One trick that I was shown, is to get a nice 2" inside diameter rubber hose, about 14 inches in length. You slide this over the spinner prong you are about to hit with the lead hammer. This rubber hose protects the spinner from deformation.
Bob in CT is quite correct about the safety wire. Some folks suggest that you attach the safety wire in the direction of the tightness, that way, if the spinner begins to loosen up, the wire will show that. Example. On the Drivers' side on my car, Right is Tight (Righty-Tighty). So the saftey wire is anchored on a left spoke and goes Right to a Spinner Ear. So, if I see a Driver Side safety wire going Left (Loosey) then I know to inspect the spinner. I do belive Bob in CT showed me this trick up at Lyme Rock.
I have one of those big turned spinner hub sockets. It came with my ERA from the previous owner. I have not used it yet. He did warn me about its use. He suggested to put a thin damp cloth over the spinner before using the tool so as to protect the spinner from marring from the edges of the tool. Since I have not used it yet, I do not have experience with it. It is a work of art however, Nice conversation piece on your desk?
