Factory lug wrench destroys lug wells

[cwdaniel]

Anyone else use the factory lug wrench to change a flat and ruin the finish on the wheel lug wells? Stupid wrench barely fits in the holes.

 

[djevox]

These might solve that problem.



For real though, that’s for emergencies. It would be better to get a impact gun and socket or socket and breaker bar.

 

[Babaganush]

You can wrap some duct tape around the sides of the wrench as a way to help protect your wheels from this issue. Should still fit around the lug with a thin layer of tape.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Didn't have any issues on my BTS when I got a flat and had to change out to the spare with factory tools.

 

[c3k]

I buy a spare socket and a breaker bar and toss them under the rear seat. Much easier.

 

[brian42]

I'm sure that others have that issue too. The spare tools aren't as much to get the wheel off as they are to get the spare/donut steel wheel (with no lug wells) on. Too may different styles of wheels offered (with varying lug wells) to design the wrench around them.

I always have a dedicated thin-walled 6-point deep socket and 1/2" breaker bar in my vehicle to use instead of the factory bar. I only use the factory bar to lower/raise the spare.

I stopped using the factory lug wrench on lug nuts back when one end was the socket side and the other end was to pry off the hub cap.

 

[HEMIJAKE]

Honestly can't say I've even looked at mine yet. After this thread though, I may take it out and taper that extra material off on the bench grinder. That should provide for enough clearance.

 

[AV8OR]

They make thin wall impact rated lug nut sockets with a plastic wrap to protect your rims.

Add in a 1/2” x 24” breaker bar (or greater) for those lug nuts that just refuse to come off.

Get a set so if your friend or some damsel in distress is broke down on the side of the road you don’t screw up their rims.

A caveat, check to make sure your all new fancy lug nut socket will actually engage the full length of your rim when you receive it because some will bind and not fit.

All can be had on Commiezon.

 

[56 Pontiac]

... the factory lug wrench [with] one end was the socket side and the other end was to pry off the hub cap.

My Lord, I haven't even thought of those for 50 years! Time travel is fun!

Dave