These are the three I took off my spare in the back. I'm sure someone will be able to tell me why the middle one is different.
It is a lock nut, you put a padlock through the hole, Bob
It's for a lock.
That prevents the use of a socket, but what about an open end wrench? Would the lock have to go around a spoke also?
Thanks. All three of you gentleman. A lock that will go over a spoke.
I never tried to use an open end wrench on that nut but it would be very difficult to get between the spokes. Even if you could turn it slightly, don't think it would be possible. That one is only for the spare. If you put it on the others, it would throw things out of balance and make a noise and also chip the paint off the spokes. I suppose, since it would be necessary to use a jack to get the other wheels off, the spare would be the easiest to steal. These days not many cars use that size wheel or tire, so it is not likely it would be stolen.
Norm
That hole is really an anchor point for lock and chain. The method serves to protect the wheel, or tire, or tire cover for that matter!
Here's that lug in place.
Lots of thieves, thugs, and murders even back in the T days, so you protected your property or life.
Same today, sadly more population means greater % of creeps and criminals around us. On the last tour, my nice old time license plate topper that read "Speed Kills" was just ripped away leaving this little tab. Parked it for lunch and when returned....gone.
So a in society with people in it that have no conscience, no moral bearing, those of us that do,... have to remain vigilant.
Dan I am truly sorry someone would do this to your Model T. A car that means so much to us all and makes me smile every time I see it. Good will prevail.