Socket for lugs?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,412
Likes: 198
From: Wilkes-Barre Pa
Socket for lugs?
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.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,949
Likes: 263
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
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.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,066
Likes: 29
From: Murfreesboro TN
I'd recommend a forum vendor, but I don't think one offers coated sockets.
Last edited by mvcrash; Mar 5, 2008 at 11:15 AM. Reason: Non Fourm Vendor Links
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 2
From: "Cedar Valley" (Northeastern) Iowa
Made One
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.
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.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,949
Likes: 263
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
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.
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.
My buddy was the king of homemade tools to get the job done in our younger days wrenching in his barn.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,924
Likes: 852
From: Daytona Beach FL
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
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
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Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 2
From: "Cedar Valley" (Northeastern) Iowa
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.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 25
From: Apache Junction AZ
BJK
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 2
From: "Cedar Valley" (Northeastern) Iowa
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.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,949
Likes: 263
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
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).
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 25
From: Apache Junction AZ
BJK
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 25
From: Apache Junction AZ
If anyone is interested in this style, I will sell my new, never used one for $25 shipped.
BJK
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,206
Likes: 6
From: Makena, Maui & NM
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
Last edited by siffert; Mar 7, 2008 at 04:16 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
dealers / tire shops use impact wrenches too.
It is just a lug nut, an aluminum beauty covered piece of steel.