mickey_7106

what kind of socket are you guys using to torque down after market wheels? i have a set of tsw nurburgring and im scuffing up the lug nut hole. i went to sears and bought their slimmest socket but it just barely clears and still rubs on the wheel a bit.

Mr.Bill

That looks like an impact socket you are using, Get a thin walled socket and you should be fine. I have also seen them with a plastic coating on the outside.

Corvette_Ed

Plasti-dip would work well to coat the outside of that thin wall socket.

Chilliwack vettes

Agreed with Mr Bill. Looks like an Impact socket that you are showing us.

Last C5

The guys are right. Get a chrome thin wall for torqueing the nuts. If you want to use an impact socket up for your pit impact wrench, Harbor Freight sells this little kit that consists of a very short extension and three two-way impact sockets (19mm, 21mm, 15/16 etc) that is thinner walled than standard impact sockets and fits the TSWs just fine. The kit is handy and it's only about $10.

Scooter70

I just ordered one of these to use on my new wheels.

Mr.Bill

I have never used an impact and will never, I use a 4 way and then I have a torque wrench to finish up the task..

$$$frumnuttin'

forget all that...you need to get the new style splined lugnuts for aftermarket wheels...they come with the thin drive tool/nut made specifically for the smaller holes....got mine on Ebay for around $21 shipped. Here is an example...don't feel bad...I didn't know about these either until I got into the big brake project.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chrome-Spline-Drive-Tuner-Small-Diameter-Wheel-Lug-Nuts-M12x1-5-Qty-20-/140989184808?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20d39c3b28&vxp=mtr

I am shocked the vendor you bought the wheels from didn't alert you to the new design, unless you bought the wheels used, but even then...

2ooo-C5

Yep and Yep...

$$$frumnuttin'

yep squared!

Cubman

Would not use a impact. I use a thin wall six point socket and a breaker bar. Torque after reinstalling

FLZapped

Yup. I have one of those.

Vetteman Jack

Exactly what I do. I use a thin walled 19mm socket (Craftsman) to do my wheels.

mickey_7106

Yes i went out and bought an impact socket. i normally would use a 4 way but it kills my back (lower back injury)

those look like they'll work. thanks

why not? dont they use impact guns when you get new tires mounted at a shop?

i saw similar lugs from gorilla. i wasnt sure if its safe to use thinner lugs on wheels though. i bought these wheels used

mickey_7106

are they the same ones scooter70 mentioned?

Mr.Bill

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.Bill
I have never used an impact and will never, I use a 4 way and then I have a torque wrench to finish up the task..
why not? dont they use impact guns when you get new tires mounted at a shop?


Yes they do, Time is money, I have seen so many shops that use an impact and call it good and never follow up with a torque wrench not knowing what the torque was on the wheels they just installed. I have seen them even snap a lug a time or 2.
There is a reason the factory has torque specs for wheels.
A good 4-way bar gets the lugs on in a matter secs and then I torque them.

mickey_7106

Sorry, i just realized my mistake. i dint mean to say "torque" the wheels. it was just a general question for those with small clearance lug nut holes lol

$$$frumnuttin'

oh man, you are worrying too much! the new style is much stronger...look at how much engagement there is...also, the driver is heat treated rock hard...won't cam off or give you any problems...I put polyester tape around mine to protect the wheel paint...the guys at Discount Tire agree they are way better...just do it...what's $20 for your baby?

mickey_7106

you're right but for $10 im going with these black gorilla nuts package with key

mickey_7106

i ended up with the SD gorilla nuts in back chrome