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Old 02-02-2007, 12:10 PM   #1
jac04
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Default Soft Socket for Lug Nuts

I just purchased a set of black BBS lug nuts to go with my REs, and they advised me to use a soft socket. I have always used a regular 6-sided socket on my chrome lug nuts without any problems. I'm wondering if I really need to use a soft socket on these lug nuts. Does anyone here have experience using the black BBS lug nuts?

So, does anyone here use a 'soft socket' on their lug nuts? If so, where did you find it and how well does it work? I found a few on line, but I was hoping to be able to buy one locally.
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Old 02-02-2007, 02:28 PM   #2
scoobyimpreza
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its so the paint does come off
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Old 02-02-2007, 03:02 PM   #3
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Thanks, but I don't think the black BBS lug nuts are painted. I believe they are plated. Are you telling me that you have these lug nuts are they are painted?
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Old 02-03-2007, 03:08 AM   #4
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Just a guess but perhaps its so you won't damage the lug nuts? Also since noone really answered you that might mean noone uses the
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Old 02-03-2007, 07:18 AM   #5
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Again, thanks, but I know why a soft socket us used. However, soft sockets are usually used on alloy lug nuts by the Porsche crowd since these lug nuts are easily damaged.
I'm just looking for someone with experience with the BBS lug nuts so see if I really need to drop $30 on one of these sockets.
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Old 02-03-2007, 11:34 AM   #6
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The BBS ones aren't alloy?

My Volk black ones are pretty worn looking using a regular socket- some of them are getting pretty aluminumish looking as the finish (an anodizing of some sort I believe) is getting worn off- my wheels are off and on frequently so this obviously is contributing as well).

I might get a new set, if I do I'll probably go w/ one of these:

https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog...TOLtol_pg1.htm
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Old 02-03-2007, 01:34 PM   #7
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^^That's the exact one I'm looking at too.
Well, I guess I'm not positive if the BBS lug nuts are aluminum alloy or not. I thought they were steel, but I should have asked when ordering them. My mistake. I'll just wait until they arrive next week to see what I've got.
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Old 02-03-2007, 03:58 PM   #8
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A quick heft in the hand will tell you immediately - aluminum ones are light
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Old 02-03-2007, 05:58 PM   #9
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Are aluminum lugs ever problematic because they are so soft?
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Old 02-03-2007, 06:16 PM   #10
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I've run mine (same set) a dozen+ track days, several dozen autoxs and have had the wheels off/on too many times to count No problems here. I check the torque often, they usually loosen slightly after the intitial tightening, but steel lugs do too.
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Old 02-03-2007, 09:03 PM   #11
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BIGSKY-
Since you have quite a bit of experience, is there anything I need to watch out for when using alloy lug nuts? I use a calibrated torque wrench. I always install lug nuts dry (no anti-seize). I always torque to 70 ft-lbs. Anything else? Thanks.
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Old 02-03-2007, 10:16 PM   #12
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Not that I'm aware of. I torque to 70 ft lbs as well Like all lug nuts be careful not to get them cross threaded- I don't use air at all, it's slow but sure.
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Old 02-04-2007, 11:42 AM   #13
Patrick Olsen
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chimchimm5 View Post
Are aluminum lugs ever problematic because they are so soft?
I don't know what the Porsche lugs are made of, but the Volk/Rays ones are made of duralumin alloy, which is not soft. I'm sure it would be easier to damage the threads on them than on normal steel lug nuts, but I've been using mine for 4 or 5 years with no issues.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jac04
I just purchased a set of black BBS lug nuts to go with my REs, and they advised me to use a soft socket.
Where did you order them from? I never even knew BBS sold lug nuts, I'm just curious.

Pat Olsen
'97 Legacy 2.5GT sedan
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Old 02-04-2007, 01:00 PM   #14
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The only thing I don't like about the Ray's ones is the locking lug nut/wheel- I know it's there to prevent (discourage) theft, but it's a pain. I emailed them to see if a guy can get a set sans the splined one. It also prevents the use of the soft socket on that lug nut- it's the one that shows the most wear too. Forgot the damn thing (special socket) one time- that was a little frustrating.

You do lose a ~ 1/4 lb of unsprung/wheel w/ the Ray's though
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Old 02-04-2007, 01:46 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick Olsen View Post
Where did you order them from? I never even knew BBS sold lug nuts, I'm just curious.
I ordered them through BBS USA (www.bbs-usa.com). They don't show them on their web site, but they are available.
It seems that the BBS lug nuts come with most BBS wheels, but only in other countries. Here, we get 'generic' chrome lug nuts because that's what BBS USA decided to do. I only found this out after asking them why my $$$ BBS RE wheels didn't come with the nice black BBS lug nuts.
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Old 02-05-2007, 12:34 AM   #16
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Yeah, my BBS RKs came with horribly cheap lug nuts - they weren't even chrome, they were basically unfinished ugly steel. I've seriously never seen lug nuts that looked so cheap, I was rather stunned to see such crappy lug nuts come from a company that has a reputation for high quality wheels. Not only were they ugly, but they were heavy, too, noticeably heavier than the stock acorn style ones. I tossed the BBS ones in favor of the Rays ones.

Pat
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Old 02-09-2007, 08:22 PM   #17
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It's official - the black BBS lug nuts are steel with a black finish. The finish appears to be a paint, but it seems pretty tough. I haven't installed them yet because they are a 21mm hex as opposed to the original 19mm ones and I don't have the proper socket. I wanted to get a soft socket, but I haven't been able to find one in 21mm. Oh well.
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Old 02-10-2007, 09:29 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jac04 View Post
It's official - the black BBS lug nuts are steel with a black finish. The finish appears to be a paint, but it seems pretty tough. I haven't installed them yet because they are a 21mm hex as opposed to the original 19mm ones and I don't have the proper socket. I wanted to get a soft socket, but I haven't been able to find one in 21mm. Oh well.
Wanna post some pics?
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Old 02-11-2007, 10:07 AM   #19
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Not the best pics, but you get the idea..............

BBS lug nuts:




Before:


After:


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Old 02-11-2007, 10:46 AM   #20
Patrick Olsen
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Oooooohhhhh.... Aaaaaaahhhhhh.

I wonder if they're powdercoated? It seems like it would be pretty silly to paint lugnuts, as paint just wouldn't stand up to the abuse very long at all.

Pat
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Old 02-11-2007, 11:44 AM   #21
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It's hard to tell what exactly the coating is. It is very thin. There were a few small chips on a few of the lug nuts, but I guess you have to expect that when they are shipped all together in a padded envelope. I was going to hit them with a fresh coat of satin black wheel paint, but I decided to just touch them up with a black Sharpie and put them on. I'll see how they hold up.
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