I don't like the tight clearance between my socket and the lug wells on my wheels. I'm always scratching them up when I'm rotating wheels or swapping summer/winter wheels.

So I bought these Gorilla spline lug nuts
Problem is they seem very flimsy to me. Very thin and delicate-looking when compared to a traditional lug nut, so I am very hesitant to use them on my 19" wheels.

They are basically the same ones that AM sells and there are alot of good reviews about them, however they are all cosmetic-based and not performance-based. I think aside from having to constantly re-torque them, I'm afraid these things will just crack if I look at them the wrong way, so I am afraid to put them on.

Anyone use these spline lug nuts on their cars?

 

I would just try wrapping some painters tape around the socket and use the stock lugs.

 

I wouldn't put your safety at risk over some lug nuts, if they feel cheap I'd would return them.

 

ya, I'm going to return them. just don't feel right about them.

 

McGard makes spline drive lug nuts, a lot more expensive though

http://www.summitracing.com/search/p...e%20Lug%20Nuts

Classic Design Concepts offers a thin walled lug nut for the RTR wheels, I bought a set for my FRPP SVT wheels, I am pretty sure they are made by McGard and they seem to work well.

http://shop.classicdesignconcepts.co...2005-12-qty-20

 

I purchased a special socket from the Cornwell Tool Guy. It is wrapped in a plastic coating to protect the wheels. Then you can just use the stock lug nuts.

 

Or save the money and use painters tape and accomplish the same thing.

 

I had the McGard on my Mazda 3 and never had a problem, even with spirited mountain driving. It did not have the HP but it was still a 3000 pound car zipping around.

 

The gorrilla nuts are just fine, used them before with no issues.

And as stated there are sockets that are thin wall, and ones that are plastic coated.

Wrapping the socket in painters tape can make it even harder to get the socket down in a tight space, so that doesn't help much.

 

Look you guys are going to start listening to Brandon and put the **** painters tape on the **** lug nuts, or you're all going to get private messages explaining the advantages of using painters tape on lug nuts!

Just kidding

 

****ING PAINTERS TAPE! I meant more on the socket, on the lugs would be annoying to take off.

 

My Track Pack has no tire tools with the vehicle from the factory. I wanted a socket in the car for emergency purposes. And I did not want to break my socket set at home... So did not consider purchasing one a waste of money. But good idea!

 

I have some spline lugs now and they seem to be fine.

 

I use open ended versions of those lugs with no issues. Even used them on track, where I have had issues with the factory ones coming loose.

However I do set my lugs with a torque wrench, though I'd think they'd hold up pretty well to an impact before shearing (I'd think the studs would break before the lugnuts)

 

If i was having this problem (Like others have said), I would just buy a high quality 'thin wall' socket and not mess around with changing the lug nuts

 

Hahaha, you win the inter webs today sir.

 

Actually funny you should mention it. I had issues with my factory 21mm lug nuts coming loose after my track sessions too. There would be 1 or 2 per wheel there were loose after the car sat for 20 minutes to cool off.

 

Have you tried a thin-wall socket with the stock lugs?

 

I like the idea of security with the spline nuts. Wonder how difficult they are to defeat.

I got some impact lug nut sockets from Harbor Freight on sale. They have a vinyl jacket on the outside to protect the rim, and a nylon insert on the inside to protect the nut. They fit every rim/nut I've tried so far.

But, I have to agree, tape on a 1/2 drive socket would be cheaper.

 

yes, I have 2 different thin wall sockets I bought. one of them came with a plastic sheath to protect from scratching, however I had to take it off in order for the socket to fit.

I should also mention I have 2 sets of AM wheels I use and maybe they have tighter lug wells than OEM wheels. putting painters tape isn't an option because then I wouldn't be able to get the socket in.

Capt distraction, what lugs did you buy specifically?