LeeR

Does anyone have suggestions for a socket that doesn't damage lug bolts? I used to have a socket that had a thin layer of rubber material inside to make it snug and avoid metal to metal contact. How do you guys tighten the lug bolts without damaging them? Thanks.

Edward

Hi Lee,

I've never used one, but I've seen these so-called "soft sockets" at Performance Products, or the like. But most any of the catalog/aftermarket type folks sell these non-marring sockets (perhaps check our sponsors). I just tighten carefully ...never bother looking at the edges of my lugnuts . Hope this helps.

Edward

adsc4s

Lee, unfortunately, the soft socket that I got only works on the Turbo Twist wheels. For aftermarket wheels, there really isn't enough space for the soft socket to fit. So as Edward said, be very careful or don't look so closely.

kkim

I bought one of those soft sockets. It's actually a 24mm socket with a hard plastic insert to fit the 19mm lugs. If you have room to slide it onto the lugs, it should work. Problem is the insert is glued into the socket and forever keeps on coming out. I have given up trying to glue it into place and now just carefully use a 19mm socket to remove the lugs.

*edit*- socket size is a 24mm socket, not 22. Post has been modified to reflect the correct size.

CalvinC4S

I got a socket from AJ-USA that has a star design as not to booger up the lug nuts. The "soft" sockets crack pretty easly.

Air Kuul TT

I got mine from Ralph Boothe (not sure if he is a RL sponsor). Very durable and well made. Of course no affiliations, etc.... just a satisfied customer.

Here is the link http://www.boothedesign.com/boltsstudslugs.html

kkim

yep, that's basically what mine looks like...

Air Kuul TT

Kelly,

Howzit brah? I like your new avatar... nice! I owe you a PM.

amfp

Never got the soft socket wrench as thought plastic inside would break. I wrap racing tape over a standard socket to prevent any scratches on the wheels over the lugs. If lugs paint gets damaged when removing them, I use a flat black permanent marker and touch up scratches. That has been working well with stock color and hides the scratches.

Arrwin

There's a thread on the 997 board that has some info on soft sockets as well.

Link to page

993Brendan

That is funny Kelly. I'm having the same experience with mine coming unglued. Anyone successfully glued one of these bad boys back together and had it last?

ScottMellor

Yup. Mine came unglued and I just glued it back in. DONT use an impact wrench on these puppies though. I switched to steel nuts cause I swap wheels like Watt swaps cars.

Leland Pate

Try gorilla glue. It's available at any Ace Hardware store. I glued mine back together with this stuff and it has worked fine. Just be sure to get all the RTV out of there first.

mike cap

Guys,

I use an impact wrench socket with my torque wrench and extension. The impact wrench sockets are "softer" and made of a malleable metal so they take the wear and not the lug nut. Same idea as the plastic insert but more durable. Sears has them individually.

Rezal

I had a soft socket too but like others, the insert came off. A better design would be a soft insert with flanges, and inner flanges for the metal holder. Of course this would add costs but at around $25 per socket, I think there's still room for decent profits here.