Lug Nut Socket
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 375
Likes: 8
From: Boise Idaho
Lug Nut Socket
I want to buy a 3/4 (19mm) non-marking socket to use on the lug nuts on my new ride (will pick up from NCM June 1st!). So my question is: will a standard thickness deep socket clear the wheel around the nuts or do I need a thin wall socket? 
ProTec Tools made a fiberglass insert socket but seems to be no longer in business. I've found a high quality aluminum insert socket from Torque Stick that looks good but it has the standard wall thickness. http://torquestick.com/cart/customer/home.php?cat=40
ProTec Tools made a fiberglass insert socket but seems to be no longer in business. I've found a high quality aluminum insert socket from Torque Stick that looks good but it has the standard wall thickness. http://torquestick.com/cart/customer/home.php?cat=40
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,004
Likes: 2,706
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
My Craftsman 19 mm socket is standard thickness and works OK, but there are probably variations between different manufacturers. Heck, there are probably 5 different companies making sockets for Sears!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 750
Likes: 0
From: Nutley New Jersey
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 6
From: Spicewood, Texas, USA TX-Texas
Originally Posted by oak3x
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 750
Likes: 0
From: Nutley New Jersey
Originally Posted by JmpnJckFlsh
Thirty Freakin' Bucks!!!!...For ONE dam socket??!!...Dayum!!!!
You own a $50,000.00 + Corvette and you're worried about a $30 socket which will keep your lugs looking new.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,375
Likes: 1
From: Northern CA
Originally Posted by oak3x
You own a $50,000.00 + Corvette and you're worried about a $30 socket which will keep your lugs looking new.
Last edited by xs650; Apr 20, 2006 at 08:50 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 57
From: Williamsburg Virginia
Socket get the Socket!
Got mine from Mid-America. Yea it was 30 bucks but I have used it two times to take the wheels off. It does not, I repeat, not scratch or mar the lugs in any way. It is actually a 22MM socket sleved down to 19MM. Hope this helps. 
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 6
From: Spicewood, Texas, USA TX-Texas
Originally Posted by oak3x
You own a $50,000.00 + Corvette and you're worried about a $30 socket which will keep your lugs looking new.
Believe or not, a $30 nylon-lined socket is not required to keep your lug nuts looking new...it WILL allow you work quickly and carelessly without damage. I have used a standard deep, six-point socket for years with no damage. Believe me, if there were any nicks, scratches, or other marks, I would see them, be pissed at myself, and spring for a $30 socket.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio Texas
Originally Posted by JmpnJckFlsh
I have used a standard deep, six-point socket for years with no damage.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 57
From: Williamsburg Virginia
Thirty Dollar Socket
JmpnJckFlsh, You are absolutly correct a quality six point will work well if you are careful and take your time. So why did I spring for 30 bucks? I know the time will come when I have to report to my "less than careful" tire store. I have puchased and installed several sets of chrome and polished wheels over the years and they all tried to use an impact tool until I went BALLASTIC!
. I keep the tool along with a set of pucks in the back just in case. I figured it was a cheap insurance policy I could use. Maybe--just maybe-- it will keep wheel and body damage to a minimum .
. I keep the tool along with a set of pucks in the back just in case. I figured it was a cheap insurance policy I could use. Maybe--just maybe-- it will keep wheel and body damage to a minimum .
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio Texas
Originally Posted by bigearl56
JmpnJckFlsh, You are absolutly correct a quality six point will work well if you are careful and take your time. So why did I spring for 30 bucks? I know the time will come when I have to report to my "less than careful" tire store. I have puchased and installed several sets of chrome and polished wheels over the years and they all tried to use an impact tool until I went BALLASTIC! . I keep the tool along with a set of pucks in the back just in case. I figured it was a cheap insurance policy I could use. Maybe--just maybe-- it will keep wheel and body damage to a minimum .
. I keep the tool along with a set of pucks in the back just in case. I figured it was a cheap insurance policy I could use. Maybe--just maybe-- it will keep wheel and body damage to a minimum .
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 750
Likes: 0
From: Nutley New Jersey
Originally Posted by JmpnJckFlsh
What I'm objecting to is the Corvette tax on a $5 socket. Your willingness to pay it is your decision. (Actually, my Corvette was closer to $60K than $50K.)
Believe or not, a $30 nylon-lined socket is not required to keep your lug nuts looking new...it WILL allow you work quickly and carelessly without damage. I have used a standard deep, six-point socket for years with no damage. Believe me, if there were any nicks, scratches, or other marks, I would see them, be pissed at myself, and spring for a $30 socket.
Believe or not, a $30 nylon-lined socket is not required to keep your lug nuts looking new...it WILL allow you work quickly and carelessly without damage. I have used a standard deep, six-point socket for years with no damage. Believe me, if there were any nicks, scratches, or other marks, I would see them, be pissed at myself, and spring for a $30 socket.
I'll buy tour reasoning and explanation. Additionally, I'm sure you're as careful with your Corvette as I am.
Admittingly so, when it comes to purchasing something for my Corvette...sometimes I'm a little of the top ($30 socket, $330 floor jack etc...)
