All wheel wrenches have a square end known as the “drive”, which is designed to fit into the square recess found on the end of sockets. Most sockets have a hexagonal recess located at their opposite end, which is used to fit over a wheel nut, in order to turn it.
Some wheel wrenches come with a socket already fitted; others require you to provide one.
Wrenches without sockets
The drive size of the wrench refers to the measurement across the flats of the wrench’s square end. This information should be listed in the product spec, if not you can measure the wrench with a rule or calliper.
When it comes to tightening and removing wheel nuts, the most common drive sizes are 10 mm (3/8 inch) and 12 mm (1/2 inch).
To select the right size socket for both the wheel wrench and the wheel nut, you need to ensure two things:
That the square recess on the end of the socket is the same size as the wrench’s square drive.
That the other end of the socket (usually hex shaped) can fit securely on to the wheel nut you want to insert or remove.
Wrenches with sockets
Some wheel wrenches come with a socket already attached. If this is the case, you simply need to ensure the socket’s end will fit over the wheel nut you have. The size of the socket (which usually refers to the distance across the hexagonal flats) should be listed in the wheel wrench product spec.
Alternatively, if you have a selection of sockets, you can find the right one for your wheel nuts by simply placing the socket over the top of the wheel nut to see if it fits perfectly.
The most common size of wheel wrench with attached sockets are 27 mm (1 inch).
How to find the wheel nut size?
You can also find out the size of your wheel nuts by using an online guide or vehicle owner’s manual.
Shaft length
Certain wheel wrenches come with extendible lengths. Extendible wheel wrenches have a non-extended length and an extended length. Extendible wheel wrenches gives the user more leverage when loosening tight wheel nuts.
An example of when you would need more leverage is when loosening nuts that are old, rusted or worn. These nuts can be difficult to remove, so an extended wheel wrench may be more suitable as it applies more force when turning so it is easier to remove the nuts.
An example of using less leverage would be removing wheel nuts that are not difficult to turn and will come off instantly.