What do you use to remove lugs?
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From: IL
What do you use to remove lugs? Just curious what everybody uses to remove the lugs? Are you just using a regular socket? Maybe a special lug socket with a rubberized outer coating to not scuff the rim?
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Regular 19mm socket wrapped in black electrical tape for the 4th gens. No scuffs, no problems. 
The old beast gets a 13/16" socket, but otherwise the same deal.
The old beast gets a 13/16" socket, but otherwise the same deal.
I ran these on My car (before the Weld drag setup) for years because the socket was thin- and I didn't have to worry about scuffing my rims. They have a terrible rating, maybe I am lucky(or just don't over tighten my wheels), but I never had an issue with them, even using a 1/2" Snap On impact.
I run them on everything i have that has sunken lug style rims.
I run them on everything i have that has sunken lug style rims.
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,100
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From: IL
Protecting the lugs isn't really the question. The stockers have a bigger lug opening than my aftermarket rims (all aftermarket rims?), and the socket is a pretty snug fit. I've seen special lug sockets that have a sort of rubberized coating/layer on the outside as to not scuff the inside of the lug holes. You can have the nicest looking wheels, but if the lug holes are all scuffed and scraped up it kind of detracts. Was just curious what everybody uses.
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I guess I'm trying to figure out how you really risk scuffing the wheels with the lug socket. I guess if you're using power tools you could when it comes loose perhaps. I just use a ratchet to loosen mine then remove by hand, then put them back on by hand and use a torque wrench to snug them down.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
whatever regular deep well socket that fits + 4" extension + 1/2 ratchet wench + 2 foot iron pipe. Once the nut is busted loose, I take it off with a battery operated drill + socket bit. Never scuffed a wheel this way.
I used to use masking tape on the rim to avoid scuffing. Then started using electrical tape on the socket. As far as trying not to scuff up the lug or to preserve the lug nuts for show purposes, it's almost impossible. I've tried to grease the lug nut, I've tried to wrap it with tape, wrap the inside of the socket (which is a TOTAL waste of time and doesn't work one bit). The only way to make certain your lug nuts don't get all chewed up and stay looking nice when you show your car is:*
1). Buy new lug nuts.
2). When you get to the show, replace the lug nuts-making sure they are only snug and NOT TIGHT.
3). Show the car but DO NOT drive the car.
4). After show is over, replace the good lug's with the ones you use to drive with.
5). Wrap the good lug nuts with diapers, microfiber cloth and or other non scratch stuff, place in plastic Ziplock (tm) bag, seal and store in a safe where only YOU know the combination.
* = feel free to skip or modify step #5
1). Buy new lug nuts.
2). When you get to the show, replace the lug nuts-making sure they are only snug and NOT TIGHT.
3). Show the car but DO NOT drive the car.
4). After show is over, replace the good lug's with the ones you use to drive with.
5). Wrap the good lug nuts with diapers, microfiber cloth and or other non scratch stuff, place in plastic Ziplock (tm) bag, seal and store in a safe where only YOU know the combination.
* = feel free to skip or modify step #5
1). Buy new lug nuts.
2). When you get to the show, replace the lug nuts-making sure they are only snug and NOT TIGHT.
3). Show the car but DO NOT drive the car.
4). After show is over, replace the good lug's with the ones you use to drive with.
5). Wrap the good lug nuts with diapers, microfiber cloth and or other non scratch stuff, place in plastic Ziplock (tm) bag, seal and store in a safe where only YOU know the combination.
* = feel free to skip or modify step #5
Yea.. yea.. but.. what if someone finds out what the combination is? Then you def are in a position where someone could easily open the safe, and handle your lugs.. most likely just juggling them around in their hand exposing them to oil and such.. that wouldn't be cool man....
Yea.. yea.. but.. what if someone finds out what the combination is? Then you def are in a position where someone could easily open the safe, and handle your lugs.. most likely just juggling them around in their hand exposing them to oil and such.. that wouldn't be cool man....