped and the edge bent so if wouldn't fit properly. Luckily I managed to force it back into shape and remove them. I won't be going anywhere near them again.

[dhariwab]

Monty Python said:

Be careful with McGard - I bought a set and the first time I used them the key slipped and the edge bent so if wouldn't fit properly. Luckily I managed to force it back into shape and remove them. I won't be going anywhere near them again.

Same here as I went to tighten the mcgard bolt it didnt like the force. I was only hand tightening and the key bent out of shape. I'm going to have to remove the bolts this week so I will see how I get on. Bit annoyed really because with OEM bolts that come with most cars I can stamp on the tyre iron and they are fine (just trying to achieve 100nm torque see).

[Orbin]

parapaul said:

I need longer bolts for my rear wheels than for the front, hence why I'll need 2 sets of lockers. I don't want to carry 2 keys in the glove box, that's the only reason.

just carry two keys. i had the same issue and just went with the 2nd set.

[ikarl]

dhariwab said:

(just trying to achieve 100nm torque see).

at least 100nm I hope!!

[wolf1]

The problem with maguard locking nuts rounding is mainly down to the puny angled wheelbraces now supplied in cars. The leverage is wrong which causes the lock key to no longer sit flush and the force applied then will knacker them.

[Fastra]

I ordered a replacement key from Vauxhall.

Just showed them the registration/ID card that's in the box of bolts.

[monthefish]

dhariwab said:

Same here as I went to tighten the mcgard bolt it didnt like the force. I was only hand tightening and the key bent out of shape. I'm going to have to remove the bolts this week so I will see how I get on. Bit annoyed really because with OEM bolts that come with most cars I can stamp on the tyre iron and they are fine (just trying to achieve 100nm torque see).

I had this too.

The problem is, you'll only discover it when you actually need to change a wheel. I ended up having to go to a tyre fitter to get the nut off because the key had been deformed. Fortunately the wheel wasn't flat, and I was just swapping wheels over for winter. Would have been a different situation had I been stranded with a puncture however.


To be fair on McGard, they were quite good at issuing a replacement key free of charge (I had kept the original packaging/serial no/barcode etc), but I was a bit surprised at it happening in the first place.