Spare wheel security bolt - A word of caution

[Hubert]

Just preparing my 09 ready for trade in tomorrow:

I bought a spare wheel security bolt after buying the van to prevent the light-fingered ones collecting a set of new wheels.
The security bolt comes with a light metal cap to cover the bolt end and prevent grime getting into the patterned key-holes. Trying to get this off is a nightmare, the fit is so tight with a little indent gripper that getting it off by hand proved impossible. I needed to use a pair of grips, even then it was difficult because of the raised rim of the wheel cradle. I wouldn't like to have tried this at the side of the road following a puncture.
When I put it on the new van I won't push it fully home to make it easier to remove. It should still stay on due to the close fit.
The other annoying thing is the key bolt for removal is a different size to the wheel bolts :headwall so make sure you carry the right sized spanner.

Hubert

 

[Paulro]

Good tip. I have just bought one and would have assumed the socket size would be the same.