Protective Lug Nut Sockets

[nmk_61802]

I know this has been discussed before, but every thread I have found has not quite answered my question, or includes dead links to products.

I have a set of HF lug sockets with the plastic outer sleeve to protect the rim. After awhile the plastic has become brittle, and shears off at the face where it contacts the rim. I am hoping to upgrade these. I am looking for a set that also includes soft inserts to protect the lugs as well as the rim.

Any recommendations for the forum?

 

[signcrafter]

I bought a set of autocraft from advance auto, http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...et-mm-ac7779/10449622-P?searchTerm=lug+socket. I was placing an order for parts online and needed to add something to use a discount code so they were probably about 15 bucks after the discount. They not the best but they work, probably not a whole lot better then your HF ones. They do have the plastic insert inside to protect the lug. But it falls out a lot.

 

[Golgoroth]

http://m.harborfreight.com/automoti...ue-lug-nut-impact-socket-set-11-pc-69829.html

I have this set and it comes with inserts inside the socket to protect the lug nut. They are also made of Cro-mo so should last a good bit longer.

 

[Trey T]

Is there a Pittsburg Pro version kit?

 

[Adam.C]

Does such a thing exist? I have the blue point set. The outer sleeve is designed to spin on the socket if it contacts the alloy rim. A plastic insert wouldn't leave much steel left. My set are fairly thin walled, technically not designed for impact guns. Years ago. Bought an all aluminum socket. Haven't seen them since, but I thought this was a good idea. But it would marr up a rim if you hit it when using a gun.

 

[BeachBoy]

dubber just bought a set, not sure the brand I'm paging him!

 

[joecon]

I think that ASTRO pneumatic has a set.

 

[lilcraigford]

I have seen a few styles for protecting the lug nut. Doing a search for Porsche or Corvette 'Soft Socket' turns up some results. Here are some examples:

Boothe Designs (Nylon or Aluminum Insert)

SIR Tools (Fixed Aluminum Insert)

Stoddard (All Aluminum)

I don't have experience with any of these but have been looking off and on at options for my own car. What size are you looking for? The above are all 19mm (the SIR Tools socket is available in 17mm).

 

[ChevyEFI]

Ko-Ken has aluminum as well.

On a budget, Sunex has common size (plus 15mm) impacts with an outer protective sleeve.)

 

[nmk_61802]

dubber just bought a set, not sure the brand I'm paging him!

I had seen Dubber's Schwaben sockets in his post, that combined with cracking the plastic on mine has me asking the question about upgrading.

I may have to forget about soft inserts for the insides though. As all I have been able to find currently has been Aluminum inserts which I think will tear up a lug worse than steel.

 

[K-Dog]

I have the Astro set and I am well pleased.

 

[jetdawg]

Does anyone make a US made or high quality version?

 

[lilcraigford]

Does anyone make a US made or high quality version?

For USA there are these AJ Mfg/Matco sockets.

 

[jetdawg]

^thanks man I'd thumb up your post if I could

how about ones with the sleeve on the outside to protect the rims (non china)

 

[L.Cheapo]

^thanks man I'd thumb up your post if I could

how about ones with the sleeve on the outside to protect the rims (non china)

After purchasing a new vehicle, I'm looking for a set of these, made in USA if at all possible.

 

[ojahunzhe]

The outer sleeve is designed to spin on the socket if it contacts the alloy rim.

 

[WhiffySpark]

The sleeved ones are a waste of time. Just get a quality set of thin walls. All mine are truck brands because they eventually crack. But I use them everyday

 

[nmk_61802]

Still looking for a quality set, however HF did end up swapping out my set with the damaged sleeves for a new set. The newer set is made in Taiwan vs China on the older set. I will see how these hold up, unless I find a higher quality set to purchase elsewhere.

 

[rick carpenter]

What about wrapping them in that clearish fiber packing tape? You could even get fancy and make spinners by wrapping one layer with the adhesive facing out and then one layer with the adhesive facing in.