7 Best Lug Wrenches | Reviews & Buyers Guide
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Lug wrenches are an essential tool to many car owners for taking care of their tires, brakes, and suspension systems.
The lug wrench may look mundane from afar; closer inspection reveals its true power as an indispensable part of every garage kit.
The correct lug wrench when changing tires can be done in minutes and have you back on the road within no time. However, the wrong one can leave a driver stranded far from home with their car immobilized by a flat tire and stubborn lug nuts that refuse to budge whatever tools are used upon them. Getting it right is essential for any driver – getting a bad one might ruin your day!
In this article, we review 7 of the best lug wrenches on the market and give a buyer’s guide to help you make an informed choice before purchasing.
What is a Lug Wrench?
A lug wrench is the best way to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts for automotive repairs. It doesn’t require electricity or air so that you can use it anywhere in a pinch!
A lug wrench differs from air impact wrenches by using your power instead of an onboard motor. This means that you cannot generate as much torque with this type of tool – especially compared to its pneumatic impact wrenches like the electric-powered wrench.
However, a lug wrench is still an invaluable tool to have when changing a tire. It is much cheaper than the air impact wrenches, easier to store, and is valuable to have in the boot for a roadside emergency such as a tire blowout.
Buy on AmazonBest Lug Wrenches | Compared
CLICK any image to see Ratings and Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Title | Buy | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top
Top | GTE Tools - LugStrong 26" Lug Wrench Set | Buy Now | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
Top | Performance Tool SAE Lug Wrench | Buy Now | 4.8 / 5 (Best Value) |
 | Pro-LifT W-9010P SAE Lug Wrench | Buy Now | 4.7 / 5 |
Top | Gorilla Automotive 1721 Telescoping Power Wrench - Standard Socket | Buy Now | 4.7 / 5 |
Top | WORKPRO 14-Inch Universal Folding Lug Wrench, 4-Way Cross Wrench | Buy Now | 4.6 / 5 |
Top | XERGUR 4 Way Tire Iron Nut Wrench Set | Buy Now | 4.6 / 5 |
Top | Cartman 14 Inch Universal Heavy Duty Lug Wrench, 4-Way Cross Wrench | Buy Now | 4.5 / 5 |
7 Best Lug Wrenches | Reviews
1. GTE Tools – LugStrong 26″ Lug Wrench Set (Best Overall)
- It’s easy to change a spare tire and get yourself back on the road with your GTE tools LugStrong 26” Universal Compact Lug Wrench Set.
- With more maximum torque than a telescoping lug wrench, this power wrench is perfect for you whether you need strength to deal with a stubborn wheel lug nut, or just want a versatile product that is there when you need it most.
- The GTE Tool LugStrong lug nut wrench set has 17, 19, and 21-millimeter sockets built in so you can tackle a variety of problems without any additional equipment. Plus it has a ½-inch adapter, which is universal and will connect most sockets to this model so you will be able to expand what the tool can do for you as well.
- This universal tire change kit not only has all the tools you need to get your car on the road again but doubles as a high-torque breaker bar that can help break down any stubborn nuts and bolts.
- This model comes with what the manufacturer calls power mode configuration, allowing you to use the two halves in an unorthodox configuration that has been proven to allow for more power when it matters most, allowing you to quickly remove and replace a wheel stud at the side of the road in the pouring rain!
- This GTE lug nut wrench is made from ultra-strong steel construction and has an anti-slip grip and rust-busting torque.
- The unit can come apart making these wrenches very compact when not in use. Plus with its compact and lightweight design, its perfect for home use, won’t take up much space in your garage, and will fit into any car bucket or toolbox for safekeeping.
2. Performance Tool (Model W-9010P) SAE Lug Wrench (Best Value)
- The Performance Tool 14 Heavy Duty Universal Lug Wrench is a must-have for any garage or construction site. This 4 way lug wrench is designed for use on vehicles with lug nuts and provides four deep socket heads that fit most common socket wrench sizes; SAE 3/4”, 13/16”, 7/8”; metric 17mm-. 19mm-, 21mm-, 22 mm.
- Made from forged heat-treated carbon steel, its corrosion-resistant chrome plating makes sure your tool stays looking new even under tough weather conditions.
- Few lug wrenches offer the value or versatility like this Lug Wrench. With a competitive price, this wrench provides excellent leverage and is sufficient for most jobs youll need it for.
- This lug wrench is small and compact at just 11 inches across, so it won’t take up much space in your vehicle yet, still has enough torque for that stubborn lug nut!
- The small size might be an issue for some people, but we think this is still worth trying out if you need a cheaper option for your truck or cars wheels.
3. Pro-LifT (Model W-9010P) 14 inch Heavy Duty SAE Lug Wrench
- The Pro-LifT W-9010P 14 inch Heavy Duty SAE Lug Wrench is a tool with a durable yet lightweight design, and this quality lug wrench provides the best performance for changing tire applications.
- This cordless tool is made with heavy gauge heat-treated drop-centered steel for longstanding strength and durability and is rust-resistant.
- It features a universal 4-way lug wrench to fit the most common SAE lug size nuts and its 14-inch body length gives you maximum leverage while also being big enough to cover the torque needed.
- With 4 unique socket sizes including 11/16 inches, 3/4 inches, 13/16 inches, and 7/8 inch that are all guaranteed to fit well on hexalobe lugs. The first 2 sockets are good cross wrenches that may be used in extremely tight spaces while the last two can easily stand without slipping off their target nut which makes them an excellent choice for most applications.
- If youre looking for a durable lug wrench that is way more affordable than a half-decent torque wrench and will last you years of usage, then this is it!
4. Gorilla Automotive 1721 Telescoping Power Wrench
- The Gorilla Automotive 1721 Telescoping Power Wrench is a tool of both strength and versatility with maximum leverage and torque. It has great reach, but compacts for easy storage needs.
- The standard socket allows you to tackle any job with confidence and its double-sided design means you only have to find space to store two sockets. We like theres a separate thin wall socket wrench available for a few bucks more.
- The 21-inch telescoping handle provides increased leverage, while the 14-inch compact handles are easy to store in any toolbox or cabinet.
- This wrench is constructed from tough hardened steel for precision and durability, making it perfect for any mechanical project. This is a perfect replacement for the standard lug wrench and included is a polybag for convenient storage.
5. WORKPRO 14-Inch Universal Folding Lug Wrench
- The WORKPRO 14-Inch Universal Folding Lug Wrench is a must-have tool for any driver or car owner when changing tires.
- Thanks to its chrome-plated, drop-forged steel and a folding design that allows for easy storage the WORKPRO can be placed in your vehicle’s roadside emergency lug wrench kit and not take up much space at all.
- With effortless use thanks to the 4-way lug wrench cross design shape, you’ll be able to tackle the job with ease and the handle gives a nice grip.
- The socket sizes are; 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, and 7/8 (17mm, 19mm, 21mm, 23mm) on top of a ½ inch standard head. This versatile multi universal lug wrench with different sizes will be sure to fit most wheel nuts perfectly!
- Your safety always comes first so this lug wrench meets and exceeds ANSI specifications for added protection. It is universal for cars, light trucks, SUVs, RVs, and vans.
- This design is not welded but includes a couple of screws which may come undone with time and may make it less durable but it is still a reliable, lightweight product that is easy to carry around.
6. XERGUR 23″ Universal Extended Lug Wrench
- The XERGUR 23 extended universal lug wrench can be used to easily reach a bolt or nut thats out of your dimensional range. It is a combination of a telescoping wrench and a cross wrench.
- The design of the telescopic lug wrench extends to 23 for maximum leverage, allowing you to easily remove stubborn lug nuts and a plastic textured covered handle that makes it easier to grip.
- It comes equipped with 4-way tire irons and a 1/2 inch drive head which will fit most lug nut wrench sockets. The two-way standard socket sizes are 1 X 17mm/19mm, 1 X 21mm/23mm.
- The chrome vanadium steel in this product is durable, sturdy, torque, rot, and rust-resistant making it the perfect tool for all situations. When not in use they can be separated and stored together in a compact storage bag.
- Included are: 1 x wrench, 1 x wrench handle, 1 x extended handle, 2 x two-way sockets (1 x 17mm/19mm, 1 x 21mm/23mm) and 1 x storage bag. Item weighs 3.3 pounds.
7. Cartman 14 Inch Universal Heavy Duty Lug Wrench
- The Cartman lug wrench is the perfect tool for removing, installing, and tightening lug nuts and bolts on all types of vehicles.
- This durable 4-way lug wrench is made from heat-treated chromium and vanadium steel that has been electroplated to ensure its durability.
- It also features a 6-point socket head so it will remain secured on hexagonal nuts no matter what position they are in. The product either fits snugly or can be twisted off thanks to the crosss closed design—so you know your job will get done right!
- It fits lug nuts throughout the most common sizes, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, and 7/8 (17mm, 19mm, 21mm, 22mm) so you never have to worry about not being able to torque down a stubborn nut!
Video: How to Remove a Stuck Lug Nut!
Best Lug Wrench Buyers Guide
Things to consider when buying a Lug Wrench
Socket Size
It is essential when buying a lug wrench that it comes with sockets. A socket set will have a massive range of sizes and cover you for just about any job, but if you only buy one, it should include sockets sized at 17mm, 19mm, 21mm, and 23mm. If these four are your minimums, then they’ll do 95% of what’s required in most cases.
Short Arm Wrench
A small lug wrench can be bought for anywhere from 16” to 22.” They are easier to store than large ones, and they also tend to cost less on the whole because of their size. If you have a vehicle that is prone to breakdowns, it is essential not only as an emergency tool but as something easy enough to fit in your car or truck.
Buy on AmazonLong Arm Wrench
The optimal arm length on the wrench is 22” or more. A longer lever will make removing stubborn nuts easier with less force needed than those shorter in length. This can be especially useful for people with less upper body strength.
Solid or Foldable?
Another consideration is whether you want a solid tool or one that folds. Reliable tools are usually cheaper and hardwearing, but they take up more space in your car than folding ones. If you choose the latter option, make sure it provides enough power for everyday use because not all do!
Buy on AmazonMaterial
Before buying a lug wrench, you need to be sure that it is made of quality materials such as solid steel or chrome vanadium. A low-quality material will complicate your life when working on nuts because the tool might get stuck and won’t loosen or tighten properly. Be careful before purchasing anything; look at what the product’s made from first and see for yourself how good its durability is by looking at reviews.
Buy on AmazonLug Wrenches FAQ
Are lug wrenches Universal?
A universal lug wrench is a tool that has sockets of different sizes and can be used on nuts or bolts with an appropriately sized socket. Most lug wrenches are not “universal” as they only have one size. However, it would still be wise to check the specifications for the particular design you’re considering before purchase to make sure there are no surprises!
What is the difference between a tire iron and a lug wrench?
Tire irons are used to pry the edge of a tire away from its rim are valuable tools for changing tires. They come in pairs or threes, and they’re usually made with solid metal that can be easily sharpened when dulled by use over time. While one iron pries open an outer edge of the tire, another is applied at a right angle further along with it until you’ve pried enough off so as not to damage your hands while attempting this task yourself!
This technique is called “ironing out the tire.” The first iron separates enough of your tire so that you can remove it from one side. You then use this same tool to work on the opposite end and finally finish up by reaching inside for a tube or nail in need of removal.
Engineers created tire irons specifically for cars because their broad base makes them perfect for safely removing wheels without risk of injury–and even professionals have been known to abuse these trusty instruments with unintended consequences!
Can you take off lug nuts with a ratchet?
To remove the lug nuts from your tire, you will need a deep socket or an appropriately sized wrench. You may also choose to use a ratchet and breaker bar for this task, but you must use these tools cautiously as they can be quite dangerous if mishandled.
The most common tool needed in changing tires is either: (1) A deep socket or appropriately sized cordless impact wrench; alternatively (2) A ratchet and breaker bar set of some kind. Although there are other options on how best to loosen up the bolts holding those pesky wheels onto their axles, these two methods seem like one of the more foolproof ways available for getting them off without having too much trouble.
When you get a flat tire, the first step is to use your wrench or tire iron and break all of the lug nuts loose. Please do not remove them entirely but turn each one in quarter-turns counterclockwise so that they are loosened for removal later on when we have lifted our car safely onto jack stands.
Can you tighten lug nuts with a socket wrench?
Yes, you can! The lug nut is the threaded end of a machine bolt that attaches to your tire. The wrench is used to tighten or loosen it, making installing and removing tires much more effortless.
If you want to ensure that your wheels are tight, tighten the nut directly across from where you just tightened. This will add an extra measure of insurance by applying even pressure on each bolt as they’re done up.
What is the best way to break a tight lug nut?
Most lug nuts are seized thanks to corrosion, which can occur when water comes into contact with road salt and oxygen if left unchecked. The result is a nut that won’t budge regardless of what you do because the threads have become cemented together at the base or in other locations along its length.
You might be used to just giving up when you see a rusty lug nut, but the solution is surprisingly simple. All it takes are some WD-40 and patience. Soak your rusted lug nuts in oil for as long as possible before trying to loosen them with brute force-it’ll make all the difference!
When using a socket to remove lug nuts, make sure it’s tight enough and on as securely as possible before applying torque. Otherwise, you may round off the edges of your bolt or even strip its threads if not careful.
The impact driver and air impact wrench are standard tools in the automotive industry. When you’re trying to remove seized lug nuts, using a power tool or air compressor can be counter-productive and even dangerous!
The best idea is always to use a standard socket or ratchet for these demanding jobs instead of giving up on them altogether – it might take longer, but at least you’ll still have those expensive lug nuts intact and not damaged beyond repair.
Best Lug Wrench Conclusion
The GTE Tool LugStrong 26 inch lug nut wrench set is our Best Overall, and there are several reasons why:
- It has 17, 19, and 21-millimeter sockets built in so you can tackle any problem without needing to use an additional tool.
- The ½-inch adapter included will connect most sockets to this model for even more versatility than just what comes with the kit.
- Because it separates into two pieces for easy storage when not in use or transport during travel (which we think is particularly handy), plus includes a power mode configuration for those stubborn nuts or bolts.
- Finally, it’s made from ultra-tough steel construction, which means no matter how tough the job, this lug wrench will have you covered and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Our Best Value is The Performance Tool 14″ Heavy Duty Universal Lug Wrench. This 4-way lug wrench can be used on a wide variety of lug nut sizes and shapes, making it an indispensable tool for any driver or mechanic in need of fastening a tire tightly. It’s forged from heat-treated steel to withstand the wear and tear that comes with frequent use – all while being budget-friendly!
We hope that the reviews and buyer’s guide have helped you to decide which Lug Nut Wrench will be best suited to your needs.
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The Definitive Guide to the Best Inch-Pound Torque Wrench 2021
https://waltsdiy.com/power-tools/best-cordless-ratchet-reviews/
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When I’m not testing and reviewing tools, you’ll find me in front of a hot BBQ, cold drink in hand, cooking up something big, and spending quality time with my wife and two boys. I’m also often found in my workshop working on my next project!
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