How the H*LL are you supposed to tighten down your black wheels with recessed lug holes? I had to finger tighten all 16 of them and then very gingerly tighten with the torque wrench and socket. I know that I can't ever bring the car in for service with the wheels on though, because they'll get scratched to bits. Is there some sort of composite plastic lug wrench or socket that can be used? I ended up wrapping my socket with one layer of black electric tape, and that seemed to work, however it left less room to move. Just looking for other ideas.

 

could you be any more vague? what brand of wheels?

do a lug conversion with McGard SplineDrive lugs and you'll never have to worry about any wheels you buy for your car.

 

I wasn't trying to make it specific to my car/wheels... just wondering if there is a better way to tighten down black wheels without scratching them (they're privat netz). Splinedrive would be slick... but not what I wanted to do (or spend money on). Thanks for the suggestion.

 

I meant to ask you on Saturday if that is what you are using on your car. Which lug conversion did you use?

 

some wheels require 'tuner' lugs or splinedrive type and are not to be used with OEM bolts. Might want to invest in a thinwall socket...get a good one as cheap ones crack.

 

hardened race studs + black chrome McGard Splinedrives (beware the cheap knock-offs like Gorilla and Muteki...they don't last).

 

Just be careful.

or

These are bit expensive but you may be able to find just a 17mm at your local car parts store.



from griots garage.

 

You know I will be careful... but the dealer mechanics are pressed for time, I doubt they will be as careful. Those sockets from griots are sweet, I will look around for them. Thanks.

 

It sounds like you need to invest in a stud kit + lug nuts w/ a thin walled key as mentioned. You'll thank yourself for having studs if you ever change your wheels... ever. I personally wouldn't want to have to bring tools and tell whatever mechanic I'm at to use mine whenever you need a wheel taken off elsewhere.

I have the the cheap knockoff mutekis and they work fine for someone who doesn't want to flush money down the toilet on expensive lug nuts. The only weak link is the key, be careful with it, invest in a second one, or beef it up. (I've found threaded pipe sections from a hardware store work perfect, they're slightly less than 1/2" ID. Slip them around the key, won't break, you loose a little clearance though, c'est la vie.)

 

how much are we talking about for all the parts needed? $100-$200?

 

i wrap my sockets with masking tape maybe 4 times. that's all it takes.

 

Texas Speedwerk sells their stud kit + Muteki lug nuts for $88+S/H. The TSW studs are quality, and I've been happy with the Muteki lugs too. My key broke at an autox a weekend ago and I had to drive home on the wrong tires. But not the fault of the lug nuts themselves.

Just realized this was a really dumb point, since with any "tuner" lugs you'll still have to hand over the key.... *shrug*

 

or doesn't want to get stuck not being able to remove lugs. I've seen a number of cracked knockoff tools. The McGard one hasn't ever had that issue...I've been using them on every car for about the last 8 years. Also...the cheap splinedrives tend to rust...not the case with the originals.

not really. a 3/8" drive fits a tuner lug perfectly...so much for 'security'

 

Did you just refute your first point with your second one?

I'll check on the 3/8" thing though, would have been nice to know last weekend.

 

negatory. splinedrive != tuner style

splinedrive key (goes outside):



tuner lug key (goes inside):

 

I use a plastic sandwich bag between the lug nuts and the socket. Of course I never use anything but hand tools and a torque wrench to remove and replace. Your choice of baggies and no air tools.
Steve

 

OK, well, the Mutekis are splinedrive a la McGard, I'm happy with them, and I was using the term "tuner" for all of this aftermarket lug nut nonsense.

</endr diskussion>

 

So for an r56, depending on the rims you have, you would need one of 2 kits: M14 (1.25)-M14 (1.5) or the M14-M12 studs with black chrome nuts (about $115 from txwerks.com).

If you wanted to use McGard spline drives with that, you could just buy the conversion from tx werks (M14-M14 $87.50 or M14-M12 $89.95) and then buy Mcgards spline drive nuts separate. For M12 #65457BK (M12 x 1.5 black chrome) would work and runs about $95-$115 online. For M14 (1.5) it is #655114... but it doesn't come in black and it only comes for 5 lug pattern, so you get a few too many pieces.

I'm thinking I'll keep using my electric tape wrapped socket for now... That $200 could go to some H&R springs

Thanks everyone for the input so far.

** harborfreight.com sells vinyl protected sockets for lug nut applications. Prices range from $20 to $50 for a set. May be a good investment, but I always doubt the qualty of anything from them. May be worth the extra money to find a better quality option, but those sorts of sockets are available. I never heard of them before.

 

The Man makes rubber coated sockets to fit.
I've seen them sold individually online.

Also, home depot has this stuff (I don't know if it works for
this but you could try it) in the spray paint can section.
It is in a spray can as well as a regular tin can.

It's a rubberized coating, you can either dip or spray the
socket. I think it would work decent (may rub off over time).

I've used it for other applications it is great stuff but expensive,
like $6/rattle can.

 

I use the Griot's set. Yes, not cheap, but I couldn't find an identical quality elsewhere, so I bit the bullet. Definitely worth it, very easy to use. I have the stud conversion. Everyone who has seen this set of protected wheel drivers loves it.

Yup, hand tools only. I have an air compressor, but I don't use it on the Mini.

 

How 'bout a little help for a newby. I've got a 07 cabrio; it came with run flats and a spare. I've put about 18,000 on them and the front ones are getting bare. What do I get?? I want comfort and I wouldn't mind the larger tire that appears to take up more of the wheel well. As you can tell, I don't know much about tires (I'll have to admit that mine is a leased MINI at that!!..well it seemed like the right way to go at the time...but after a 6700 mile trip to the Mini Vegas rally the mileage limit went out the window). What recommended brand; size; etc. HELPPPP

 

SYCO, thanks for the pics and recommendation... the Griot's set looks like it is really well made. On a side note, you should take a minute to clean up your garage, it's a mess

 

Were you using the factory wrench? Theres your problem....