Chrome wheel nut protection.

Tonz · 01-12-2017, 07:52 PM

This maybe pedantic but when you have chrome wheel nuts (on your car

) is there a wheel brace that has a plastic shim or similar to protect the chrome

**GO FURTHER** · 01-12-2017, 08:16 PM

This is a very good question, and no need to roll on the floor laughing as most new cars come with chrome lug nuts.

My FG came with chrome lug nuts, and while chrome is one of the hardest materials out there it is also brittle and the chrome plating will flack and crack using normal unprotected sockets.

On closer inspection, this cracking always occurs on the corners or edges of the nut rather than the side faces.

The reason this happens is that most sockets due to their design are designed to "grab" the corners of the nut and apply the most force.

This includes using a six-point socket.

Once the chrome is cracked on the edges, moisture gets under the crack and the nut starts to corrode, eventually lifting the chrome from the nut.

To solve the issue you need to use a socket that does not grab the edges of the nut.

Snap-On makes such sockets but are expensive.

But you are paying for precise machining in manufacture so the corners of the lug nut are not touched.. Only the face.

You can buy sockets with nylon inserts, but the problem is that they normally come as a set, so its hard to just buy the one you need. They are made in the USA.

But keep in mind, that even if you go down this track and are super careful... When you take your car to get serviced for tyre rotation, brakes adjusted or tyres replaced ...

The workshops are going to use their edge grabbing impact wrenches and damage them anyway.

Tonz · 01-12-2017, 08:20 PM

If you were changing wheels yourself, you could always wrap the nuts with duct tape or similar...think I need another wine

**GO FURTHER** · 01-12-2017, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tonz

If you were changing wheels yourself, you could always wrap the nuts with duct tape or similar...think I need another wine

If you are going to do that (and assuming the socket will still fit), why not just stick the tape to the inside of the socket rather than doing it on each nut and doing it 4 times.

Work smarter... Not harder.

**aussiblue** · 01-12-2017, 10:03 PM

If it's the chrome on the wheel itself, these https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/3-pc-All...8AAOSwKtVWuYxy designed for a rattle gun but can be used with any 1/2" drive wrench. And for less than$10 you can buy a single of the required size.

**aussiblue** · 01-12-2017, 10:45 PM

But this is probably what you are after https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_e...es-365054.html

**aussiblue** · 01-12-2017, 10:53 PM

Snap On also have these https://store.snapon.com/Non-marRing...s-C754106.aspx

And these: http://www.shop.upgrademotoring.com/...HLSOCLINER.htm

**GO FURTHER** · 01-12-2017, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aussiblue

Snap On also have these https://store.snapon.com/Non-marRing...s-C754106.aspx

And these: http://www.shop.upgrademotoring.com/...HLSOCLINER.htm

None of those sizes they show on those links will fit.

Tonz, if I'm not mistaken has an FG MKII, which if it has the stock chrome lug nuts are a 21mm hex nut.

**aussiblue** · 02-12-2017, 12:07 AM

Many of the impact wrench ones claim to have a both a non-marring core and sleeve and come in the required 21mm. i,e, https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Tools-2.../dp/B01NAEF0U5 They have a not readily visible in the pics polymer lining in the socket to help keep from marring painted fasteners; others have a soft anodised aluminium core to protect your nuts.

Tonz · 02-12-2017, 08:58 AM

gee wizz never expected these results, I put this up as a friday nite, cool down, esp after being ordered to 'help' put the chrissy decorations up.

well her idea didnt last for long.. so put this up and you guys come up with fantastic ideas thanks.

**aussiblue** · 02-12-2017, 09:32 AM

Well us guys do have to protect our nuts.

Tonz · 02-12-2017, 09:49 AM

was waiting for that one

Fed · 02-12-2017, 10:05 AM

FWIW there was a thread here that most agreed Falcons use 13/16" for wheel nuts unless they changed them for FGs.

**GO FURTHER** · 02-12-2017, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fed

FWIW there was a thread here that most agreed Falcons use 13/16" for wheel nuts unless they changed them for FGs.

Well 13/16" = 20.64mm, so close enough to 21mm.

The thing to keep in mind when buying sockets for wheel lug nuts is that while some sockets are the right socket size, they may be too thick in outside diameter to fit in between the space between the lug nuts and wheel nut holes depending on the wheel you have.

Those wheel sockets that also include nylon protection on the OUTSIDE of the socket as well may not fit because of the above.

au350hp · 07-12-2017, 10:42 PM

Anyone who has seen the pathetic jack & wrench supplied in an AU will see why I carry a small jack & I have a breaker bar with a 3'' ext & a 13/16 socket which is a perfect wheel brace. The ext allows you to rotate the wrench so you don't have to use use your back as much. I have 18'' Speedlines which I am very fussy about, the socket fits inside nicely.