Best Non-Marring Sockets for Wheel Lug Nuts?

[Rocky Rotella]

I've tried searching and can't seem to find a clear answer.

What is considered the best non-marring sockets for wheel lug nuts? I need sockets in standard and metric sizes to accommodate all my cars. I'd prefer to purchase in set form, but will purchase sockets individually if that's the only/best option.

What are you guys using for your show cars?

 

[CGarage]

Why not use Astro or Hazet for this application?

 

[a6hux]

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-super-high-torque-lug-nut-impact-socket-set-11-piece-69829.html?hftm_sc=405&hftm_source=google&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21901762238&campaignid=21901762238&utm_content=176021690571&adsetid=176021690571&product=69829&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21901762238&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4dd4V_1Mrl6kdqz-bCy6CkvR&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6qusucHCkQMV0V9HAR1FzQS5EAQYBSABEgKqtPD_BwE

 

[a6hux]

Socket, Wheel-Protecting Lug Nut

Thin wall sockets for access in tight work areas .Plastic sleeves and inserts protect wheel finish .Large size markings on each socket sleeve for quick identification .High visibility red sleeves help prevent lost tools

www.mactools.com

 

[mike93lx]

I have a harbor freight set... They're fine for my very infrequent use, but not something I'd want to use a ton as they don't seem like they'll hold up.

Good enough but not "best"

 

[JSGAuto]

Ko-Ken.

Amazon.com: Ko-ken 14201M 1/2 Sq. Dr. Wheel Nut Socket 3 piece Set, 17-21mm, 6 point Thin Wall and Color Coded by Size : Tools & Home Improvement

Buy Ko-ken 14201M 1/2 Sq. Dr. Wheel Nut Socket 3 piece Set, 17-21mm, 6 point Thin Wall and Color Coded by Size: Drive Socket Sets - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[Rocky Rotella]

Thanks, guys. Please keep the suggestions coming!

@CGarage I looked at Astro, but the reviews say it doesn't include a 3/4-inch socket, which is a primary need for me. And I believe Hazet is metric-only and not deep. You may know otherwise, however.

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

I've tried searching and can't seem to find a clear answer.

What is considered the best non-marring sockets for wheel lug nuts? I need sockets in standard and metric sizes to accommodate all my cars. I'd prefer to purchase in set form, but will purchase sockets individually if that's the only/best option.

What are you guys using for your show cars?

I don't know, you tell me.

 

[liliysdad]

Thanks, guys. Please keep the suggestions coming!

@CGarage I looked at Astro, but the reviews say it doesn't include a 3/4-inch socket, which is a primary need for me. And I believe Hazet is metric-only and not deep. You may know otherwise, however.

I’ve been (passively) on the same hunt. 3/4 and 13/16 are the sizes I use on wheels I care about. Cheap junk is really all I can find in SAE.

In reality, I just use a chrome socket and ratchet and take care.

 

[mike93lx]

Thanks, guys. Please keep the suggestions coming!

@CGarage I looked at Astro, but the reviews say it doesn't include a 3/4-inch socket, which is a primary need for me. And I believe Hazet is metric-only and not deep. You may know otherwise, however.

Does it include 19mm?

They are the same

 

[Rocky Rotella]

@mike93lx Good point!

I assumed it didn't because they are the same size and assumed the commenter knew that, but I might be the fool on that one!

Maybe someone who actually owns the Astro set can comment?

 

[Rocky Rotella]

...and maybe comment on Astro's overall quality?

 

[zimman]

Don't use an impact. Use a ratchet and torque wrench to tighten. That would not damage a lug nut.
Zim

 

[Rocky Rotella]

@zimman Good point, but I'm more concerned with scratching the wheels as opposed to damaging the lug nuts.

 

[Steve_P]

Koken makes a nice set. I also have an old set by HF and they're fine. Plenty of low-cost choices on Amazon, and as long as you're using a torque wrench to final tighten, they'll all last a long time for home use.

Mathematically, there's a .002" difference between 3/4 and 19mm, so not sure why there's any concern.

 

[Jgaz]

Koken makes a nice set. I also have an old set by HF and they're fine. Plenty of low-cost choices on Amazon, and as long as you're using a torque wrench to final tighten, they'll all last a long time for home use.

Mathematically, there's a .002" difference between 3/4 and 19mm, so not sure why there's any concern.

I have 30+ year old SnapOn impact sockets that are marked with both sizes (3/4” and 19mm)

 

[Ohio Andy]

Does it include 19mm?

They are the same

It would be 0.05mm undersized. I'm sure it matters right?

And you know it never hurts to mention it (that they are the same) cuz even if you know you might not even think about it if you're not regularly just doing the substitution.

 

[Callelle]

Honestly, I feel that all "lug nut" sockets are the same, for the most part. They all are basically thin wall with a plastic sleeve in insert your color of choice. Even Kokens, I don't see any benefit of theirs over any others. That being said, I just got these on ebay for $17 because why not, they're funky.

 

[Steve_P]

Honestly, I feel that all "lug nut" sockets are the same, for the most part. They all are basically thin wall with a plastic sleeve in insert your color of choice. Even Kokens, I don't see any benefit of theirs over any others. That being said, I just got these on ebay for $17 because why not, they're funky.

Agree, but the Koken set that's linked above with the built in extension is nice because then you're already set up for the torque wrench clearing the tire after you've zipped them on at low torque with the impact. True, the Koken solves a first world problem with not having to get out the 2" extension with your HF socket , but this is GJ, so...

If you don't care about the extension on the Koken, then they're probably all about the same as said. My HF set has survived 20+ years of home use; I only have the Koken in 21mm as that's my most frequently used.

 

[quilty]

Socket, Wheel-Protecting Lug Nut

Thin wall sockets for access in tight work areas .Plastic sleeves and inserts protect wheel finish .Large size markings on each socket sleeve for quick identification .High visibility red sleeves help prevent lost tools

www.mactools.com

Ko-Ken.

Amazon.com: Ko-ken 14201M 1/2 Sq. Dr. Wheel Nut Socket 3 piece Set, 17-21mm, 6 point Thin Wall and Color Coded by Size : Tools & Home Improvement

Buy Ko-ken 14201M 1/2 Sq. Dr. Wheel Nut Socket 3 piece Set, 17-21mm, 6 point Thin Wall and Color Coded by Size: Drive Socket Sets - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

I cannot believe that Snap-on isn't offering a product like this yet.

 

[Dave455]

A lot of folks are recommending KoKen.

They offer a lot of options.

The dedicated sockets offer thin walls and plastic sleeves, and as Steve P points out they are already extended. A good option for 90% of jobs.


They offer adaptors to use these with low profile nuts too,


If you need a heftier socket, and have a bit more space, KoKen offer these sleeved sockets.


For alloy nuts there are alloy sockets.


And if you don’t need any of these features there are regular wheel nut sockets which are just extended.

 

[drokihazan]

I've tried searching and can't seem to find a clear answer.

What is considered the best non-marring sockets for wheel lug nuts? I need sockets in standard and metric sizes to accommodate all my cars. I'd prefer to purchase in set form, but will purchase sockets individually if that's the only/best option.

What are you guys using for your show cars?

Hazet. Best fit, non marring sleeve doesn't fall off like the Titan ones from Amazon.

 

[JradM]

I eyeballed the Milwaukee set when I was shopping recently. If COO is a concern, it's probably not the answer, but otherwise they seem like a very good solution. Milwaukee's mechanics tools seem generally seem nice, albeit a bit expensive (as-in, at those prices I often start shopping for "premium" brands like Proto instead, not in the sense that they're too much for what they offer).

They come in a variety of sets depending on just how "complete" you're trying to be.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Hazet. Best fit, non marring sleeve doesn't fall off like the Titan ones from Amazon.

Problem with the Hazets are they are a shallow broach, which causes issues with certain lug nuts, including mine.

Dedicated lug nut socket set

I got a cheap 17, 19, 21mm set with protective covers from Amazon. They have worked great for ~$20. If they cracked with impact use ill buy another set.

www.garagejournal.com

Dedicated lug nut socket set

I got a cheap 17, 19, 21mm set with protective covers from Amazon. They have worked great for ~$20. If they cracked with impact use ill buy another set.

www.garagejournal.com

OP, the thread I linked above might have information you find helpful.

 

[Qualitytools]

I have an old set from Harbor freight with plastic cover, never had an issue. I recently took advantage of a sale for KOKEN and picked up a set of 3 in mm and they are also good.

 

[drokihazan]

Problem with the Hazets are they are a shallow broach, which causes issues with certain lug nuts, including mine.

Dedicated lug nut socket set

I got a cheap 17, 19, 21mm set with protective covers from Amazon. They have worked great for ~$20. If they cracked with impact use ill buy another set.

www.garagejournal.com

Dedicated lug nut socket set

I got a cheap 17, 19, 21mm set with protective covers from Amazon. They have worked great for ~$20. If they cracked with impact use ill buy another set.

www.garagejournal.com

OP, the thread I linked above might have information you find helpful.

Oh huh, guess I haven't run into issues with broach depth yet. I have the 19, 21, and 22 from Hazet and they've been great so far. I used to use the 21 and 22 from Titan but the plastic sleeves kept falling off and eventually the 22 cracked in half.

 

[Qualitytools]

You can get replacement plastic covers for the KOKEN

 

[joecon]

When I was looking for thin sockets for my sons' wheels Gray Pneumatic were the thinnest and they were also very reasonably priced.

 

[kngelv]

I recently joined the Koken club. They are nice.

James

 

[AEAdam]

Ok I’ll play along. I have a bluepoint set. Bought them new off the truck. Carry full snap on warranty.

I have no Porsches at the moment so nothing with expensive wheels. I use the Bluepoints occasionally, but only on alloy rims.

If you think about it, if you take a normal socket, and put it on the lug, it typically clears the rim. You have to be pretty sloppy to actually hit the rim with a socket. I feel like these sockets are maybe better for kids in a Porsche dealership than expensive car owners. I’m just more careful of my stuff.

Not a dumb idea to own and use. I own them and use them. But also not the only way to remove lugs from a car with $1000 rims. I think if I thought about it, I could wrap any socket with 2 layers of electrical tape and be just as well off.

 

[GaryM909]

I put winter tires on my wife's definitely not a show car Honda CRV a few weeks ago. I used a regular socket on the first lug nut and damaged it. I had to switch to a 6 pt. deep socket. The Honda was still fairly new so I just used a ratchet and a speed wrench.

 

[413dan]

Not a dumb idea to own and use. I own them and use them. But also not the only way to remove lugs from a car with $1000 rims. I think if I thought about it, I could wrap any socket with 2 layers of electrical tape and be just as well off.

I was thinking this as well. If I really needed some electrical or painters tape would probably work in a jiffy. I've got the metric Icon impact set from HF as I needed something one day and they were closest. I'd have preferred COO of USA, and keep my eyes peeled at the flea market and yard sales for older craftsman or proto etc. Havent found any deals yet, but for my home needs the Icon have been very handy to have.

 

[LS1-IROC]

On my high dollar forged wheels I use a standard thin walled socket with heat shrink applied to the OD. Works great for the two sizes I use. No need for a special set.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Ko-Ken.

Koken makes a nice set.

Agree, but the Koken set that's linked above with the built in extension is nice because then you're already set up for the torque wrench clearing the tire after you've zipped them on at low torque with the impact. True, the Koken solves a first world problem with not having to get out the 2" extension with your HF socket , but this is GJ, so...

A lot of folks are recommending KoKen.

You can get replacement plastic covers for the KOKEN

I recently joined the Koken club. They are nice.

I got this second set (for home use) during the recent Black Friday sale that Koken had:





I've been using my work daily's for years...besides replacing the caps once, they are the best lug sockets I've owned.

So yea, buy once cry once on the Koken's if you can swing it and your working on stuff enough to justify it.

*Edit* Forgot to mention these are Made in Japan if COO holds sway to you.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I eyeballed the Milwaukee set when I was shopping recently. If COO is a concern, it's probably not the answer, but otherwise they seem like a very good solution. Milwaukee's mechanics tools seem generally seem nice, albeit a bit expensive (as-in, at those prices I often start shopping for "premium" brands like Proto instead, not in the sense that they're too much for what they offer).

They come in a variety of sets depending on just how "complete" you're trying to be.

Does anyone own these? Comment on them if you do, I have a buddy who wants the 5pc set and I want to get this for him in time for Holidays.

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

Does anyone own these? Comment on them if you do, I have a buddy who wants the 5pc set and I want to get this for him in time for Holidays.

I have them and they work well. They are still to thick to use on some of these crappy aftermarket wheels.

 

[AEAdam]

Just a reminder to maybe help people choose:

I refuse to buy any socket that does not have stamped/rolled markings. If the size and logo are laser printed, painted on etc. that probably indicates the manufacturer is making a myriad of different brands and there's probably the same socket sold under a different brand for half the price I spent. Every time I pick up tools like that, I think I'm the only loser who paid extra for a painted on logo. That, and the painted on laser etched marks always rub off over time.

I think this means the Milwaukee branded sockets would be out for me. Even Pittsburgh has a proper rolled mark.

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

I refuse to buy any socket that does not have stamped/rolled markings. If the size and logo are laser printed, painted on etc. that probably indicates the manufacturer is making a myriad of different brands and there's probably the same socket sold under a different brand for half the price I spent. Every time I pick up tools like that, I think I'm the only loser who paid extra for a painted on logo.

I am sorry dad... I didn’t mean to disappoint you. I promise I will try harder in the tool aisle.

 

[KnurledNut]

I consider these a consumable and personally won’t spend a premium for them.
But I am not working on show cars either. If I was, I would probably be more focused on protecting the lug nuts themselves and the sockets available for that.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I picked up Sunex piecemeal in 15 19 21. Clear, yellow, red anodized. The sleeves do slide off without help. The included extension versions are what I would grab next.

But that torque sticks / sockets set from Astro makes so much sense, since I moved to an impact that can break things https://www.astrotools.com/product/...nsion-and-protective-impact-socket-combo-set/