Where can I buy a socket to install chrome lug nuts without scaring them.

 

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog....2050&SKU=10208

 

Thanks thats what I want.

 

These are a nice set of sockets, but... they really only protect the wheel, not the lug nut itself. (They do have an insert that protects the end of the lug nut.) I have seen sockets advertised that have a nylon insert on the inside that prevents the steel socket from coming in contact with the lug nut, but I don't know offhand who sells them. You might try a good auto parts store in your area and see if they can get them. (I believe California Car Covers sells a set of sockets with nylon inserts in them, but I don't know what size drive they are, and they only sell a full set.)

The major reason that the chrome on lug nuts is damaged is due to the fact that the vast majority of sockets grab the corners of the nut due to their design. While chrome is one of the hardest materials out there, it is also brittle. When the corners of a nut are grabbed (even by a six point socket) they distort the edge of the nut. If the nut is chromed, it will very often crack the chrome along the edge. Moisture gets under the crack and the nut will corrode and eventually lift the chrome from the nut.

Okay, then how do you avoid this situation... the way I have avoided it for almost 40 years, is to use a socket that doesn't grab the corners. If the socket is machined appropriately it will not touch the corners of a nut, but only the flank of it. There are a few companies that manufacture sockets with this machining. Two that I know of are Snap-On and Kobalt (available at Lowes). If you use these types of sockets, you will almost completely eliminate problems with chrome lug nuts. I say almost, because if you use an impact wrench even with a Snap-On socket you can damage the chrome.

If you compare the machining on the inside of a Snap-On (or Kobalt) socket to almost any other socket, you will see the difference immediately. I do not sell either of these sockets and have no financial interest in them, but I did discover many years ago, that by using them, I never round the corners on a bolt or nut, and I do not damage chrome lug nuts.

It works for me...

Good luck... GUSTO

 

Like this one: Soft Socket from a forum vendor.

 

If you look at the fillets cut into the corners of these sockets and compare it to any other socket you might have handy you will see the difference I tried to describe above. It is this fillet that keeps the socket from grabbing the corner of the nut.


I used this image as it was handy and it shows the fillets pretty clearly. As I mentioned previously there are some others that use this fillet in their sockets and they will protect the corners (chrome on the lug nut) as well.

GUSTO

 

www.corvettecentral.com

Part #101910
Description 19MM SOFT SOCKET WITH NYLON INSERT Price 29.95
Keep your alloy or chrome wheel lug nuts looking new with this 19mm mar-resistant Socket with a 1/2" drive.

 

These should also do the job... my only concern with this type socket is how the nylon insert might effect the torque you apply to the lugnut. I guess you could always torque it to 100 ft/lbs with one of these sockets and then re-torque it with a conventional socket to see if there was any significant difference in torqe applied to the lug nut.

GUSTO

 

Good point

 

Nice socket. Looks like it would prevent any damage.

 

Or use polished stainless lug nuts... My .02 -Chris

 

Just hand tighten them...it will be ok...

 

Been looking for a socket like that for quite a while - none of the local stores carry anything like it (checked with Sears, auto parts stores, etc). Only problem now is with the new wheels, the lug nuts require a 21mm socket to take them off. All of these are 19mm. Might have to check into getting some 19mm lugs and then get one of these sockets. Thanks for the info on where these are available.

 

Ah sooo... the Holy Grail of Lug Nuts... have you actually found them????

Don't just tease us....

GUSTO

 

I have one of these, works fine but, the insert isn't nylon! It appears to be a softer material than the socket with some sort of smooth teflon-like coating.

 

Remember that the one with the plastic inside protects the lug nut and the one with the plastic outside protects the wheel. Cheaper to replace the lug than the wheel. Check Harbor Freight tools for the ones with the plastic outside. Good price.

 

On ebay you can get a set for about $22 that has a 17mm, 19mm, & 21mm. All 3 are soft inside and out