Best tool for getting lug nuts off is a real 1/2 drive breaker bar and a
good 6 point socket of the correct size. Sears sells the bar and socket
for a reasonable price. This will work better than even a cross wrench and
the proper fitting socket will instill confidence.

Over tightening a fastner is not the only reason they can gall up and
strip out. Lug nuts and bolts are not lifetime devices. The VW nuts are
quite strong and usually last for many years. American and Aisan cars
should have the nuts replaced after 3-5 uses. Aisian cars tend to have nut
and stud failures frequently. Any good shop will stock them they fail so
often.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
B Feddish
Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2008 4:26 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Lug nut stripped - back from Sears

OK, I went to Sears and I got one of those sockets to remove striped nuts
and bolts. I ended up removing another 1/8" of metal off the nut. Now it's
nice and round and shiny. My mechanic is going to love this one. Live and
learn. At least it's once again in my driveway where my van has chosen to
have all it's problems over the last 12 years.  I'm going to order that
12v
impact wrench though, that looks handy. I can't even start the bolts on
the
front wheels and I don't want to have this problem when I'm away from
home.

Thanks,
Bryan