New Lug Nut Sockets - Merrick Tools

[Snapped-off]

Saw these online, guess they're new. Made in USA by Merrick Tools. Their main selling point is gripping the lug nut on the flat rather than the corner.

Im pretty sure all modern sockets have some sort of flank drive style/off corner engagement where they grab the flats rather than the corners. Nothing new there.

I'm guessing these 3 could "replace" 12 or so sockets if you include the in-between half sizes. Not sure how else they figured the big ol' price tag.

 

[02camaro86]

koon trucking did a nice overview when they came out at sema

not sure im sold on the idea. but with a price like that, im def not a buyer

 

[Jtels85]

$389 for three sockets… who do they think they are, Snap-On?

My Craftsman USA impact sockets have been removing lug nuts for years without damaging a single one. I don’t see a need for these, especially at that price point.

 

[FMB4]

Ya, those are a huge no go with me. That said, an ever growing number of manufacturers are running spline type lugs these days.

 

[Snapped-off]

koon trucking did a nice overview when they came out at sema

not sure im sold on the idea. but with a price like that, im def not a buyer

Just watched that. It is pretty nice to see them manufacturing them in house. I just hope they don't price themselves out of the market.

 

[rayik]

Same here. Got the email, went to the website to order, saw the price and no way.

 

[02camaro86]

Just watched that. It is pretty nice to see them manufacturing them in house. I just hope they don't price themselves out of the market.

i think thats exactly what theyve done and with only a 1yr warranty and only good on impacts rated up to 600ft/lbs i dont see many people jumping to get them.

WARRANTIES​

Seller warrants products manufactured by it and supplied hereunder to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 12 months from date of shipment. If within such period any such product shall be proven to Seller’s satisfaction to be defective, at Seller’s option such product shall be repaired, replaced or the purchase price for such product credited to Buyer or against Buyer’s account. Seller shall not be obligated to repair, replace or give credit for a product that has previously been repaired, replaced or credit given. THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND SELLER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. With regard to the Lugnut Specialty Socket, such product is designed with a thin-walled housing for use with an impact wrench to remove and install metal-clad lugnuts used on most new vehicle wheels without damaging the metal-clad lugnut or the vehicle wheel. It is designed to withstand 600 ft-lbs of dynamic torque with an impact wrench and 160 ft-lbs with a static torque wrench. If more than these maximum torque foot-pounds are applied to the socket this warranty is voided.

 

[Snapped-off]

Seller shall not be obligated to repair, replace or give credit for a product that has previously been repaired, replaced or credit given.

Looks like it's a 1 time warranty as well. Break the 2nd one you're SoL.

Getting harder to see any value at all really.

 

[AA/FC]

Whoa.... $389, What???

Looks like a great idea, I'd love to try a set but I can't justify that price. In my opinion, that is beyond arrogant to hit the market as a new tool manufacturer, with a new product, that has not been proven, and ask more money than any other tool manufacturer of similar tools. Even Snap-on doesn't charge 400 bucks for 3 piece lug nut socket set.

It would be like Gator-Grip sockets hitting the market for $130 each? El oh el....

No thanks!

 

[JradM]

Interesting concept for sure. Hard to imagine the customer though.

The inner "jaws" are twisted tighter against the lug as it spins, resulting in some degree of squeeze on the lug (or at least no slop).

Is that better? At least theoretically yes. Is there a problem with current sockets? Debatable.

Current socket designs work similarly already - as you spin the socket, the slight amount of space between the socket and lug disappears (if there was always a gap, the bolt wouldn't spin ). With an anti-rounding design, instead of touching the corners of the fastener, the socket is rounded away there so the contact point is moved back from the edge. Yet that means the socket isn't in contact with the entire edge.

If your wheels are so tight that regular sockets damage the surface to some degree, then I suppose this ought to solve the problem.

 

[AA/FC]

<snip>

If your wheels are so tight that regular sockets damage the surface to some degree, then I suppose this ought to solve the problem.

If your wheels are so tight that regular sockets damage the surface to some degree..... then the lug nuts were way over torqued by the last guy who put your wheels on. lol.

I have never had a problem removing properly torqued lug nuts with a standard impact socket.

 

[FMB4]

Ya, but then there are the idiots that run every lug nut down fully, from the 1st nut to last, with an airgun.

 

[JradM]

If your wheels are so tight that regular sockets damage the surface to some degree..... then the lug nuts were way over torqued by the last guy who put your wheels on. lol.

Agreed.

Are these big enough for semi trucks maybe? Something with already extra-high torque requirements.

 

[Snapped-off]

Agreed.

Are these big enough for semi trucks maybe? Something with already extra-high torque requirements.

These are marketed for automotive lugs. HD lugs will be around 33mm and up.

 

[toddmorr]

Maybe the target is govt buyers where they would discount 50% plus. Otherwise they are delusional

 

[rlitman]

So what's the point? Are lug nuts so soft that they're marred by properly fitting sockets?
The cam engaging tooth socket idea isn't new. These just use teeth narrower than the full flats:


I happen to own this set with three teeth that's supposed to work on rounded nuts too. So far I've used them once (sucessfully, I might add):

 

[Snapped-off]

So what's the point?

At first glance I was thinking huh, cool. I mean I've seen other tools using similar cam lock technology. But the more I read about them the more I'm thinking wtf?

 

[02camaro86]

they are for the lug nuts with the chrome that are becoming extremely common. particularly fords and dodges like to swell (but no brand is isolated) from corosion, even with the proper sized socket they socket they get stuck in the socket and you need to use a punch or something to push them out ruining them. half sized sockets are supposed to be a remedy to that issue by allowing a little extra clearance to accomodate the swelling. but these merrick ones are supposed to prevent damage even further. the chrome caps are delicate so any slop can damage them, in theory these are supposed to cam and lock with the large flats but not damage the caps then release when torque isnt being applied.

 

[FMB4]

So these high priced and untested lug nut sockets are designed for certain vehicle brand lug nuts that are junk.

 

[shawhite]

So these high priced and untested lug nut sockets are designed for certain vehicle brand lug nuts that are junk.

Pretty much. You pay to replace a couple sets of those ford lug nuts with genuine ford parts and these won’t look so expensive. It’s amuses me how many people on this forum scoff at the price it takes to manufacture a product in American but I bet they don’t scoff at the wage they get paid if you compare it to the same job in another country.

 

[Snapped-off]

Pretty much. You pay to replace a couple sets of those ford lug nuts with genuine ford parts and these won’t look so expensive. It’s amuses me how many people on this forum scoff at the price it takes to manufacture a product in American but I bet they don’t scoff at the wage they get paid if you compare it to the same job in another country.

Wouldn't that lug nut cost get passed onto the customer? Same as rusted/broken fasteners on a job.

Price just seems high, especially with a 1 time warranty. And that's coming from a guy that buys Snap on for the home box.

My 10 year old IR 2135 exceeds their 600 ft-lb torque rating, so I'd void their warranty on first use. But they know most people don't use low power impacts these days.

 

[shawhite]

To the right person this tool is a bargain. You can always turn the torque down on your 2135 and be just fine. This tool is not the lug nut socket you grab for everyday all day this is the lug nut socket you grab when all else fails. It’s worth $130 when your stuck on the side of the road trying to get that swollen lug nut off. Cheaper than a tow or service truck. This is all assuming the technology pans out

 

[Buckgnarly]

My half sized flip sockets have done the job so far for me, but I could see a high volume tire shop appreciating these. Get one or two of those stupid swollen nuts that the half size won't get off, and you could be wasting a decent amount of time with a chisel. These are not meant for the soccer Dad doing tire swaps with his Milwaukee stubby...haha!

 

[Steve_P]

Yeah, neat idea but it's a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. The half sized flip sockets work just fine and it's not like two seconds to flip a socket is enough of a time waster to justify needing a $390 set of sockets. I doubt they'd sell many even at half their current price.

 

[FMB4]

About the only time I've had issues with removing OEM lug nuts, with US made flip-flop sockets, was while I was working with 'tin covered' lug nuts. I, to this day, have at least 1 odd-ball sized impact socket for dealing with such junk.

 

[Wrench97]

they are for the lug nuts with the chrome that are becoming extremely common. particularly fords and dodges like to swell (but no brand is isolated) from corosion, even with the proper sized socket they socket they get stuck in the socket and you need to use a punch or something to push them out ruining them. half sized sockets are supposed to be a remedy to that issue by allowing a little extra clearance to accomodate the swelling. but these merrick ones are supposed to prevent damage even further. the chrome caps are delicate so any slop can damage them, in theory these are supposed to cam and lock with the large flats but not damage the caps then release when torque isnt being applied.

If they are swollen, they are already ruined
I see too many guys using 20mm sockets on 19mm lug nuts it just make them worse for the next time and forget about changing a flat with the oem supplied tools.

 

[Lucid Moments]

For the professional mechanic that may come across those crappy lug nuts on a customers vehicle because the customer doesn't know any better then these may be a valid solution. But any vehicle owner that knows about these lug nuts and leaves them on the vehicle gets what they deserve when they are stuck on the side of the road with a flat they can't get off. It is so much cheaper and easier to just swap out the lug nuts before they begin to go bad.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Wouldn't that lug nut cost get passed onto the customer? Same as rusted/broken fasteners on a job.

Price just seems high, especially with a 1 time warranty. And that's coming from a guy that buys Snap on for the home box.

My 10 year old IR 2135 exceeds their 600 ft-lb torque rating, so I'd void their warranty on first use. But they know most people don't use low power impacts these days.

No, unless you're specifically writing an "extract lug nuts" ticket. You dont get extra anything for swollen lug nuts, rot, bolts the break, etc. If the customers junk lug nuts add 10min to.the job, that's the mechanics problem IME. Unless you see things are already broken or rotted to tooth picks, it's your problem to deal with it. Every manifold bolt breaks coming out? Customer ain't paying for that. LOL

Front desks HATE selling lug nuts, and the only thing customers are less likely to buy are hood struts.

I was interested in the product initially, when I saw it in videos online. The price makes it a non starter IMO, the added efficiency wouldn't pay me back for a long time. I already own 1/2mm sizes, and plenty of lug nut and locking lug extractors, so payback would likely be measured in years.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

If they are swollen, they are already ruined
I see too many guys using 20mm sockets on 19mm lug nuts it just make them worse for the next time and forget about changing a flat with the oem supplied tools.

Eh, customer is given the option over and over. I get the car out the door with the wheels on tight, that's all i care about. Nobody is buying replacements, until they are 100% completely unusable.

I refuse to extract a single swollen lug for less than 1/2 hour minimum. Anything that happens is my problem, so if I end up drilling it I dont get any more pay.

Just another example of penny wise and pound foolish. Every work order that customer has ever received says "lugs swollen several need replaced". Then they act all surprised when the tire shop.gives up trying to get their wheels off.

 

[Snapped-off]

No, unless you're specifically writing an "extract lug nuts" ticket. You dont get extra anything for swollen lug nuts, rot, bolts the break, etc. If the customers junk lug nuts add 10min to.the job, that's the mechanics problem IME. Unless you see things are already broken or rotted to tooth picks, it's your problem to deal with it. Every manifold bolt breaks coming out? Customer ain't paying for that. LOL

...

I've always been under the impression that a rusty pos isn't the mechanics problem. That's actually surprising that you have to eat the time on it.

 

[Snapped-off]

To the right person this tool is a bargain. You can always turn the torque down on your 2135 and be just fine. This tool is not the lug nut socket you grab for everyday all day this is the lug nut socket you grab when all else fails. It’s worth $130 when your stuck on the side of the road trying to get that swollen lug nut off. Cheaper than a tow or service truck. This is all assuming the technology pans out

It'd still be interesting to know if they'd honor a warranty while using a modern high power impact turned down a couple settings. After seeing that line I quoted out of their warranty policy, I feel like they'd skate out of it by saying they can't be sure you weren't using it on max power. I'd like to give them the benefit of the doubt though.

I don't see this as being in a personal roadside toolkit. Anyone buying this isn't likely going to be dealing with rounded off or swollen chrome-clad lug nuts on their own vehicle.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I've always been under the impression that a rusty pos isn't the mechanics problem. That's actually surprising that you have to eat the time on it.

the automotive industry is fucktarded in many ways this is just one.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I've always been under the impression that a rusty pos isn't the mechanics problem. That's actually surprising that you have to eat the time on it.

You eat it, unless it is explicitly pre-estimated. Like if I'm changing an exhaust pipe, and I need to pull studs that look like tooth picks, I WILL be adding time to deal with that. Usually half an hour is plenty. Or if something is beyond crusty, you quote it as destroying everything in your path to replace the part. Save what you can as you go. Imagine a Ford 5.4 manifold job, you can't have 8 hours (8 studs) of variable rate labor, no one would ever agree to that.

If it breaks on disassembly, like the toothpick stud example, you eat it. I snap it off, and need to pull the manifold to deal with it, 99% of the time it's my problem. The less than 1% of the time the customer will pay some amount, usually not what they really aught to, but something. When you spend an entire day on something, uncompensated for the additional time, it's annoying and disheartening. Counter point, I can deal with most broken bolts in less than 10min, and having something sit and rot on a rack while the front desk plays phone tag is even more unprofitable.

 

[Wrench97]

You eat it, unless it is explicitly pre-estimated. Like if I'm changing an exhaust pipe, and I need to pull studs that look like tooth picks, I WILL be adding time to deal with that. Usually half an hour is plenty. Or if something is beyond crusty, you quote it as destroying everything in your path to replace the part. Save what you can as you go. Imagine a Ford 5.4 manifold job, you can't have 8 hours (8 studs) of variable rate labor, no one would ever agree to that.

If it breaks on disassembly, like the toothpick stud example, you eat it. I snap it off, and need to pull the manifold to deal with it, 99% of the time it's my problem. The less than 1% of the time the customer will pay some amount, usually not what they really aught to, but something. When you spend an entire day on something, uncompensated for the additional time, it's annoying and disheartening. Counter point, I can deal with most broken bolts in less than 10min, and having something sit and rot on a rack while the front desk plays phone tag is even more unprofitable.

How are they dealing with these warranty companies that want to pay below cost for the parts and shave time off the labor attempting to claim warranty pays less?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

How are they dealing with these warranty companies that want to pay below cost for the parts and shave time off the labor attempting to claim warranty pays less?

We dont do warranty nonsense. This is the price, customer can play games with their worthless warranty themselves if they like after the fact.

IME it's just broke losers from the BHPH lot with those worthless warranties. No lost love from me for shipping them.

 

[Wrench97]

We dont do warranty nonsense. This is the price, customer can play games with their worthless warranty themselves if they like after the fact.

IME it's just broke losers from the BHPH lot with those worthless warranties. No lost love from me for shipping them.

We have been telling the customer the warranty pays X we charge Y if you want us to fix it you have to pay the difference, some don't have a problem with that some do.
But the time involved in contacting the warranty company and getting paid by them is getting to the point where it's not worth it.
I've had a couple of them go down the road to a guy that would do it for the price the warranty company paid to R&R a rack on a 2010 Buick, he notched the upper frame with a torch to get it out, installed the rack they sent him customer showed up 3 weeks later with it leaking worse then it was to start with.
Told them nope we want nothing to do with that mess it's not safe to drive won't pass PA inspection you need to talk to a good lawyer................

 

[n8n]

If your wheels are so tight that regular sockets damage the surface to some degree..... then the lug nuts were way over torqued by the last guy who put your wheels on. lol.

I have never had a problem removing properly torqued lug nuts with a standard impact socket.

I encountered properly torqued lug nuts on a friend's recently purchased car when I helped him change a flat. It was unusual enough that I commented on it.

 

[n8n]

About the only time I've had issues with removing OEM lug nuts, with US made flip-flop sockets, was while I was working with 'tin covered' lug nuts. I, to this day, have at least 1 odd-ball sized impact socket for dealing with such junk.

At least from my limited perspective, they seem to be used on about 95% of American brand cars however dating back at least 20 years.

 

[Snapped-off]

...
I've had a couple of them go down the road to a guy that would do it for the price the warranty company paid to R&R a rack on a 2010 Buick, he notched the upper frame with a torch to get it out, installed the rack they sent him customer showed up 3 weeks later with it leaking worse then it was to start with.
...

Atleast he didn't get ripped off by you guys

joking

 

[Snapped-off]

At least from my limited perspective, they seem to be used on about 95% of American brand cars however dating back at least 20 years.

Put me in the 5%. Plain old steel lugs on the 2500HD.