Yeah, I was surprised too. The first one really bit into the lug nut hard. I had to cut two flat points into the lug nut so that I could get my bench vise to clamp down hard enough to twist the socket back off. After that one, I was stuggling to get it to bite at all.

I thought perhaps it might have something to do with the chrome plating on the lug nuts being harder than the tool steel, but man, it was a pain in the butt. I'm glad I didn't go the 'hammer a 12 pt socket onto it' route. If it was that difficult with a purpose-built tool, I can't imagine the cursing if I'd tried the 'creative' solution.

 

The dealers keep a master set. And they are numbered, so when they get yours off, you can order a new one. I don't think they would charge you to remove 4 nuts, but you never know...

 

if you want some "new" lug nuts let me know. i took off my set yesterday. i have 24 lug nuts laying around my garage now. if you want em let me know. 10 bucks + shipping cost. basically a six pack and shipping. i'm more than happy to get rid of them and help a fellow yota brother out.