Special Lug Nut Socket??

[56servi]

I read a post a few months ago on a special lug nut socket that someone made up to protect the paint on the wheels. Not sure it was on this forum. I printed it out & put in in my "pile file" on the desk. Looked all over today & can't find it.
As I remember he put a socket in the lathe & turned it down on the end. Another birthday & my memory did not get any better.

Anybody remember this?

 

[taffrail]

Jam a rubber bumper in the 13/16" end of a four-way lug wrench, don't for get to tape the shaft so it doesn't rub on the spokes.

 

[Bruce of MN]

My short impact socket works well with the long nose on my air impact wrench. The socket rim doesn't come near the wheel and the long nose is well away from the spokes.

 

[Mitch//pa]

I stopped using an impact wrench on these cars since I blew out a swedge and the stud spun.. By hand from now on for me..

 

[Synchro909]

I stopped using an impact wrench on these cars since I blew out a swedge and the stud spun.. By hand from now on for me..

I've always done it by hand. Those impact guns apply too much torque even in the hands of so called experts at the tyre service. When I buy new tyres, I often hand the fitter the tool supplied by the maker of my car and ask him to undo some of the nuts he has just done up. Often times, he either can't or has difficulty. Then I ask "How is my wife supposed to undo those if she gets a flat?" Then I quote the torque recommended by the manufacturer (usually about 40 ftlbs)

 

[Big hammer]

OR the tire changer use a torque wrench that's not calibrated and your wheels wobble leaving the shop! Yes I was upset! Sorry it wasn't my A, I change my own tires

 

[Bruce Adams]

I wrap electrical tape on my spinner lug wrenches from the tip for 6 or 8 inches. I guess if i was totally concerned, I could paint the tip with liquid tape.

 

[Patrick L.]

I just use a short thin wall socket and small dia. extension [ 3/8]. I used to tape them, now I plastic coat them and use them only for this purpose [ almost only]. After-all, its only 50#.

 

[Y-Blockhead]

I shrink a piece of large shrink tubing over a 3/8" drive 13/16" socket. Let it hang over then trim. Protects both the wheel and spokes. Even comes in colors so it's easy to find in your tool box...

 

[56servi]

Thanks for the ideas. I will try the 3/8 drive socket with shrink tubing or plastic coat

 

[Patrick L.]

Thanks for the ideas. I will try the 3/8 drive socket with shrink tubing or plastic coat

Do the extension too.

 

[C26Pinelake]

Do it by hand with a four way, what's the hurry? Wayne

 

[old31]

I went to the local auto parts store and bought a cheapo socket.

I put both the socket and the end of the crank handle (in case I need it on the road) to the grinder. When I mount the socket or the crank handle on a lug they are about 1/8 of an inch off the wheel, but still plenty of bite remaining.