Gorilla Automotive Black Open End Lug Nuts Review

Gorilla Automotive sits between OEM-replacement lug brands and premium JDM-style options. Their 45038BC-20 set — 20 black open-end lug nuts in 12x1.50 thread for $90 (4.6 stars, 259 ratings) — is the budget tier for owners who want black hardware without Project Kics pricing.

TL;DR

Gorilla 45038BC-20 is the right black lug-nut set for someone who wants hardware visibility over chrome at a budget price. Steel construction, black plating, open-end design (water can enter stud cavity over time). Half the price of Project Kics R40, half the durability. For driver-spec builds, sensible. For show builds, save up for R40.

Key Specs

• Thread: 12 x 1.50 (Honda, Mazda, Toyota fitments)
• Seat: 60-degree conical
• Color: Black (chrome-plated steel)
• Style: Open-end
• Set: 20 lug nuts (no locks included)
• Hex size: 19mm
• Length: 38mm
• Material: Steel with black plating

Pros

• Half the price of Project Kics. $90 vs $158-179.
• Steel construction. Won't deform under proper torque (unlike pure aluminum lugs).
• Black plating goes on bronze, gloss black, or gunmetal wheels well. Visual coordination at budget price.
• Wide availability. Found at most aftermarket parts stores.
• Decent finish out of the box. Not premium, but presentable.

Cons

• Open-end design lets water in. Stud cavity exposed to weather; galvanic corrosion risk over years.
• Black plating wears at hex contact. Impact-gun use marks the corners. Plating thinner than premium options.
• No included locks. Pair with separate McGard set if theft deterrence matters.
• Less premium feel. Hex tolerances aren't as tight as McGard or Project Kics.
• Plating can chip. Drop one on concrete and you'll see chrome silver under the black.

Who It's For

• Budget-build daily drivers wanting black hardware over chrome.
• First-set lug upgraders transitioning from stock chrome.
• Replacement set owners (lost original lug nuts and want a similar set).
• Skip if the wheels are show-tier (buy Project Kics R40), if you live in a salt state (open-end + winter = corrosion), or if you want premium feel.

How It Compares

• vs Project Kics R40 12x1.50 ($158-179): R40 is the show-tier upgrade. Closed-end aluminum, premium build.
• vs Muteki SR48 (~$150): Muteki is similar tier — slightly more JDM-marketing, comparable build.
• vs OEM Honda chrome lugs (~$2 each): OEM is fine for stock-look daily drivers. Gorilla is the visual upgrade at budget.

Bottom Line

Gorilla Automotive black open-end lug nuts are the right budget choice for daily-driver visual coordination. Steel construction holds up to torque, black plating coordinates with most aftermarket wheels, $90 sticker price respects most build budgets. Not a show-tier upgrade, but not pretending to be. For project cars, sensible. For show cars, spend the extra for R40.

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