Lug Nut Covers - To cheap to stay on!

[dadstoy]

Any ideas on how I could secure my new lug nut covers to the lug nuts? I bought replacements a couple years ago and they do not fit tight over the lug nut. I tried some kitchen/bath caulking (that's what I had around at the time). I lost all three new ones before I got to first stop.

Maybe a good silicon?

[Isuzusweet]

I'm not sure what method is used to keep them on, is it just friction or are there sprung plate surfaces that could be gently pried out to give the cover more of a bite?

If not, could you buy a rare earth magnet that could be JB welded into place inside the cover?

I have stainless steel simulator covers over steel wheels so the three removable lug nut covers I have, screw onto threaded nipples that themselves are threaded onto the wheel studs. The least of my worries are any covers coming loose.

Cheers
Tony

[CRH]

I have the opposite problem. Mine are extremely difficult to get off.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by dadstoy

Any ideas on how I could secure my new lug nut covers to the lug nuts? I bought replacements a couple years ago and they do not fit tight over the lug nut. I tried some kitchen/bath caulking (that's what I had around at the time). I lost all three new ones before I got to first stop.

Maybe a good silicon?

As near as I've been able to figure out Airstream used two different sizes of lug nuts. The larger 19.5 wheels used 1-1/16" lug nuts and the Argosy 16.5" wheels used 1" lug nuts. I've been able to find both sizes of lug nut covers.

As the others have mentioned I've generally found them difficult to remove as they fit fairly tight.

You might measure your lug nuts to be sure you have the right size covers.

Brad

[Morgan guy]

I gave up with the lug nut covers and just ordered a set of stainless lug nuts. Am very happy with that decision.

[pappy19]

Originally Posted by Morgan guy

I gave up with the lug nut covers and just ordered a set of stainless lug nuts. Am very happy with that decision.

Yes, I did the same thing, only wish I had done it sooner. Take one off and go down to the local tire store and buy or order. They were $1.00 each when I bought mine a couple of years ago. Solid stainless steel is the only way to go.

[dadstoy]

I didn't think SS lug nuts would be in my budget these days but at a buck each, maybe!


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[pappy19]

You might have to shop around but that's all I paid for them. Main thing is to get the right thread and contour. After installing, I had to re-tighten for the first 2 trips, after that, I check them once in a while but have always been tight.

[Antique Pedaler]

I bought McGard 64010s from Amazon.

[Hiho Silver]

Originally Posted by Antique Pedaler

I bought McGard 64010s from Amazon.

Not sure if they are in your budget, but I bought the same ones, used them on my 2008, and now 2014, they are $12.69 for four on amazon. Here is the link Amazon.com: McGard 64010 Chrome Bulge Cone Seat Style Lug Nuts (1/2" - 20 Thread Size) - Set of 4: Automotive

[Antique Pedaler]

Originally Posted by Hiho Silver

Not sure if they are in your budget, but I bought the same ones, used them on my 2008, and now 2014, they are $12.69 for four on amazon. Here is the link Amazon.com: McGard 64010 Chrome Bulge Cone Seat Style Lug Nuts (1/2" - 20 Thread Size) - Set of 4: Automotive

Scroll down. One vender has them for $8.49.

[John Millner]

I was told I needed new lug nuts by the tire dealer who put my covers on and a number slipped off. My Mercedes mechanic said they didn't know what they were talking about. He used a punch in that dimple area then placed them on the lug nuts. I didn't have a problem since.

[dadstoy]

I was going to try a punch on the dimple...great suggestion! I need to give that a try since I already have all new covers and I really "must" stop spending money on this "toy".

[Hiho Silver]

Well if you have a flat in a bad spot and have to change a tire quickly, and the lug nut cover spins but not the lug nut, you might wish you had installed solid lug nuts. Sometimes the covers can be very difficult to remove to get to the lug nut. Anyway that's what happened to me.



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[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Hiho Silver

Not sure if they are in your budget, but I bought the same ones, used them on my 2008, and now 2014, they are $12.69 for four on amazon. Here is the link Amazon.com: McGard 64010 Chrome Bulge Cone Seat Style Lug Nuts (1/2" - 20 Thread Size) - Set of 4: Automotive

The above link is for trailer lug nuts. The original poster of this thread has a 280 Classic motorhome and the lug nuts are larger (9/16 or 5/8).

Brad

[bpg_austin]

When I had my rear tires replaced a few months ago the shop manager told me a secret. He sees them fall of all the time. A quick tap on one of the flat sides with a hammer squashes the cover enough for a tight fit. A simple flat head screwdriver and a little prying gets them off easily enough when changing tires. Worked for me!