10 Best Lug Wrenches: Reviews & Editorial Rating
A lug wrench is a must-have tool for any motorist. Whether it’s in the garage or by the roadside, you need a reliable tool that can tighten and loosen the nuts of a tire. You never know, mechanics aren’t always available. However, with the many designs and brands in the market, selecting the right lug wrench can be a bit difficult. You want something that is safe and allows for quick tire changes, a tool that can withstand the pressure of tightening or releasing a stuck lug nut, but one that will not break your bank.
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Well, that is precisely the purpose of this buying guide. We have compiled a list of the 10 best lug wrenches in the market that are not only sturdy but are also affordable. Also, we have included what to look for in a wrench if you don’t find a tool on the list below.
10 Best Lug Wrenches
1. Gorilla Automotive 1721
Telescoping handle – The telescoping handle that can extend to 21 inches has to be this tools most impressive feature. The extra length adds leverage for max torque allowing you to loosen even lugs put on with an impact wrench. The handle has a spring-loaded locking mechanism to keep it extended.
Collapsible – The handle shortens allowing you to rotate it all the way around as well as for easy storage. The collapsed 1721 can be stored in the polybag, instead of leaving it rattling in the trunk.
Hardened steel build
Extends to 21 inches, and collapses to 14 inches
Includes a polybag for convenient storage.
Weight – 2.75 pounds
Who is it for?
Ideally, the Gorilla Automotive 1721 is for individuals, with American SAE lugs.
The telescoping handle adds leverage as it extends to 21 inches
The sturdy steel ensures that the tool will not only serve you well but for long too
Includes a polybag for convenient storage
It isn’t for all vehicles; it fits the American SAE sizes but not metrics
2. Cartman 16''
Sizes – Being a 4-way optionb, it works on various vehicles. It can remove or tighten 17mm, 19mm, 21 and 22mm lugs. This versatility makes it the perfect tool for various vehicles from small trucks to vans.
Anti-slip handles – Loosening or tightening lugs is a strenuous activity, and traditional options slip making it more difficult. The anti-slip technology prevents accidental slippage even when wet.
Another fascinating feature is the 16-inch length of the handles. They offer leverage for max torque, enough to loosen lugs put on with an impact wrench.
Also, it’s chrome-plated making it rust resistant and has extra protection which increases the strength. Finally, at a weight of 3.3 pounds, it is easy to work with, and store.
16-inch handles
Anti-slip technology
Weight: 3.3 pounds
Who is it for?
Given the versatility of this tool, we recommend it for persons with multiple vehicles. Also, if you have “Palmar Hyperhidrosis” (the condition of having excessively sweaty palms), you should get one of these thanks to the anti-slip technology. Finally, it only fits 17mm, 19, 21, and 22-millimeter lugs.
The sturdy deep forged steel build ensures reliability and longevity of the tool
Anti-slip technology provides a firm grip, while also cushioning your palms
Affordable
Has multiple sizes
There have been some complaints about the chrome plating chipping and leaving marks on lugs
3. Powerbuilt 940559
Handle length – The length of this tool is the chief reason why it ranks so high on this guide. The leverage from the extra length makes it a breeze to remove lugs.
Versatility – The 940559 is a universal tool too. It works well on 11/16, ¾, 13/16, and 7/8 inch lugs.
You will also like the fact that you don’t have to worry about the longevity of the tool as it is made of carbon steel. To prevent corrosion and rust, the 940559 is chrome plated. Also, being a 3.5-pound tool it is simple to use and store, and finally it has a lifetime warranty.
Length: 20-inch
Weight: 3.5 pounds
Works on 17, 19, 21, and 22-millimeter lugs
Build of fully polished carbon steel
Who is it for?
The Powerbuilt 940559 is for persons with multiple vehicles with different sized lugs. Also, if you are on a budget, you will love this item.
Has multiple sizes allowing it to work on different lugs
Has a lifetime warranty which is a statement of the quality
Chrome plated to prevent corrosion and rust
The size of the tool makes it easy to remove lugs
It’s only a SAE lug wrench though it is advertised as an SAE and metric option
4. Cartman
Telescoping handle – If you want to benefit from max torque you require a substantial length. However, storing such a tool can be a hassle, let alone get it to spin. The telescoping handle on this Cartman item kills two birds with one stone. It extends to 21 inches providing max torque, but will collapse to 14 inches for storage and to enable you to rotate it all way round.
Socket sizes – The Cartman telescoping wrench is a universal tool thanks to the different socket sizes. With a ½ inch head, it can work with 17 (11/16), 19 (3/4), 21 (13/16), and 22 millimeters (7/8 inches) sockets. Removing lugs on different vehicles will be a walk in the park.
Includes 4 socket sizes
½ inch head
A 21-inch telescoping tool that collapses to 14 inches
Hardened steel construction
Who is it for?
An individual with several vehicles with different lug sizes will benefit most from this tool.
Features an ergonomic grip that not only enhances comfort but reduces the chance of accidental slippage
The hardened steel and precision construction is also a plus as they help with the longevity and reliability of the tool
The telescoping handle makes removing a lug a walk in the park
Affordable
The telescoping part is made of plastic, and the tool might snap when working on extremely tight lugs
5. GTE TOOLS - LugStrong 26''
Control and torque – The GTE lug strong is made of two pieces. One hollow metal with two socket sizes on both ends and second 6-sided metal that can go into the first hollow metal. This design allows you to get the torque of an L-wrench, and a bit of depth. You can also use it as a 4-way wrench. Also, the ball bearing retainers help hold the tool in place during the various configurations.
Socket sizes – First, it has 3 of the primary socket sizes (17, 19, and 21mm sockets) allowing you to work on most vehicles. However, it also features an adapter that accommodates any socket size.
Another remarkable feature is the sturdy build. Made of ultra-strong steel, you can rest assured of the reliability and the longevity of this item. It also has the lifetime warranty to boot this.
Easy to store unlike most options and has a non-slip grip to ease tire changes.
Anti-slip grip
Dimensions: 16 * 2.8 * 1.2 inches
Weight: 2.5 pounds
An adapter to accommodate all socket sizes
Who is it for?
This is a professional tool and will suit a mechanic well. Also, given the different socket sizes and the adapter, it will benefit a professional most.
Innovative design which provides the control of a 4-way lug wrench with the torque of a telescopic tool
Made of double-duty steel, this tool is guaranteed for life
The ball bearing retainers help hold the tool in various configurations while allowing one to easily alter the configurations
Features an adapter to use with any socket size, making this a universal tool
The paint chips and can leave some marks on your lugs
A bit pricey
6. Ken-Tool 35657
Size – The first thing you will love with the 35657 is the 23-inch size. Remember that the length of your tool determines the torque. Thanks to the 23-inch size, you will use very little effort to loosen the lugs on your tires.
Versatility – The 35657 has different socket sizes to help work with different lugs. The sizes are ¾”, 13/16”, 7/8”, and 15/16”.
The drop forged centers is another reason why you should consider this item. Unlike others which are welded together, this will hardly break even when hammered. It’s also relatively lightweight at 4.5 pounds which makes it a breeze to work with. Also, if you worry about the appearance, you will be happy to know that this maintains its aesthetics for a long time as it is resistant to fading, corrosion, and rust.
Size: 23-inches
Drop forged centers
Weight: 4.35 pounds
Who is it for?
The 35657 is a professional tool since it is expensive and will benefit only persons who will use it for commercial purposes.
The drop-forged center enhances the durability and longevity of this tool
It has four different socket sizes that increase the versatility
It will maintain its appeal as it is corrosion and rust resistant
Quite expensive
7. Performance Tool W7
Folding – Storing a 4-way lug wrench is a hassle, and you are often forced to leave it rattling in the back. The W7 though folds to make storage easy as it can now fit in the tiniest spaces.
Drop forged steel construction – Unlike most 4-way options which are welded together, this has a drop forged center which increases the strength and durability.
4 metric sizes
Folding
Chrome plated to resist rust and corrosion
Drop forged steel construction
Who is it for?
Given the 4 metric socket sizes on the W7, we recommend it for persons with several vehicles or for commercial purposes.
You get the control of a 4-way lug wrench but without the difficulties of storage accompanied by other 4-way options
The drop forged centers are stronger enhancing the durability and reliability of this tool
Fits for of the most common SAE sizes
Affordable
There have been complaints about socket sizes, as they don’t always fit; the item is said to be SAE and metric while it is only SAE
8. Dorman 711-900
Telescoping handle – The first feature that fascinated us and that will interest you too is the handle. Leverage is of utmost importance to get max torque, but with storing and using wrenches with long handles can be a struggle. The 711-900 though can extend to 21 inches giving you max torque, but collapses for easy storage and so as to rotate.
Double ended sockets – There are instances where you want all four socket sizes but without the trouble of having to carry 4 different sockets. The 711-900 solves this with double-ended sockets. Also, the sockets have slim walls enabling you to work on both shallow and deep holes.
Another interesting feature of the 711-900 is its strength. Despite being one of the lightest options on this guide, it has a deep forged steel construction. The handle is another reason you will love the 711-900. The rubber handle is anti-slip and prevents accidental slippage while increasing the comfort.
Weight: 1.4 pounds
Double-sided sockets
Who is it for?
If space is of utter importance to you, and you don’t want to leave your lug wrench lying around in the trunk of your vehicle, get the Dorman 711-900. Also, if you prefer working with lightweight tools, get one of these.
Affordable
The telescoping handle gives you unmatched leverage while allowing it to compact for storage
It’s lightweight
It’s designed to work with both recessed and custom rims, i.e., deep and shallow holes
Deep forged steel construction increasing the reliability and longevity of this tool
It doesn’t stay in the position you set it, which can be dangerous
9. EPAuto 14''
Heavy duty and lightweight - Getting the perfect balance between a heavy-duty tool that can withstand abuse but one that is lightweight enough to ease operations is a daunting task. The 14-inch EPAuto though gets the perfect balance of this.
A universal lug wrench – This 4-way cross 14” lug wrench by EPAuto has 4 socket sizes; 17, 19, 21, and 22 millimeters.
Also, if you are concerned about losing the appeal, this item is chrome plated making it corrosion resistant.
14 inches body length
Chrome Plated
Weight: 2.67 pounds
Who is it for?
The EPAuto will serve persons with multiple vehicles best. Also, if you are on a budget, get one of these.
Durable thanks to forged heat treated carbon steel construction
Corrosion resistant owing to the chrome plating
A universal tool
Not as pictured on most online stores
10. Powerbuilt 642284
Patent pending design – When removing lugs, there are two things of utmost importance, speed and leverage. L-shaped wrenches provide the leverage but can limit the speed. 4-way lug wrenches, on the other hand, provide speed but lack the leverage. The 642284 provides both thanks to the sliding socket drive that allows you to use the item as an L-shaped options for leverage, or as a T-shaped wrench for speed.
Double-sided sockets – Having to carry around all socket sizes can be a headache. Powerbuilt has designed this tool such that you only need two sockets for 4 different lugs.
You will also appreciate how compact this item is. The handles extend offering extra leverage but will collapse for ease of storage. Also, storing the sockets is a breeze as they fit inside the handles.
Double-sided sockets
Rustproof
Billy Club design
Who is it for?
First, it is a bit pricey and you should be willing to spend the extra dollars. Also, if you are constantly on the road, you will appreciate the combination of speed and leverage.
Great combination of speed and leverage
The design is great for storage
The double-sided sockets reduce the number of items you need
It fits all metric and SAE lugs on
Has ball bearing retainers to hold the sockets in place
There are complaints about the quality of this tool, and more so the part that connects the slider to the lug connector
What to Consider when Purchasing a Lug Wrench
Material
The material used to make a lug wrench is of utmost importance. Flimsy options often break and can leave you in a terrible situation. Quality, on the other hand, prevents such unpleasant surprises.
Grip
Grasp is crucial for tightening and loosening nuts. You want a tool that enables you to hold and grip it firmly, while at the same time has an unrivaled grip on the lug nuts.
Length and accessories
You also want to check the length of the handle. Longer handles give you more leverage for torque, and more socket-options increase the usability of the wrench.
Size
Finally, different vehicles have different sized lug nuts. If you are in the market for an L-shaped option, ensure it fits otherwise it will be a waste.
FAQs
What are the socket sizes on a 4-way lug wrench?
Most 4-way lug wrenches are universal tools. The socket sizes are 17, 19, 21, and 22 millimeters.
What direction to loosen lug nuts?
One might presume that all drivers know how to loosen the lugs but there are a few who don’t. Place the wrench on a lug nut and turn it counter-clockwise.
Conclusion
In the USA and Canada, an estimated 40 to 60 wheel detachments take place every week. Of this 45 % are caused by loose lugs. To avoid the danger of a wheel detachment, use proper lug wrenches to tighten the lugs. Also, loosening them can be a hassle and you are looking for an apparatus that is fast and easy to use especially when changing the wheels on the driver’s side.
