Stupid 2 Piece Lug Nuts

[rtrainer]

How do get them off if they are partially rounded? Can knock off the shell?

[Country Campers]

Yes if you can get the shell off I think you will need to go to one size smaller on the socket, maybe even metric if you have those. Use only 6 pt sockets.

Brian

[rtrainer]

Country Campers any suggestions for getting them off?

[Cate&Rob]

Depending on how badly the lug nut covers are damaged, you may be able to carefully align and drive on a proper size 6 point socket . . . squeezing the cover back into more-or-less it's original space. You can drive the damaged nut out of the socket, once it is removed.

For others reading this . . . virtually every recent car/truck/trailer comes with 2 part lug nuts. If you use a snug fitting 6 point socket and a breaker bar or torque wrench, these lug nuts will last for many years. An impact gun . . . and even worse, a 12 point socket . . . will quickly make a mess of things. Why does the industry use these nuts? . . . the steel core is required to retain torque and the outer cover is for looks. A caution on going to aftermarket stainless steel lug nuts . . . the stainless alloy will often strip before reaching the specified torque. Chrome plated steel lug nuts are an option.

Rob

[Country Campers]

Country Campers any suggestions for getting them off?

If you have a sharp small chisel you should be able to get most of it off. If not follow Rob's advice above.

Brian

[rtrainer]

Got them off with a 6 point socket. More of a PITA to get the nuts out of the socket.