A lug nut or wheel nut is a fastener, specifically a nut, used to secure a wheel on a vehicle. Typically, lug nuts are found on automobiles, trucks (lorries), and other large vehicles using rubber tyres. A lug nut is a nut with one rounded or conical (tapered) end, used on steel and most aluminum wheels. A set of lug nuts is typically used to secure a wheel to threaded wheel studs and thereby to a vehicle’s axles.
There are various types of lug nuts, Some brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen use lug bolts or wheel bolts instead of nuts, which screw into a tapped (threaded) hole in the wheel’s hub or drum brake/disc. This configuration is commonly known as a bolted joint.
The major designs of Lug nuts available are:
Cone Seat Lug Nut
The seat refers to the contact area between the base of the fastener head and the wheel’s fastener pocket. Conical lug nut features a straight taper at the seat area. Conical fasteners are also called tapered or cone types.
Bulge Cone Seat Lug Nut
Bulge lug nuts have an extended seating surface that is designed to match the wider seating surface used on some aluminum wheels.
Under Hub Cap Lug Nut
A hubcap is a decorative disk on an automobile wheel that covers at least a central portion of the wheel, called the hub. An automobile hubcap is used to cover the wheel hub and the wheel fasteners to reduce the accumulation of dirt and moisture.
Spline Drive Lug Nut
These lug nuts are the perfect addition to your new wheels. The ultra-thin spline drive design is ideal for small diameter lug holes found on aftermarket wheels. They feature a closed end design, more gripping power, a larger seating surface and extended stud engagement.