Stupid question. What socket works with wheel studs?

[msan]

So I put studs on and now can’t use my normal 17mm socket. Doh!

What socket can I buy that will be longer and fit...,

Thanks!!!

[Adriano917]

A deep socket ??? Go to your local autoparts store

[GasBurnlife(landapanda)]

^^^^^

You need a deep socket. Your socket is shallow and the collar doesn't close to the nit because of the king wheel studs.

[dogbone]

Your socket should be fine. Just pop out the plastic insert that’s inside the socket.

[eatsleepboost]

Ya you just need a deep socket. That's dumb that the long socket you have is actually shallow inside. No idea why they would make it like that. Deep sockets are plenty strong.

[dogbone]

His socket is fine. All the makers of these things put a plastic insert in the socket. You can easily pop it out and it will work fine.

[dogbone]

(Stick a screwdriver in through the 1/2” square drive side and pop it out the hex hole with a couple light hammer taps.)

[msan]

Originally Posted by dogbone

(Stick a screwdriver in through the 1/2” square drive side and pop it out the hex hole with a couple light hammer taps.)

Thanks so much for suggesting this work around. But I think I have an expensive German made socket that has metal in the center. Here is a link to it on Amazon and this pic showing whats in the middle.
https://www.amazon.com/Hazet-903SLG-.../dp/B001C9X03M

[msan]

I think I will buy this one (actually buy a couple and keep one in the car at all times).

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben.../004351sch01a/

[dogbone]

Originally Posted by msan

Thanks so much for suggesting this work around. But I think I have an expensive German made socket that has metal in the center. Here is a link to it on Amazon and this pic showing whats in the middle.
https://www.amazon.com/Hazet-903SLG-.../dp/B001C9X03M

If they didn’t weld/glue the insert in I’d guess you could still remove it. But if it’s stuck solidly in there, buying another one is easier.

I’ve had good luck with the Burger Tuning sockets: https://www.burgertuning.com/products/extra-copy-of-protective-wheel-saver-socket

The Burger ones have a plastic insert that need to be removed to work with long studs. I usually buy a few of them at a time so that I have them ready to go on all my tools. And I have at least one spare around.

[pbonsalb]

Is the insert magnetic? Looked metal to be based on the picture. Might be pressed or glued in.

I agree with simply buying a regular 17mm deep socket. You can probably find a plastic covered one meant to protect wheel finish if you have a rare collector car or are OCD. Obviously get 3/8 or 1/2 depending on which size torque wrench you use.

If the nut stays in the socket, just lightly whack the socket on the floor and the bolt should come out. If not? Use a thin screwdriver to tap it out.

Good luck. Many of us who DIY started out with simple questions.

[slicer]

Originally Posted by msan

I think I will buy this one (actually buy a couple and keep one in the car at all times).

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben.../004351sch01a/

I recommend avoiding the plastic sheathed sockets. They have done more damage to my wheels than they prevented. The best option is a thin walled socket. Those sheathed sockets are a lot bigger diameter and more likely to damage the lug pocket. Plus the plastic is easily marred which results in a rough surface perfect for scratching paint.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by slicer

I recommend avoiding the plastic sheathed sockets. They have done more damage to my wheels than they prevented. The best option is a thin walled socket. Those sheathed sockets are a lot bigger diameter and more likely to damage the lug pocket. Plus the plastic is easily marred which results in a rough surface perfect for scratching paint.

It's true that the plastic can get chewed up and create sharp edges. Just hit it with some sandpaper real quick and it'll be fine. Been using them for years on my cars.

[slicer]

Originally Posted by dparm

It's true that the plastic can get chewed up and create sharp edges. Just hit it with some sandpaper real quick and it'll be fine. Been using them for years on my cars.

You probably have wheels without a deep lug pocket. I have had 3 different wheels damaged by shops using those "protective" sockets. Part of the problem is that I use 19mm lugs with deep pocket style wheels (BBS E88, HRE R-series back in the day). Large diameter socket, plus unnecessary diameter increase due to plastic, plus an XL shoulder at the top that sits nicely up against my lug opening = damage... I mean just look at that picture above. The top shoulder of that socket is a good 1/8" larger diameter than it would be if it were a regular thin walled socket. Much better to use a thin walled socket IMO. A wheel with a completely exposed lug - like the BBS RIA (or maybe the Corvette wheels) - will be fine with that style socket.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by slicer

You probably have wheels without a deep lug pocket.

You sure about that?

[slicer]

Originally Posted by dparm

You sure about that?

Oh damn. Stop using them before you damage those beauties!!!

[bigjae1976]

Uh...just use a 3/8" drive 17mm impact socket. All of your problems will be solved.

I just use a regular non-impact snap on 3/8" drive 17mm socket. As long as you're not torquing your lugs to 120 ft/lbs you will be fine.