Background

there are some “expensive” car wheel lug nut socket in the market, they look beautiful. See picture.

The special feature is the socket has a protection cover that make it safe for the expensive car wheel.

When working on the wheel/hex nut, if we hit the expensive car wheel with the normal hard socket, the wheel may be scratched and damaged.

While with this soft cover, the expensive car wheel is protected.

So there are some “expensive” specialized wheel lug nut socket in the market.  

we can buy them when the price is right, or, we can easily print the cover for your normal hex socket.

Files

Fusion360  source files are provided, feel free to adjust the size for your own socket size.

3 models stl are provided:

• wheel_socket_cover_19mm_OD28mm.stl  :  for black impact ready socket(19mm Hex), it's bit larger since the wall is thicker work with impact wrench.  Socket Outside Diameter is 28mm.
• wheel_socket_cover_19mm_OD27mm.stl : for normal socket (19mm Hex, NOT impact ready, chrome finish), socket outside diameter is 27mm
• wheel_socket_cover_slot_OD20mm.stl : for some after market bolt (winter tire ?) socket, outer dia is 20mm.
• can easily adjust fusion parameter to adjust size for your own socket size
• all socket size is based on the ones in my procession, your socket size may vary even they are the same 19mm hex.

Print Setting

Dimension accuracy is essential, the cover must be tight enough not to easily get off and not too tight too difficult to put on socket.

Adjust your print setting accordingly.  My experience is must enable the “external perimeter first” 

• in Super Slicer's Print Setting → Perimeter and Shell;   
• in prusa slicer, layer and perimeter → Advanced→ External perimeter first

Material

I have tested a special petg which is a bit softer than normal one, as shown in the picture

I have not tested normal petg or TPU.

TPU may be better I think, but some size adjustment maybe needed

Install:

put it on the socket