What is my lug nut thread size?
There isn’t a universal lug nut thread size; the correct size depends on your vehicle’s wheel studs, which vary by make, model, and year. In practice, many passenger cars use metric threads such as M12x1.5 or M12x1.25, while some trucks and older vehicles use imperial thread sizes like 1/2-20 UNF or 9/16-18 UNF. To be certain, check the official specifications for your vehicle, look up the VIN, or measure the studs and confirm with a reputable parts provider.
How to determine your lug nut thread size
Use these steps to verify the exact thread size and seat type so you can order the correct lug nuts.
- Check the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s official service data for wheel hardware specifications for your exact vehicle and trim.
- Look up your vehicle by VIN at the manufacturer’s site, dealership portal, or a trusted parts retailer to pull wheel stud and lug nut specs.
- Inspect an installed lug nut or wheel stud for markings or reference numbers; compare to known sizes with a caliper and thread gauge.
- Measure the stud diameter with calipers to determine whether you have about 12 mm, 14 mm, or another diameter; determine the thread pitch with a thread gauge or by counting threads per unit (e.g., 1.5, 1.25, 1.75, or 20 TPI).
- If you’re replacing wheels, bring a sample lug nut (or the wheel) to a parts retailer to confirm the correct size and seat type before purchasing.
- When in doubt, consult a professional mechanic or technician to avoid cross-threading or improper seating.
Once you’ve confirmed the thread size, you’ll also need to match the seat type and thread length to ensure proper seating and proper torque.
Common lug nut thread sizes by category
These are representative sizes you may encounter on modern vehicles. Always verify with your vehicle’s documentation or a reliable parts catalog before buying.
- Metric passenger cars: M12x1.5 is the most common; M12x1.25 is used on some models; M14x1.5 appears on a smaller set of larger cars and SUVs.
- Imperial/S.A.E. sizes: 1/2-20 UNF and 9/16-18 UNF are found on some older American cars and heavier-duty trucks.
- Heavier-duty or aftermarket wheels: M14x1.5 or M16x1.5 are encountered in some trucks and performance setups.
Always verify with the wheel manufacturer’s specs and the vehicle’s torque requirements when replacing lug nuts to ensure proper seating and safety.
Seat types to know
Most mainstream passenger cars use conical (tapered) seats, typically 60-degree. Some wheels use ball seats or flange/mag seats; mismatching a lug nut to a wheel seat can cause improper seating and damage. Always match the seat type on the lug nut to the wheel’s lug holes.
Where to buy and how to confirm
When replacing lug nuts, start with the wheel manufacturer’s specs or your vehicle’s data, and then confirm with a reputable parts retailer to ensure compatibility with your wheels and torque requirements.
Summary
In short, lug nut thread size is vehicle-specific and must be verified. Begin with official specs or VIN-based lookups, then measure with calipers and a thread gauge, and finally confirm seat type and length with a trusted parts shop or mechanic. Getting the right size protects wheel integrity, proper torque, and overall safety.
Is 22mm the same as 7 8?
No, 22mm is not exactly the same as 7/8", but they are very close and often considered interchangeable for practical purposes. 22mm is equal to approximately 0.8660.8660.866 inches, while 7/8" is equal to exactly 0.8750.8750.875 inches. A 7/8" tool may be slightly loose on a 22mm nut, while a 22mm tool may be slightly snug on a 7/8" nut.
| 22mm | 7/8" | |
|---|---|---|
| Decimal Equivalent | 0.866140.866140.86614 inches | 0.8750.8750.875 inches |
| Difference | — | 0.008860.008860.00886 inches |
| Closest Standard Size | 7/8" | 22mm |
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What size are wheel nut threads?
The thread size or thread diameter is the measurement taken across the outside diameter of your wheel stud threads measured in either standard (7/16″, 1/2″, etc.) or metric (12mm, 14mm, etc.) dimensions. The most common thread sizes are 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″.
How to find out lug nut thread size?
Most manuals will specify the size and type of lug nuts required for the vehicle. But if you don't have access to your owner's manual, you can check the side of the wheel nut to see if the size is imprinted on it.
What is the most common lug nut thread size?
M12 (1.25, 1.5 or 1.75 mm thread pitch, with M12x1. 5 mm being the most common)
