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I got my set of locks not too long ago but immediately noticed after installation that the inside of the key was heavily dented. The locks themselves seem like good quality but honestly, the key appears to be crap! Under advice, I also decided to order a spare key directly from the Gorilla company. To my surprise, the key they sent appeared to look worse! The original had somewhat of a black semi gloss finish, but this one looked like it had been cheaply spray painted with flat black paint that left over spray residue on my hands.
I did contact the Gorilla company about this. I must add that the first time I called the phone just rang for a while with no answer until it sounded like someone picked up the phone and hanged on me. Nevertheless, this was their response:
1. Dents occur only because of improper use.
2. (Black spay paint) "That's just how we make them."
I only know how to use keys one way: squarely seat them all the way in and turn; I don't think that's improper use. As far as the finish, I've used cheap 99 cent store "Made in China" sockets with a better finish than these.
I'm just wondering if any of you have had the same problem or is this something new?
Picture of the original lock key.
You can really see the dents on the inner teeth.
More dents.
Picture of the spare lock key (unused).
Picture of the spare lock key (unused).
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I cannot speak to the dents you see as I have used Gorilla lugs for over 20 years and had zero problems.
I can see what appears to be damage to one "key" spline and don't understand why it would happen much less to ONLY the back-half of spline. This would suggest a damaged lug to me. I have some wear on my key splines due to use, but don't look "mushed" as yours does.
Are ALL the lugs in good shape and does/did the key fit cleanly over the lugs?
As for finish of wrench, seems to me mine are not painted but have that similar "dusty" kind of finish and have not had a problem with stains. This has not been an issue for me, so if the wrench were OK otherwise, and appears it is not, I wouldn't worry about it.
Check all your lugs closely and make sure there is not casting defects on them.
All the lugs seem identical and I have not noticed any damage to them. Both keys (original and spare) slide in smoothly with ease and don't catch or scrape on anything. They just seem to dent easily. I think they just decided to make the keys out of cheaper materials to save money. Or perhaps they decided that more ruined keys would equal more sales for them. I really don't know.
Try BOTH keys on the lugs. It may be possible that your original key was not hardened properly and damaged under torque. If the one key is bad, send it back to Gorilla and ask them wut up?
Try BOTH keys on the lugs. It may be possible that your original key was not hardened properly and damaged under torque. If the one key is bad, send it back to Gorilla and ask them wut up?
Jazzer
SURE ENOUGH, now both keys have dents in them. After just removing one lug and reinstalling it with the new key I noticed the the dents forming. It's junk.
Does anyone know of another company that will make keys for gorilla locks?
I have no explanation for you. As I said, I have used them for over 20 years and always been fine. I have some scaring on the inside of the key, but just appears to be normal wear. No one else will make a key for the Gorilla lugs, hence the security of having them.
Have the keys been slipping or are ALL the splines damaged? I haven't looked that closely at mine as it is burried in the trunk. There are many splines and as long as the lug can be removed and not continually get worse, maybe this is somewhat normal.
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Anyone Else Have Problems With Gorilla Lock Keys?
