MARSC6

What type of socket do you use that doesn't damage lug nuts? Is a regular 6 point OK or do I need something special? I have rotor hub covers that I would like to install.

keyplyr

There are coated sockets for just this sort of thing, or you could even use a freezer bag over the lugs.

Joe_G

Any regular socket will be fine, it's the hammering of the impact that damages the lugs and it takes a several times doing it with an impact before they get damaged. If you use a 4 way or a long ratchet or breaker bar you will be fine. Be sure to torque the lugs when you are done.

RadarP3C

I ordered some coated sockets from Harbor Freight................

I'd recommend a forum vendor, but I don't think one offers coated sockets.

MachAll 2005

I like the challenge of making things to solve specific issues I run into....have made many special tools, etc.
I also wanted a socket that wouldn't damage the nuts so I made one.
Using a larger 6 point socket and a standard 19mm lug nut, wrapped it and packed the socket with fiberglass. Put them together and let cure and then pulled the nut out with the results shown.
Mid America also sells a lined socket but is somewhat pricey.

Joe_G

I like the way you think! My buddy was the king of homemade tools to get the job done in our younger days wrenching in his barn.

AU N EGL

19mm 6 sided Deep socket with 1/2" or 5/8" - Dont use any of the soft sided or lined sockets. You wont get the pressure or torque you need to loosen or tighten the lug nuts

BEZ06

I think the OE lug nuts are actually kinda crapola.




In the picture above you can see where that arrow is pointing - that's where a sheet-metal jacket is crimped onto the steel lug nut. The ones in the pack are my other OE nuts - the McGards are on the car.

I got the McGard 64002's and they are great!



They are chrome plated solid steel. I got mine at Pep Boys for about $7 for a pack of 4.

I was browsing around in Wally World for some cleaning/detailing stuff the other day and they had some chromed solid lug nuts for, I think, around 5 bucks for a 4-pack. They looked really nice.

My McGards require a 13/16" socket, but as Au N Egl said, the OE's take a 19mm (3/4" will work but it's a tiny bit loose, and will probably muck up that sheet metal jacket pretty quick).

Just my $.02, YMMV.

Bob

MachAll 2005

As you can see from my picture above, the one I made has been used (numerous times) and works great. I would never use an impact wrench with it or any other socket on such a lug nut.

07MontRedcp

I agree. Further more, the one I got from Gulf Coast Vettes turned out to be a 24 mm deep dish socket with a 19 mm nylon insert. It may work on stock wheels, but won't fit my iForged wheels.

BJK

see5

A 6 point 3/4" will work forever and never round anything.

ZNFUL-Z06

Mid America Motorworks about $20


Harbor freight sells a full set... six different ones with both internal and external coating for about the same price

MachAll 2005

======================================== =======
Sorry, but Mid Americas "Soft Socket" is closer to $40 than $20 ($32.99 plus shipping).......Picture was correct but "about" price was a little low.

I made mine for about $7.00 including a new socket from Farm Fleet.

Joe_G

I've got the HF set and there's another benefit - my lock is a different size than my lugs, and the HF set has both sizes on the same socket - you use a 3" extension and flip the socket over. Very handy if you change tires as much as I do (for track purposes).

07MontRedcp

Anybody have the part number for that Harbor Freight set??

BJK

07MontRedcp

I need to point out again that the Soft Socket that is shown is a 24 mm socket with a 19 mm nylon insert. Be sure you can fit it in the lug nut hole before you buy it. I have iForged wheels and the hole is way to small for that socket even though the lug nut is 19 mm.

BJK

RadarP3C

40035

07MontRedcp

I have this one and as stated earlier, it is 32.99 plus shipping.

If anyone is interested in this style, I will sell my new, never used one for $25 shipped.

BJK

siffert

This is the 19mm one from NAPA Online....$8.99...works good!

http://www.napaonline.com/NOLPPSE/(S...9+99999+109999



This is the Harbor Freight set....currently on sale at $19.99...works OK too though you might not need them all.


http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=40035

AU N EGL

Heck I use an Impact wrench all the time. to about 85 lbs/ft then manual up to 100 lb/ft then torque wrench to 100 lb ft

dealers / tire shops use impact wrenches too.

It is just a lug nut, an aluminum beauty covered piece of steel.