Laser Tools has solution to swollen wheel nuts

You’ve got original factory wheel nuts and you’ve got the wheel nut socket that was supplied with the car. But it doesn’t fit – what’s going on?

Some wheel nuts are manufactured with a permanently fitted chromium-plated cap. These start off from the factory as a whole size, but over time due to the combination of corrosion and impact tool use, the wheel nuts can swell by up to 0.5mm.

Laser Tools has now introduced this three-piece impact socket set (part number 8214) which features 1/2″ drive sockets that are double-ended, one end 1mm larger than the other, which overcomes the issue of swollen wheel nuts.

The first has one end machined to 18.5mm and the other to 19.5mm — this socket is particularly good for the Ford 19mm chrome covered nuts and is also available separately as part number 8014, according to Laser Tools.

It says the second socket is 20.5mm one end and 21.5mm the other — ideal for Range Rover 21mm chrome covered nuts (available separately as part number 8212).

The third socket has one end machined to 16.5mm and the other to 17.5mm, which is suitable for the 17mm Jeep nuts and other vehicles with 17mm chrome nuts (available separately as part number 8213).

The sockets are impact quality, manufactured from strong chrome molybdenum alloy steel and are all 63.5mm long. Use with a 1/2″ drive short extension.

For more information on the Laser Tools range contact Tech ‘n’ Tools on 01 419 1611 or visit www.techntools.ie.