Miata Mailing List: October 1994, Message #128
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   From: kenw@netaxs.com (Ken Warren)
Subject: Re: Wheel Lock info
   Date: Sat, 8 Oct 1994 07:51:58 -0400

At 04:00 PM 10/7/94 -0400, Robert Cohen wrote:
>        Reply to:   RE>Wheel Lock info
>CYRUS CHEUNG writes about stripped wheel locks.
>
>I experienced the same thing, but only after the dealer had
>put an air wrench on them.  Since that time, I've properly 
>hand-torqued them, and have had no problems since .
>
>I know this doesn't answer your original question, but I 
>know there are better aftermarket locks out there -- someone
>else will probably give you more info on those.

If you're concerned about the use of an air wrench on your lugs, you might 
want to ask the dealer/mechanic to apply your lug nuts using either your own 
torque wrench, which you would of course politely hand to him, or a torque 
stick. A torque stick is a clever thing which causes an air wrench to be 
(almost) incapable of exceeding a certain torque. They come in a wide range 
of torques, and they're quite accurate. When I replaced my race rubber 
recently, the mechanic used an 87 ft-lb torque stick on one wheel, then 
checked the torque with my torque wrench set to 90 ft-lbs. There was just a 
hint of movement before the wrench clicked, which was just what I hoped to 
see. Be aware that a lot of shops don't *have* torque sticks. The best bet 
is to go to a tire/wheel place that deals with the custom car crowd.
--
Ken
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           Ken Warren               E-Mail: kenw@netaxs.com
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