Socket falls off extension when torquing lug nut

[Locker537]

When torquing lug nuts, the socket has a tendency to stick on the lug nut and come off the 6" extension.

This isn't a major annoyance, until you start checking the lug nuts to ensure they are properly torqued at the track, multiple times a day.

I currently prefer USA made Craftsman chrome sockets for this application as they fit the lug nuts in question well. My Craftsman impact socket and HF wheel protecting impact are looser fit.

What's the best solution? Locking extension? Different type of socket?

 

[rijndael]

I'd probably just use a locking extension.

 

[Robbie B]

Are you starting to round out the inside of the drive on the socket? Also make sure the the detent ball or pin in the extension is strong. We have a few at work that the sockets feel like the grip on but you turn it towards the floor and the sockets fall right off. I’d also suggest finding a good impact socket. Chrome sockets will eventually fail torquing wheels.


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[Hammer1963]

It has been my experience that some Craftsman sockets from the late 70's through sometime in the 80's have poor detent areas which ia a problem. Check that as it could be your culprit

 

[Wamsutta]

I use a PROTO impact deep socket. It snaps into the retention ball firmly. I see no need for a locking extension in my case. Besides that, I don't use an extension anyway. I use a 1/2 inch drive flex head ratchet by itself.

Sockets that fall off extensions is what got me into the high-end pro tools segment in the first place. I never could stand sockets falling off.

 

[Wood_Guy]

I use a PROTO impact deep socket. It snaps into the retention ball firmly. I see no need for a locking extension in my case. Besides that, I don't use an extension anyway. I use a 1/2 inch drive flex head ratchet by itself.

Sockets that fall off extensions is what got me into the high-end pro tools segment in the first place. I never could stand sockets falling off.

This exactly. A 1/2" extension with a retention ball shouldn't have any trouble retaining the socket. Time to upgrade to better tools.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

If I had that situation I'd pin the extension to the socket.

 

[cherrybomb]

I use a PROTO impact deep socket. It snaps into the retention ball firmly. I see no need for a locking extension in my case. Besides that, I don't use an extension anyway. I use a 1/2 inch drive flex head ratchet by itself.

Sockets that fall off extensions is what got me into the high-end pro tools segment in the first place. I never could stand sockets falling off.

I totally agree,sometimes just upgrading quality products,"Proto" is what I found, maybe costs a bit more.But some situations just can't be left in the grips of marginal tooling.A small cost to get the job done.

 

[Locker537]

Thanks for the thoughts! I've got a few different sockets to try.

I actually prefer the chrome non-impact socket as it sits on the lug more firmly.

 

[Locker537]

Also, thinking out loud, the lugs are likely a little worn. The sockets tend to get stuck on the lug, which is when they come off the extension.

 

[rlitman]

Also, thinking out loud, the lugs are likely a little worn. The sockets tend to get stuck on the lug, which is when they come off the extension.

Either the socket is worn, or the lug nuts, or both.

Could they be 13/16 lug nuts and you're using a 21mm socket, because that's a sure-fire way to have this happen?

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Some extension, like my Craftsman don't have a strong enough spring behind the ball. When you check extensions, if you can push down with your thumb , pass on them. If when you push down harder, your thumb only hurts more, you have good one.

 

[tomtomgt356]

For track use, where you are torquing the lug nuts multiple times a day, I got tired of the extensions and got a dedicated socket. The link below is the extended 17mm I got, but they have other sizes as well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006L23AFS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Locker537]

Either the socket is worn, or the lug nuts, or both.

Could they be 13/16 lug nuts and you're using a 21mm socket, because that's a sure-fire way to have this happen?

No, they are 19mm.

For track use, where you are torquing the lug nuts multiple times a day, I got tired of the extensions and got a dedicated socket. The link below is the extended 17mm I got, but they have other sizes as well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006L23AFS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That's exactly what I was considering at first. Thanks!

 

[rlitman]

No, they are 19mm.

Ok. Well, the difference between 19mm and 3/4" isn't enough to cause this sort of problem. I'm still betting the hex end of your socket is worn out.

FWIW, tire guys like extended anvil impact wrenches so they don't have to use extensions.

 

[PhantomEB]

Electrical tape is a tip I learned at work. Especially when doing 10+ of the same nuts.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I had the exact same problem with my 1990s Craftsman impact sockets. Switched to Snap-on and the problem went away on the exact same lug nuts.

 

[Mr_B]

pin or weld the socket to extension for your own in house custom tool

I like chromes with a detent hole so can use with a pinned impact extension for just this sort of scenario ...

 

[CJ7VFR]

Most sockets have a tiny hole thru them, found on one of the 4 flat sides of the square opening that accepts the square drive of the socket wrench and extension.

Try installing the socket so that the hole in it lines up with the ball in the wrench and extension. This will allow the socket to lock more securely and help keep it attached, and not come off so easily.

The other 3 sides of square opening of the sockets will have detents in the wall of the socket that will also accept the ball in the socket wrench or extension. These detents do not hold the sockets on as securely, making it easier to remove the socket.

Jim

 

[Locker537]

When you put the socket onto the extension or directly onto the socket wrench, most sockets have a tiny hole in them that aligns with the ball in the wrench and extension.

Try installing the socket so that the hole in it lines up with the ball in the wrench and extension. This will allow the socket to stay more securely attached, and not come off so easily.

Jim

I do that if the socket has a hole. Some don't.

I think the extension in question has a weak detent, and the lugs are well worn.

 

[CJ7VFR]

I do that if the socket has a hole. Some don't.

I think the extension in question has a weak detent, and the lugs are well worn.

True. Some sockets do not have the hole. I have never seen one without it, as all of my sockets, and all of my fathers older sockets all have the hole.

Maybe buy a socket, in the size you need, that has the hole, and that would solve your issue.

Jim

 

[Locker537]

I purchased a $10 Gearwrench locking extension. Curious to see how that works out!

 

[Lassen Forge]

Or... drill the corresponding hole in the side of the offending socket so the ball has a place to lodge into. Seems like an easy solution.

This exactly. A 1/2" extension with a retention ball shouldn't have any trouble retaining the socket. Time to upgrade to better tools.

Sockets that fall off extensions is what got me into the high-end pro tools segment in the first place. I never could stand sockets falling off.

Between failing ball detent retention, stripping ratchet heads, and well... yeah. Add to this screwdrivers that strip, fail, or bend at the blade tip, Open end wrenches that splay, sockets that waller out, etc., I've crossed over to the dark side of buy once, cry once, then enjoy your tools for the rest of your days.

 

[Shadowdog500]

When torquing lug nuts, the socket has a tendency to stick on the lug nut and come off the 6" extension.

This isn't a major annoyance, until you start checking the lug nuts to ensure they are properly torqued at the track, multiple times a day.

I currently prefer USA made Craftsman chrome sockets for this application as they fit the lug nuts in question well. My Craftsman impact socket and HF wheel protecting impact are looser fit.

What's the best solution? Locking extension? Different type of socket?

Sounds like the socket is wedging itself onto the lug nut. This is caused by using the wrong size socket or if the lugnut or socket is worn.

The short term solution is to turn the socket the other way just enough to get it unwedged from the lug nut without loosening the lugnut.

The long term solution is to get a socket that fits better and/or check the lugnut and socket for wear and replace whichever is worn.

 

[rlitman]

True. Some sockets do not have the hole. I have never seen one without it, as all of my sockets, and all of my fathers older sockets all have the hole...

I have never owned a chrome socket with a hole. They all have recessed machined on all four sides inside. Then again, I don't use chrome sockets on lug nuts.

OTOH, all of my impact sockets have one or two holes, and not a single one of them has recessed milled inside.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Last summer we drove up to the Artic Ocean with our travel trailer. I had a couple of repairs, so the wheel came off and on a couple of times. Trailer wheels torque has to be checked three times after each replacement. The tools in travel trailer are not my first line or second or even third, so that cursed Craftsman extension was in the tool box. Every other lug nut the extension and the socket parted company. Yesterday I splurged , and paid $5.99 for a Taiwanese made Performance Tool one to throw in that tool box.. But it passed the ball tension test.

 

[Locker537]

Sounds like the socket is wedging itself onto the lug nut. This is caused by using the wrong size socket or if the lugnut or socket is worn.

The short term solution is to turn the socket the other way just enough to get it unwedged from the lug nut without loosening the lugnut.

The long term solution is to get a socket that fits better and/or check the lugnut and socket for wear and replace whichever is worn.

It's the lugnuts that are worn. Track car. Constantly being checked for tightness and the tires come off frequently.

They aren't worn to the point of being useless though, so while I'll order a new set, I still want a better solution (locking extension, different socket, etc).

 

[Shadowdog500]

It's the lugnuts that are worn. Track car. Constantly being checked for tightness and the tires come off frequently.

They aren't worn to the point of being useless though, so while I'll order a new set, I still want a better solution (locking extension, different socket, etc).

If you don’t want to change the worn lug nuts get a locking extension or weld, braze, or silver solder an extension onto a socket.

You may want to look at flank drive sockets that grab the nut near the center of the flats instead of the points. They would probably be less likely to wedge onto a worn lug nut.

Chris

 

[CJ7VFR]

I purchased a $10 Gearwrench locking extension. Curious to see how that works out!

I have an older Craftsman USA made locking extension set. There is a 3, 6, 9 and 12 inch extension in the set, all with a little black slider tab up near the top.

If you line up a socket with the hole in it with the ball on the extensions they are locked on and can only come off if you pull the tab down to release the ball.

They work excellent.

Jim

 

[rijndael]

I have that same Craftsman set, they work great.

 

[Aileron]

weld the socket and extension together. Make it a dedicated track tool. You where looking to buy another anyway.

 

[Wrench97]

Are these the Ford 19mm shiny tin covered nuts?

The rust under the chrome caps and grow in size.