Dedicated lug nut socket set

[cmandp]

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.

 

[zimman]

If you really want to help other folks in a emergency situation, get a set that has half sizes. I gave mine to my best friend years ago but they're much cheaper. Only tire guys know why half sizes are a life saver.
Just an example.
Zim



These are good too.

 

[AJHD]

If you really want to help other folks in a emergency situation, get a set that has half sizes. I gave mine to my best friend years ago but they're much cheaper. Only tire guys know why half sizes are a life saver.
Just an example.
Zim

Half size lug sockets can be a life saver. If you interact with lug nuts enough, it's only a matter of time until you run across a lug nut with a swollen cap or just a mangled nut.

 

[pbon]

I have some cars with stud conversions so the shallow sockets are not the best choice for my use. I did buy the Yekepro set of 3 metric deep with integrated extensions based on thread. An extension is not critical for me with deep sockets but it does give more clearance. I recently gave my brother in law one of my Milwaukee impacts with my spare set of deep light sockets so this is a good spare set or maybe it will become my primary set if I like it enough.

Since I was shopping, I also bought a set of wheel hangers, but they were not on sale. You can probably buy a set with a variety of sizes from Snap on for $200, but OEM Tools sells a set for $45 and you can buy no name pairs of one size for as little as $10 on Amazon. Some wheels with tires are 50-80 lbs and I am not as strong as I was 20 years ago.

Amazon.com

 

[Steve_P]

Conversely, some lug studs stick out; and these sockets won’t reach the nut.

That is true, but I think it's a problem that doesn't exist on a factory vehicle; at least anything I've worked on. Yes, race cars can have studs that stick out a half inch to meet rules for a fast visible safety inspection, but even on ancient steel wheel cars without capped nuts, I've never seen a vehicle from the factory with an extra half inch of stud sticking out, because that's wasted money.

 

[moemc]

I put ARP studs on 2 of my cars and on my truck since it has big heavy off-road tires. Them suckers are like 1.0-1.5” longer than OE.

But then I put Muteki SR48 extended lugs with knurling on the tip, and then you don’t need a really deep socket. The most annoying thing about these lug nuts is that the normal ones are 17mm hex, and then the key for the locking lug has 2 hex sizes you can drive it by, neither of which are 17mm…. So it takes 2 sockets and the key at each wheel

 

[Wrench97]

That is true, but I think it's a problem that doesn't exist on a factory vehicle; at least anything I've worked on. Yes, race cars can have studs that stick out a half inch to meet rules for a fast visible safety inspection, but even on ancient steel wheel cars without capped nuts, I've never seen a vehicle from the factory with an extra half inch of stud sticking out, because that's wasted money.

3/4 ton and up trucks it can be OEM.
I don't like deep broaches because the nut can go too far up on some OEM wheels like Nissans.

 

[f121]

I think the first thing to decide is what you want.

The Snap On are impact sockets, with a deeper broach, which is nice, but that’s an expensive set. Do you need the deeper broach? Do you need an 18mm? I’ve never needed one. Would two or three individual sockets be better?

The KoKen are a lot more tool. They are extended sockets rather than deep, and are very thin walled. Nice if you need them, but you might not.

I also have to mention price. That “set” in it‘s Nanuk case is $320.
A set of three sockets, in the U.K, currently costs the equivalent of $95, and that INCLUDES British sales tax. So you are paying $225 for the 22mm socket and the case. Seems a lot. I know there are tariffs at the mo, but even so...


Personally, I would just go out and buy some generic impact sockets, in the sizes you need, and a short extension. Job done. If you need thin walled, then get thin walled. If you prefer a deep socket, get those.

Either way, any impact sockets are essentially a consumable item, so you want to be able to get spares of the sizes you use most. For me a “set” would comprise 11/16, 3/4, and about three 17mm’s! Everybody’s needs are different though.

I’ll be buying a set of those koken ones at that uk price

 

[Phang]

I also have to mention price. That “set” in it‘s Nanuk case is $320.
A set of three sockets, in the U.K, currently costs the equivalent of $95, and that INCLUDES British sales tax. So you are paying $225 for the 22mm socket and the case. Seems a lot. I know there are tariffs at the mo, but even so...

price over here is US$55 for the set of three

 

[KnurledNut]

That is true, but I think it's a problem that doesn't exist on a factory vehicle; at least anything I've worked on. Yes, race cars can have studs that stick out a half inch to meet rules for a fast visible safety inspection, but even on ancient steel wheel cars without capped nuts, I've never seen a vehicle from the factory with an extra half inch of stud sticking out, because that's wasted money.

Pretty common on cargo trailers.

 

[ronkz650]

I like the Sunex set. I've had it for 30yrs or more.

Sunex 1/2" Dr. 9 Pc. SAE & Metric Extra Thin Wall Deep Wheel Protector Socket Set (2849)

Shop the Sunex 1/2" Dr. 9 Pc. SAE & Metric Deep Wheel Protector Socket Set (2849) for reliable performance. Order now at JB Tools!

www.jbtools.com

Trucks still need a deep socket because the studs are long. My 1997 F350 has studs 1.25" out from the lugnuts.

 

[pbon]

That Sunex looks like a nice set and a fair price for quality parts.

 

[zimman]

Half size lug sockets can be a life saver. If you interact with lug nuts enough, it's only a matter of time until you run across a lug nut with a swollen cap or just a mangled nut.

I can't tell you how many Dodge and Chrysler lug nut caps I've chiseled off and then have to use a "half" size flip socket to get the nut off. Like peeling off the shell of a lobster. LMAO
Zim

 

[WWheeler]

I have a few sets of flip sockets by Tekton, Sunex and Neiko I think. One in my shop and one in each vehicle. None are anything special but they get the job done. I've had all of them a decade or more and not broken one (yet).

I also keep in my shop a set of Astro 1/2 size deep sockets for swollen nuts and a 21mm Koken just for our Toyotas. And I have a Rocket Socket set of extractors that work great when the key for someone's wheel locks is ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[AJHD]

price over here is US$55 for the set of three

There is a huge difference between Amazon and places like DRPD. Amazon is less than 1/2 the price.

 

[GRN96WS6]

I have this kit and it's worked on 7+ cars that I've done work on for myself and family.

Amazon.com: TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive 6-Point Impact Flip Socket Set (4-Piece) | 4950 : Tools & Home Improvement

Amazon.com: TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive 6-Point Impact Flip Socket Set (4-Piece) | 4950 : Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

 

[Yarpo]

Are you using these for work or personal use?
Only asking because I've broken like, 5 of them now over the last 5 years at work.
Most last about a year, some more, some less. Mind you, these are used like, 5 days a week multiple times a day.
Broken Gearwrench, Wurth, Matco, Sunnex, and some generic amazon one.
All the mid tier ones seem to be created equal from my experience.

 

[bornbadbob]

I have always used my everyday sockets on my wheels, with care I haven’t screwed up a wheel nut or a wheel yet, but I will be getting a protected set with my new wheels just in case

 

[Kasal]

My little collection:

 

[logical]

The little black "Titan" case has the typical plastic sleeved Taiwanese set that works fine, but I only work on my own stuff and am rarely in a hurry so I am usually not using power tools. For years (and still today if the 1/2 air impact is coming out) I just wrapped a few layers of blue painters tape around my impact sockets.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Sunex thinwall anodized plastic sleeved 15, 19, 21. And regular deep impacts 7/8" 19, 21, 22

 

[BillyBumpsteer]

Got these today

TOPWAY 1/2 Inch Drive Alloy Wheel Impact Extra Deep Socket Set 17mm 19mm 21mm Thin Wall Multicolour Metric Lug Nut Sockets with Extra 3 Plastic Sleeves, Chrome Moly Steel, with Storage Case : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Shop TOPWAY 1/2 Inch Drive Alloy Wheel Impact Extra Deep Socket Set 17mm 19mm 21mm Thin Wall Multicolour Metric Lug Nut Sockets with Extra 3 Plastic Sleeves, Chrome Moly Steel, with Storage Case. Free delivery on eligible orders of £20 or more.

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[tak1313]

I have a lowly Orion Motor set. I specifically got it because it has both 13/16 and 21mm sockets because 13/16 sometimes just fit better on some lug nuts spec'd as 21mm, and getting this set was cheaper/about the same as buying just the two sizes.

I initially worried that the sockets would actually just be the same size, just labeled differently, but figured I would return it if that was the case. When I got it, the 13/16 is truly slightly smaller.

 

[NHtoolguy]

This is what I use:

1/2" Sq.Dr Wheel Nut Socket Set In Hard Case, 4 Piece - Ko-ken USA

Ko-ken USA's very own Wheel Nut Socket set with color coded sockets for easy identification. This - Ko-ken USA

kokenusa.com

Replacement plastic covers are available from Ko-Ken.

I have those too! Beautiful quality and not prohibitively expensive. My Snappy flip sockets are nice, but I think the Ko-ken set is a great value.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I have the Hazet 3pc set. Tossed them in the cardboard box of misfit tools immediately, likely never to be used again unless I need a sacrificial tool.

They are broached shallow to the point they damaged the lug nuts on a new vehicle. I suppose that depends on the lugs though.

I replaced them with the Ko-Ken and no longer have issues.

Just to associate numbers with this statement:

Depth of broaching on 19mm Hazet:



Depth of broaching on 19mm Ko-Ken:

 

[L.Cheapo]

Just to associate numbers with this statement:

Depth of broaching on 19mm Hazet:



Depth of broaching on 19mm Ko-Ken:

Depth from flare to tip of lug nut where this causes a problem:



Length of hex on above lug nut:




So the Ko-Kens engage fully with the nut; the Hazets only engage the outer 10.38mm of the nut, which apparently isn't enough.

 

[AJHD]

Other than what looks like a wheel lock, those wheels and nuts are virgin, never been touched. At least what we can see in the pictures.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Other than what looks like a wheel lock, those wheels and nuts are virgin, never been touched. At least what we can see in the pictures.

That's the spare tire on the back. Notice the one stud/nut missing entirely in the second pic. No, it's never been off. Didn't feel like bending down to use one of the other four. Too hot today!

 

[mervyn]

Holy ****.

I use the harbor freight set that had nylon covers.

Same. Used tge daylights out of em doing tripe a roadside. Still have em.

 

[SouthernIllinois]

Been happy with these as well

 

[KnurledNut]

I just use regular deep impact sockets unless I need extra thin wall.
Mac Tools has a set like those Snap-ons in the OP. Thin wall and deep broach. I have some singles from it. Pretty sure AJ Manufacturing makes them. #DTS6-SET
Astro Pneu makes a flip socket set that has double ended sleeve protectors which is kind of unique. #78803

 

[terrific]

I use a Proto thin wall deep socket. I discovered the hard way that Wright's sockets are super thick. The part number for the 21 mm is J7321MHT (page 426 in their catalog). I only bought the one size that I needed because I don't work on other people's cars, so it cost me about $6, I think.

 

[WWheeler]

I picked up a new addition thanks to me reading this thread. Metric lug nut flip sockets with 1/2 sizes. Saw what looked to be this same set sold under several different brand names on Amazon. All seemed to have OK reviews. Just jumped on the one with the best price at the time after coupon applied. I suspect the size markings will not survive much use.

 

[Cheesy1]

I have this set also. Zero complaints. Throw it and an impact and floor jack in the truck when pulling trailers and it makes a handy set.

Been happy with these as well

Had to buy a 1/2 size metric set for both a Jeep and a Cadillac with the stupid 2-piece lugnuts. Worked for a bit. No way I could have done a roadside tire change with a factory wrench.

Final straw on them required buying a set of nut extractors, think external easy-outs (worked amazingly well). After cussing the bean counters, bought full sets of McGard one piece lug nuts.

Lug nut problems are no longer something I need to deal with.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I picked up a new addition thanks to me reading this thread. Metric lug nut flip sockets with 1/2 sizes. Saw what looked to be this same set sold under several different brand names on Amazon. All seemed to have OK reviews. Just jumped on the one with the best price at the time after coupon applied. I suspect the size markings will not survive much use.

There are so many missing sizes, I am in pain.

 

[WWheeler]

There are so many missing sizes, I am in pain.

lol, but there's two 21mms!

I kid, but 21mm (and occasionally 21.5mm) is the size for all of our vehicles, and about half of what else I work on.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I had been wanting to get a set of odd metrics plus 22mm but hadn't felt like going Amazon zingshamwow brand. I am liking the Astro Pneumatic 78818 with 17 19 21 22 and torque extensions

 

[Wrench97]

lol, but there's two 21mms!

I kid, but 21mm (and occasionally 21.5mm) is the size for all of our vehicles, and about half of what else I work on.

You'd think but then again I pulled the wheels on a 23 MDX today and it had 22mm nuts.....