Lug nuts come in a variety of shapes, seat angles, thread pitches and wrench types
This buyers guide explains how to select and install the proper lug nuts for your vehicle and/or aftermarket wheels in 5 easy steps.
- Seat Type
- Thread Size and Pitch
- Wrenching Type
- Appearance
- Torque Specifications
Seat Type
When asking what lug nuts fit my car or truck, determining the lug nut seat type that your wheels require is the first step in selecting the proper lug nuts for your needs. A 60 degree included angle tapered seat lug nut is a very common automotive lug nut design. The tapered seat will help center the wheel as the lug nuts are tightened and will typically yield a truer and more balanced assembly when compared to a shank or mag seat.
45 degree tapered seat lug nuts are exclusively used on circle track racing wheels. The 45 degree spec is a centerline angle measurement which makes it a 90 degree included angle. This lug nut taper is used for aftermarket racing wheel brands such as Speedway Motors, Aero, Bassett, etc. Never use 45 degree lug nuts on OEM wheels which have a 60 degree tapered seat. If your rules require 1” hex size circle track lug nuts and OEM wheels then you will need to machine the taper on your wheels to 45 degrees for a proper fit.
Lug nuts come in a variety of seat types. It's important to the application to know the difference.
Shank or mag seat lug nuts have a flat seat and typically have a washer between the lug nut and the wheel. These lug nuts must be ordered by the shank diameter and shank length that is required for your wheels. Be sure not to order a shank diameter that is smaller than your wheels require since this will likely result in an out of balance and/or out of round assembly.
E/T Ultra tapered mag seat lug nuts incorporate a tapered seat with a shank on the end. These lug nuts are used on select wheels and wheel spacers/adapters.
Thread Size and Pitch
To determine the lug nut thread that is required for your vehicle the first step is to measure the thread size. Do this by measuring the outside diameter of the wheel stud threads on your vehicle. Using a tape measure on a threaded stud is difficult to get an accurate measurement so we suggest using a dial calipers or digital calipers to increase accuracy. Common thread diameters used for lug nuts in SAE sizes are 7/16, 1/2, 9/16 and 5/8”. Common metric thread diameters are 12 mm and 14 mm.
How to determine thread pitch for your lug nuts
To determine the thread pitch on SAE threads you need to count the number of threads within a one inch long section of the stud. Use a tape measure to mark off a one inch section and count the number of threads. When counting be sure to only count the high points of the threads. Common thread pitch for SAE sizes are 11, 18, and 20 threads per inch making the most common SAE thread sizes 7/16”-20, 1/2"-20, 9/16”-18, 5/8”-18, and 5/8”-11.
To determine the thread pitch on Metric threads you need to find the number of threads within a one millimeter long section of the stud. Since this is extremely tough to estimate we suggest marking off a 10 millimeter long section, then after counting the threads divide your number by 10. Example: If you have 15 threads in a 10 mm section then that means there would be 1.5 threads per mm and the math looks like this: 15 ÷ 10 = 1.5
Common thread pitch for Metric threads are 1.25 and 1.50 threads per millimeter making the most common thread sizes 12 mm x 1.25, 12 mm x 1.50 and 14 mm x 1.50
Wrenching Type
Hex lug nuts are by far the most common. Easily available sockets or wrenches can be used to install or remove hex lug nuts which makes them the most popular. This allows the wheels to be removed or installed by any mechanic or tire shop when the vehicle needs service or repair. The downside is your wheels are more susceptible to being stolen when using hex lug nuts. If theft is a concern you may want to consider a set of wheel locks which are described in more detail next.
Lug nut styles determine the type of wrench needed. Traditional Hex, Spline and Hex Key shown
Spline drive lug nuts can be used to change the look or to match a wheel style. One spline drive lug nut per wheel can also be used for anti-theft purposes and are commonly called wheel locks. These lug nuts will require a very specific socket to install and remove them. Some kits come with the required socket and other kits the spline drive socket will be sold separately. A second socket for your spline drive lug nuts is a good idea in case one is damaged or lost. We recommend storing one in your toolbox at home and one in the glove box of your vehicle in case of a flat while traveling.
Hex key lug nuts provide a smooth outer appearance and are commonly used with wheels that have a very small counter bore for the lug nut to fit into. These lug nuts require a hex key to install or remove them. A benefit of this lug nut is you will not have any damage to the finish of the outer surface of the lug nuts when installing or removing them. The hex key is internal so any scuffs or scratches from the tools will be on the inside surface. With this style of lug nut you will need to carry special tools in your vehicle to remove them in case of a flat while on the road.
Appearance
Open end lug nuts are generally cheaper than other styles and used on vehicles which have hub caps that cover the lug nuts. Open lug nuts are also widely used for racing applications since some rules will require a specific amount of threads protruding past the end of the lug nut. If your rules do not specify a number of threads protruding past the lug nut then we suggest two threads minimum past the lug nut in racing applications for safety purposes.
Double sided lug nuts are primarily used in racing applications where pit stop times must be trimmed down to be as short as possible. The double sided design allows you to install the lug nut either direction so there is no fumbling around or lug nuts installed backwards.
Lug nuts come in a variety of colors and finishes
Acorn lug nuts are used on all sorts of vehicles where the capped off appearance and no stud showing in the center is desirable. This provides a very clean appearance which makes them perfect for hot rods, muscle cars, show cars, and daily drivers.
The finish or color is also a consideration when buying lug nuts. Many open end lug nuts are zinc plated for corrosion resistance but they do not have the shine quality that would be desirable in some applications. A chrome plated finish provides a show quality shine that is suitable for many needs. There are also various black lug nut options to further customize the look to your particular wheels.
Proper torque pattern for lug nuts
Lug Nut Torque Spec Chart
Now that you have chosen the proper lug nuts for your needs and are ready to install them the last step is to torque them properly. To accomplish this, we suggest using a 1/2” drive torque wrench. Torque the lug nuts in two steps, starting at 40 ft/lbs of torque for your first step to get the wheel seated properly. Then for the final torque refer to our chart below for torque recommendations based on your lug nut thread size. Be sure to follow the torque sequence shown above for your specific lug count.
Wheel Lug Nut Torque Specs
Related Articles
How To Measure Wheel Bolt Pattern
Understanding Wheel Offset and Backspacing
Wheel Studs Dimensions Guide - Measure Diameter, Length, Knurl and Thread Pitch
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