Best Lug Wrenches in 2022

Last update: December 25, 2022

Are all lug wrenches the same?

Lug wrenches come in many shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose – to remove and tighten lug nuts. While there are many different designs, the most important thing to look for in a lug wrench is that it fits the lug nuts on your vehicle. Some lug wrenches have a socket that can be adjusted to fit different lug nut sizes, while others have different sized sockets that can be swapped out. Whichever design you choose, make sure it will work with the lug nuts on your car.

Are lug nuts metric or SAE?

Lug nuts are the hardware that attach a wheel to a vehicle. They come in two different types of threading: metric and SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). Most vehicles on the road today have metric lug nuts, but some older vehicles may have SAE lug nuts. It is important to know which type of lug nut you need before purchasing new ones.

How do you tighten a lug nut without a wrench?

The first thing you need to do is find a lug nut that is the same size as the one you need to tighten. Next, find a piece of metal that is thin enough to fit into the lugnut. Once you have found a piece of metal, insert it into the lugnut and twist it until the lugnut is tight.

How many foot pounds does it take to remove lug nuts?

It takes about 30 to 35 ft-lbs to remove lug nuts. You can use a torque wrench to remove them, but it's not necessary. If you don't have a torque wrench, you can use a socket and ratchet to remove the lug nuts.


EPAuto Telescoping Lug Wrench, Wheel Wrench with CR-V Sockets (17/19, 21/22mm) Review:


I bought a pickup that has aftermarket wheels and tyres. The 19mm lug nuts on the aftermarket wheels did not fit the factory lug wrench. Almost didn't buy this wrench because of how inexpensive it was. Surely it was rubbish, right? Wrong! This wrench is robust and long-lasting. The wrench can clear off-road tyres mounted on off-set rims thanks to the sufficient bend angle. The telescopic feature produces a lot of torque. This wrench offers incredible value. I firmly advise it.



WORKPRO Telescoping Lug Wrench,Wheel Wrench with Standard CR-V Sockets 17/19, 21/23mm Review:


Although I had some difficulty keeping the telescoping handle in the desired position, I was able to complete my assignment. It is substantial and weighty, and the socket head snaps into position. I had to buy that as well because I didn't have any 1/2" sockets.My purpose was to take out my riding mower's rear wheels. The lug was smaller than what my auto lug wrench was designed for, despite the deep set wheel well. My neighbor, who has a seemingly limitless supply of automotive equipment, helped me locate this online after we spoke. I detested having to purchase this item for a single use, as with each household repair, but it served the goal. Although I don't anticipate using it for anything else, you never know.



Cartman 16" Universal Anti-Slip Cross Wrench, Lug Wrench Review:


First off, the item was delivered on time and appears to be of high quality for a very good price. Have not yet utilized the thing, and I pray I never will. You must have a crossbar in your trunk. The tire iron that came with your car is no longer useful. You need a crossbar to change the tire if you get a flat since the technician may have been excessive with the pneumatic drill the previous time your tire was installed. The additional leverage makes a huge difference. A brilliant feature that I've never seen before is the addition of rubber grips on each of the four bar portions in this product. The grip enhancement seems to be quite beneficial when you have a lug nut that has been overtightened by a pneumatic drill. You need every advantage you can get in this situation. It's beneficial to keep a can of spray lubrication in your trunk as well.



CARTMAN 18" Universal Anti-Slip Lug Wrench, Cross Wrench Review:


After D-40, the good part has a superb grasp on the handle to handle any tight corroded screw.Taking off a (lug nut) on a large van like the E-350 presents a problem because it doesn't fit completely.would need to be slightly unscrewed using the original wrench that came with the van.This works like a dream, so you can use it to do the rest of nut removal.I'm seeking a bigger one.



EPAuto 14" Heavy Duty Universal Lug Wrench, 4-Way Cross Wrench Review:


Today EPAuto sent me the 14-inch lug wrench. It is exactly as pictured, substantial, beautifully chromed, and has size indications that are deeply carved on each of the four ends. Since I don't currently have a flat tire, I took the photos and put the wrench in my trunk to try it later. I can't vouch for the tool's durability because of this.Looking into the sockets reveals the base metal because those surfaces are not chromed. It looks a little bit grainy, potentially implying a pot-metal-like quality (perhaps lead?). The crossbar joint, however, is the most peculiar component because it is unlike any welded union I have ever seen. I'm not sure what it is precisely, but it seems to be a sizable wave washer that has been epoxy-bonded to one side of each of the two cross-bars. In reality, there was a very small amount of what appeared to be dried epoxy on one or both of the bars. I'm making assumptions about the joint. The best I can do is post the images in the hopes that you will be able to see them and make an informed decision. I think it will be a good tool because the 3/4-inch end fits my lug nuts so well. As a result, I gave it a "4" rating instead of a "5" as I would have easily been able to identify a weld at the connection. Unless the underlying metal is too weak to withstand a weld, it is difficult to see how an epoxy joint might be less expensive to construct than a welded one, hence the moniker "mystery."



CARTMAN 14" Heavy Duty Universal Lug Wrench, 4-Way Cross Wrench Review:


I bought this to store in the trunk of my car and to use when I regularly change my wheels, which I do quite a bit. Without a doubt, it is unbeatable for the price. However, the quality is acceptable; nothing spectacular or top-notch, but it is also not of poor quality. Its size is a drawback, as it doesn't offer very strong leverage or torque when attempting to open or tighten lug nuts. In all honesty, for $10 more, I would have preferred to put my money into a much better one and benefit from more leverage and torque.



WORKPRO 14-Inch Universal Folding Lug Wrench, 4-Way Cross Wrench Review:


A necessity for any vehicle with a one-arm lug nut wrench. The torque you can get with a one-arm wrench may not always be enough to remove the lug nut if you get a flat and have to change the tyre yourself because tyre shops sock down replacement tyres with a drill. This wrench provides additional torque that can be useful to you.Of course, you could just pay AAA or get a tow, but that could mean waiting hours in "a risk zone" depending on the city and/or the weather.



CARTMAN TL120404 4 sockets Telescoping Lug, Wheel Wrench Review:


Each of the two sockets has dual ends with four ends that are rated at 17mm, 19mm, 21mm, and 23mm. US 3/4 is similar to 19mm. The universal 1/2" drive lug wrench handle fits into the MIDDLE of each socket.- The designation "chrome vanadium" on sockets designates a mid-grade for hard and slick steel. (Chrome Moly) is more expensive, stronger, and tougher.- Because the sockets are not deep, they MAY not completely enclose the bolts on some trucks or broad wheels. However, I don't believe that should be an issue because the handle angles out.- The outer sleeve slides to extend the length to 21" for greater leverage; the handle is telescopic. The handle seems really strong even when not extended (like a solid bar). When expanded, the sleeve handle doesn't bend since it appears to be sturdy (approximately 2mm steel rim) (because it "hollows out" when extended). My 112 ft-lbs of torque readily release bolts, but a poster claimed he could break 165 ft-lbs.- As seen, the handle is angled away so that the socket may be inserted as far when possible and that it won't scrape against your car or your knuckles as you tighten or loosen it.- The telescopic sleeve handle does not detach from the inner handle since it is not "locked" in place; it may be readily extended whether or not you want to.The so-called case is made of thin, semi-hard flex plastic; while it functions, a cardboard box could be preferable (and taping one end).



TEKTON 5975 20-Inch 4-Way Lug Wrench Review:


This 20" lug wrench is only $9, but it will come in handy if you ever get one flat tire. They are inferior than those that came with your car. We made each of our girls change a tire when they became 16 years old. It would be virtually impossible without this tire-iron. I had a flat after a late night in the hospital on Interstate 10 (the state of death). Between three separate rivers, I was in an area where NO ONE LIVED. My automobile moved every time an 18-wheeler drove by, and the mosquitoes were biting me in the behind. Although I have roadside assistance, who wants to wait for hours? When my husband came, I had almost finished installing the tire after calling him.If you purchase one of them, you will own it forever, so make the purchase right away. Add some bug spray to the trunk as well.



23" Universal Extended Lug Wrench, XERGUR 4 Way Tire Iron Nut Wrench Set with Storage Bag and Standard Sockets (17mm/19mm,21mm/23mm) for Heavy Duty Cross Wrench, Wheel Wrench Review:


This one is good. It differs from the other option here thanks to two aspects. The extension handle is the most obvious. I can picture myself seated behind the wheel while my 93-pound wife goes outside in the rain to remove the gorilla-installed lug nuts. With regard to the other, I had to create my own extension. You may be sure that I will help her remove the tire from the trunk. The spin handle is the second extra feature that is less obvious. It's a spinner, that knurled perpendicular part. The lug nuts won't chafe her hands as she turns them on and off. There is also the storage bag. The wife is a keeper as well, but at 65, she is not quite as sturdy as the nylon that the keeper is constructed of. Although it primarily seems like humor, it's intended for her car and she won't wait for triple A.


How tight are lug nuts supposed to be?

Lug nuts are supposed to be tight, but not too tight. You should be able to screw them on and off by hand. If you need a wrench to do it, they're too tight.

Is it OK to hand tighten lug nuts?

While hand-tightening lug nuts is okay, it's always best to use a lug nut wrench to avoid over-tightening, which can strip the threads.

What can I use instead of a lug wrench?

A lug wrench is a tool that is used to remove and tighten lug nuts on a vehicle. There are many different types and sizes of lug wrenches, but they all serve the same purpose. If you don't have a lug wrench, there are a few things that you can use as a substitute. One option is to use a socket and ratchet. This is probably the easiest and most effective way to remove lug nuts if you don't have a wrench. You will need to find a socket that fits snugly over the lug nut. Once you have the socket in place

What do tire shops use to remove lug nuts?

There are a few different ways that tire shops use to remove lug nuts. The most common way is with an impact gun. This is a power tool that uses air or electricity to spin the nut quickly. This breaks the lug nut loose so it can be removed by hand. Another way to remove lug nuts is with a breaker bar. This is a long metal bar that is inserted into the hole in the center of the lug nut. The bar is then used to lever the lug nut loose.

What happens if you overtighten lug nuts?

If you overtighten lug nuts, they can break and cause the wheel to come off. This is dangerous and can lead to an accident.

What is a 4 way lug wrench?

A 4 way lug wrench is a type of wrench that has four different sized heads on it, allowing you to use it on four different lug nut sizes. This is a very versatile wrench to have in your tool box, as it can be used on a variety of vehicles.