Torque Wrench Sockets

[Sae]

Hi guys, quick question for those who change wheels often.
I notice that on my OEM wheels there are what seem like socket marks probably left by whoever last had to remove the wheels - I haven't yet had the misfortune or pleasure to remove them myself so far...

However, I'm just about to purchase torque wrench and sockets, so my question is, are there specific small diameter sockets available for 17mm that won't mark alloys? Or quite possibly the marks were left by overly large socket set used on the wheels.

Any advice would be appreciated, cheers.

 

[pvr]

The socket is usually fine but might be too short for the wrench, and the wrench might make the marks.

I use the extension bit on top of the socket to get the bolts out.

 

[Stuart Truman]

I think it was probably just the fitter's carelessness. I'm not aware of special sockets, but if you want to be ultra cautious then wrap some insulation tape around the outside of the socket

 

[Machine monkey]

I turned up a plastics sleeve for my socket it works great. If you want me to do the same send me your socket

 

[cj10jeeper]

You can buy special sockets or sets sleeved in nylon to protect rims. Here's an example:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-59080-Square-Drive-Socket/dp/B0002GUNT0/ref=sr_1_1?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1388169565&sr=1-1&keywords=wheel+sockets

I'd just get a deep socket and do as ST suggests and wrap some tape around it.

EDIT - mm - not trying to detract from your kind offer

 

[Machine monkey]

You can buy special sockets or sets sleeved in nylon to protect rims. Here's an example:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-59080-Square-Drive-Socket/dp/B0002GUNT0/ref=sr_1_1?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1388169565&sr=1-1&keywords=wheel+sockets

I'd just get a deep socket and do as ST suggests and wrap some tape around it.

EDIT - mm - not trying to detract from your kind offer

No problem your saving me work

 

[Sae]

Cheers guys, I'll look into an extension bit or a socket set that includes one.

Thanks for the generous offer MM, I'll get the sockets first and test fitment. If it's tight then insulation tape may be ok, however, can see the plastic sleeves being useful if I'm going to be changing wheels often

 

[Sae]

ok, so doing a bit of man shopping on the machinemart... looks like a torque wrench with 1/2 inch bit fixing will do the required torque range.

Regarding sockets, is anyone using deep sockets like this one..
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/p...ong-reach-og?da=1&TC=SRC-1/2 deep socket 17mm

Or do most folks have standard sockets with a 3 or 5 inch extension bit?

Comments on usage for above would be most appreciated

 

[csm180]

I use a torque wrench with extension and normal socket. However this is only to tighten as I have a long handled socket bar ( approx 30 inches) to loosen. I will probably invest in deep sockets when I see them at a bargain price.

 

[PerryGunn]

ok, so doing a bit of man shopping on the machinemart... looks like a torque wrench with 1/2 inch bit fixing will do the required torque range.

Regarding sockets, is anyone using deep sockets like this one..
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/p...ong-reach-og?da=1&TC=SRC-1/2 deep socket 17mm

Or do most folks have standard sockets with a 3 or 5 inch extension bit?

Comments on usage for above would be most appreciated

I use a 1/2" deep socket for the wheels, but it's worth wrapping some electrical tape around the end as most wheel marks happen when the bolt is coming free of the hub - I tend to use a breaker bar to loosen the bolts and then wind them out using my impact driver set on a low torque setting as this means that I have a free hand close to the wheel to stop any movement. Same when putting them back, I use the impact gun on low torque for the initial insertion and then tighten them up with a torque wrench

 

[GuidoK]

Sounds to me like damage from an impact wrench. Those sockets are often thicker, and with removing, the bolt can begin to wobble so that the socket touches the bolt hole.
If you do everything by hand you'll be fine, as it's the most controlled way. Just screw the bolts in by hand (using a socket and a small extension), use a ratchet to lightly thighten, and use the torque wrench to torque the bolt.

 

[Sae]

Warning - newbie wrench question... can you use a torque wrench as a breaker bar, or is it advised to get a separate breaker bar?

 

[Stuart Truman]

Get a separate bar. Torque wrenches can be damaged

 

[Sae]

Get a separate bar. Torque wrenches can be damaged

Cheers Stuart, breaker bars around a tenner, so yep, that's an idea to save the torque wrench from unnecessary damage.

Thanks for the comments guys

 

[ronk]

Get a separate bar. Torque wrenches can be damaged

+1

As I was told many years ago - Only use a tool for its intended purpose!

 

[ekimj10]

Definitely use a Sealey or Draper 17mm extension socket with a 750 mm breaker bar. Both (I think) have the OD coated to prevent damage. I bought the Sealey and its worth every penny.