I had both my driver side tires sidewall shredded by a piece of rebar that wasn't cut properly in a construction zone last night and the shop around the corner replaced the tires but, mangled the lug nuts, more specifically the covers of the lugnuts. Is there cost efficient fix for new lug nuts? If I buy new ones, will the caps expand, would a simple small hole in the center relieve the caps from bulging? Thanks in advance for hte tips and advice.

 

You can get the caps they used on the locking lug nuts to replace your mangled caps, or you can get aftermarket lug nuts from rovahfarm.

Used parts are also out there, but condition will vary.

To keep it from happening again, you try and make sure only the correct tools are used, a 27mm socket and no air tools.

 

@jafir- my factory lug tool wouldn't fit over the nuts, do they expand (the caps) over time or is it due to the impact gun?

 

I would say they expand from using the wrong tool, either the impact gun or maybe a 12 point 1-1/8" socket, or maybe both.

On my d1, after they became that way, I just kept a 6 point 1-1/8" socket with me until I replaced all of the lugs with new. It seemed to do the trick.

 

Call Paul Grant, he can supply you with good used lug nuts.

 

this might be good insurance for you
TheSamba.com :: VW Classifieds - Curb Feelers Cat Whiskers Sidewalk Scrapers 1 pair

 

@dusty1, good one.
Dsico Mike and jafir- thanks,

 

Shouldn't the tire shop be looking for these and installing them for you?

OR, better yet, hand them to you so you can install them without mangling them.

 

@SuperSport- in a ll honesty it was a small tire repair place, I was happy to get tires and get back on the road. I have found 20 very good lug nuts from a guy locally for $40. I will change them out at home in the garage.

 

I had a small tire shop break off 7, yes, SEVEN of my studs when changing my tires a few years back. They were trying to tell me I had bad lugs, until the manager and I both witnessed the installer install the nuts with an Air Wrench without first putting them on by hand. He put them up there and spun them up full speed. Stripped them right out and forced them on, thus breaking the studs. I could not believe this guy! After one, I understand, but 7???