Is this Wheel/Lug Nut Safe to use?

[dahrens1]

In the MARC "Technically Speaking" Volume 10 pg. 18 it describes a problem caused by some reproduction lug nuts that do not have the 3/32" thread relief at the base of the lug nut as required in the original Ford specs. This was also described, I believe, on pg. 7 of the March/April 1988 issue of The Restorer magazine. The article in this link also discusses this: http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/dangerouslugnuts.htm

In the picture below the lug nut on the left (might be an original lug nut) has the required 3/32" thread relief. The lug nut on the right is a new stainless steel reproduction lug nut purchased recently from one of the vendors. As you can see it does not have much of a thread relief at all, at most 1/32" and at one point 0.0" thread relief.

So my question is is it safe to use or could it cause problems with thread torque and possible loose wheels over time?

Thanks

Dave

[Drive Shaft Dave]

The one on the right I would not use. When tightening that lug nut with a possibly sloppy wheel hub hole ,the lack of relief would cause the nut to tighten down to the drum leaving the tapered part of the nut loose on hub of the wheel. I think one of national clubs magazine describes this in detail. The article in Ford Garage says it all.

[WHN]

The vendors sell a washer that is designed to be used with lug nuts.

I think that would take care of your concerns.

We put them on all our cars. No problems and protects paint.

[Dollar Bill]

+1 for the S/S lug nuts and washers.

[johnbuckley]

Originally Posted by Drive Shaft Dave

The one on the right I would not use. ...l.

Just to show we're all different the one on the right IS the one I'd use! I'm always apprehensive that wheel nuts may bottom out onto the hub before they grab onto the wheel, if the hole of the wheel is worn. The flatted off one on the right strikes me as a better design.

[jm29henry]

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Iug # 1 gets my vote !!!

[Roger V]

The relief is for the shoulder on the lug bolt as its threads don't go all the way to the hub. Therefore, the lug nut on the right hand side stops before it can get to the hub or tighten against the wheel's lug hole. Worn or "wallered-out" (not a word) lug holes in a wheel are another issue and why the lug washers were invented.

[V4F]

use "wheel savers" ........... helps the wheels from wallowing .

**The vendors sell a washer that is designed to be used with lug nuts.

[Afordman31]

When I buy a Model A wheel I take a lug nut with me and check the holes for wear. I put the nut in its place and check to see that it doesn't extend out on the backside. If it falls short that would be the one that I would buy!

[RUNNERBUN]

Using the one on the right is possible but I would use the washer. If you have a lathe or a friend with one I would suggest you can cut the relief as well. Should be a straight forward job.

[captndan]

Use the correct ones to begin with. I have never heard of a wheel falling off because of incorrect lug nuts.