On my 1500 (Z-71/Z-66/NFE style 17" stock wheels) I just use a standard black 7/8" impact socket, 1/2" drive. I turn the plastic lug nuts on the hub cap by hand, using the socket and a 6" extension as a handle. Then I take off the regular lugs with an air impact wrench, and hand tighten them with a torque wrench when I put them back.
I have no damage to my lugs or wheels, including the plastic trim lugs. However, I have no burrs or significant wear/damage on the socket. As long as the socket is in good shape, there should be no problem. If the socket is damaged/worn, then it might damage the plastic lug nut caps.
The plastic coating sounds like an interesting idea. However, how durable is it? Remember, the lug nuts on our trucks are tight: 140 ft-lbs for the 1500. That puts quite a strain on the socket and lugs when loostening/tightening them. Will the plastic coating hold up to the stress?
If you have the stock 17" wheels, where the plastic lugs are easy to turn, and the real lugs are hidden, I would think that a special socket is not necessary. If you have special wheels with exposed chromed lugs, and tight clearances where the socket might rub the wheel, then there may be some merit to such a special socket.
I've had exposed chromed lugs in the past, and over time a regular impact socket had damaged the corners. This caused the chrome plating to eventually break down and start peeling from the corners. Had I had a plastic lined socket back then, maybe those lugs would've lasted longer.
That's just my two cents, opinions may vary.
-- SS
