Removing wheels without damage advice

[homesqueeze]

Just hoping some of you might have some tips on how to take wheels off and re-fit without damaging the alloys. When I have had them off in the past I found it very easy to gouge the inner edges of the bolt holes with the wrench. Is there something easy I can do to prevent it? Would it be better if I bought a different wrench rather than the one supplied with the car?

[Baz300]

You get sockets in halfords with rubber round them to stop damaging the wheels

Like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-SX03017-Alloy-Wheel-Impact-Socket-17mm-1-2-Sq-Drive-/140727294434?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item20c40019e2

[Edition_slim]

Just wrap a bit of tape around your socket 

[flashp]

I've had no issues with a Teng Tools socket. Wouldn't go near them with the supplied wrench though.

[doylebros]

For removing and refitting the wheels - Merc supply a guide pin to assist their high end customers in the spare wheel kit.

It's about twice the length of a normal wheel stud but is missing the nut head and has a knurled section at the start.

I've always meant to get one as it makes removal and refitting trouble free!

[Andy]

I use these sockets at work with no issues at all

[Eccie]

I use these sockets at work with no issues at all

That's what I use

[Tortaruga]

Me too

[homesqueeze]

Cheers guys, I knew I could rely on you to sort me out    Guess I'll get me one of those sockets then as they are well tried and tested!
Any recommendations on a decent wrench to get for a fairly low price? Not going to be using it that often, but it obviously needs to be up to the job.

[GTI-Pirelli]

Just wrap a bit of tape around your socket 

+1

I have tape around the end of my supplied wrench for the rare occasions that I need to use it.

I tend to use a standard Bahco socket set and take extra care. The pointy edges on the standard wrench are a bit lethal.

[Baz300]

If it is just for removing wheels something like this is ideal http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Telescopic-Wheel-Brace-Tyre-Nut-Opener-Dual-Socket-17-19-Wrench-for-Van-Car-/331056661822?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item4d1483c53e

[MC71]

Me too

Me 3. 

[homesqueeze]

If it is just for removing wheels something like this is ideal http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Telescopic-Wheel-Brace-Tyre-Nut-Opener-Dual-Socket-17-19-Wrench-for-Van-Car-/331056661822?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item4d1483c53e

Cheers for the links Baz, that should sort me out 

[Eccie]

If it is just for removing wheels something like this is ideal http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Telescopic-Wheel-Brace-Tyre-Nut-Opener-Dual-Socket-17-19-Wrench-for-Van-Car-/331056661822?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item4d1483c53e

I have a couple of them (one in each car) picked them up at lidl for about £3.99 each

[Baz300]

If it is just for removing wheels something like this is ideal http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Telescopic-Wheel-Brace-Tyre-Nut-Opener-Dual-Socket-17-19-Wrench-for-Van-Car-/331056661822?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item4d1483c53e

Cheers for the links Baz, that should sort me out 

Just the first ones I found on eBay so not recommending any of them

I personally use a torque wrench but I wouldn't recommend spending £70 on one if it's just to be used for changing wheels now and again