What's The Best Way To Simulate Lug Nuts On A Wheel?

[Jon Cole]

It sounds easy, but the lug nuts on my models usually look like crapola! I suppose I could go with photo-etch bolt heads, but... isn't there anything better?

Maybe an actual bolt & stud? Doesn't have to be functional.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

-Jon-

[Hollywood Jim]

It sounds easy, but the lug nuts on my models usually look like crapola! I suppose I could go with photo-etch bolt heads, but... isn't there anything better?

Maybe an actual bolt & stud? Doesn't have to be functional.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

-Jon-

They sell hex shaped plastic rod. I think Plastruck or Evergreen has it. You can buy it on the internet. I've got some somebody sent me. Not sure what size would work best. But you can just cut off a very small piece paint it, glue it on and put a black dot in the middle.

[Brendan]

I agree with Hollywood Jim. Plastruck would be your best bet. I have used it in the past and it works very well. There are some aftermarket manufacturers that make lug nuts/rivets out of aluminum, but they can be pricey.

[RyanSilva]

Go here first http://straightlinemodeler.org/tipsgen.html

Use that list of measurements to figure whatsize rod you need from Plastruct. Evergreen doesnt make it sadly.

Hex rods come in about 7 sizes or so, you can drill the centers out and add a smaller diameter rod for the studs if you want, or even sewing pins.

[MrObsessive]

You could try here............They look very nice and convincing if just a little high priced.

[Mike]

I think Charlie at Pro Tech has some nice stuff, but they are expensive like most PE/milled parts. He's a great guy to deal with also.

http://www.protechmodelparts.com/

[jbwelda]

i never really think lug nuts made from plastruct rod look right. its probably because i can never slice it consistently enough to look convincing to my eyes anyway. micro hardware is the way to go if you must insist on realistic add-on lug nuts but seems to me most open wheel castings i encounter look great just as they are with a bit of detail painting and/or a wash.

[Raul_Perez]

You could try here............They look very nice and convincing if just a little high priced.

Thanks for the link!!! That's some really nice stuff!!

[Billy Kingsley]

If you have molded in lug nuts, you can hit them with a fine point Sharpie. That's what I did here.

The center hub is also silver Sharpie...The paint on the wheels is Tamiya Gold Leaf..

[Biscuitbuilder]

It sounds easy, but the lug nuts on my models usually look like crapola! I suppose I could go with photo-etch bolt heads, but... isn't there anything better?

Maybe an actual bolt & stud? Doesn't have to be functional.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

-Jon-

Check out the detail parts in the model RR section of your LHS, or go to walthers.com and check out the plastic hex nut detail parts there. Ready made, and they look good!

Biscuitbuilder

[Semi Trailer Mechanic]

What's goin' on...

Buiscuitbuilder is correct.

Grant Line Scale Products for model railroad details has them in various sizes. The bolts are molded w/ fine shanks below the hex . Using a pin vice drill ... drill out the bolt pattern in the rim. The bit size is determined by the diameter of the shank on the scale bolt. Cut the bolt from the spur leaving the shank intact and insert it thru the hole in the rim. On the back side of the rim apply a small amount of glue to the shank and allow it to dry. Then cut off excess then install the rim.

[The dood]

No sorry.  But thanks for the links.  Between them I should be lost for a few days

[BigTallDad]

My LHS recently started carrying a tool that punches hex shapes (in varying sizes) from sheet styrene in varying thicknesses. At about $100, it's a bit pricey.

There is a similar tool to punch round discs, and the armor/aircraft guys are using it to make rivets.