Lug nut

Typically, lug nuts are found on automobiles, trucks (lorries), and other large vehicles using rubber tires.

Some designs (Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Saab, Volkswagen) use lug bolts or wheel bolts instead of nuts, which screw into a tapped (threaded) hole in the wheel's hub or brake drum or brake disc.

The conical lug's taper is normally 60 degrees (although 45 degrees is common for wheels designed for racing applications), and is designed to help center the wheel accurately on the axle, and to reduce the tendency for the nut to loosen due to fretting induced precession, as the car is driven.

Automotive manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, and Honda use this design rather than a tapered seat, but the nut performs the same function.

Both vehicle and wheel manufacturers provide recommended torque values which should be consulted when an installation is done.

Failure to abide by the recommended torque value can result in damage to the wheel and brake rotor/drum.

The tool size needed for removal and installation depends on the type of lug nut.

Most Buicks, Pontiacs, and Oldsmobiles used both left-handed and right-handed lug nuts prior to model year 1965.