So I've spent time searching the site and the web looking for an answer and haven't found anything.

With the stock 18" sport wheels, how do you keep from scratching up the lug nut area? I have 3 21mm sockets and they all fit in the hole but when loosening or tightening the lug nuts, they seem to rub the side of the lug well in the wheel.

I've only had the wheels/tires off once (only had the car a month) and was very careful not to scratch them, but the previous owner either beat the lug are to death or took it to a shop that did.

My guess is a shop with an impact gun because the lug nuts were on there TIGHT! Probably close to 150 ft/lbs.

Anyway. I'll continue to be careful, but what is the best way to repair the paint chips/scratches that are already there?

 

masking tape around the outside of socket

 

You can do that, or you can get a protective socket set like this:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...+socket+set.dohttp://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...+socket+set.do

or

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece...ets-40035.html

 

Great idea on masking tape. I didn't think of that. Didn't even know they made protective sockets. I'll probably pick some up.

How about the chips that are already there? I'm sure I could take them to a shop and pay a few hundred to have them all touched up, but I'm not that worried about them. Any good inexpensive options?