The the "supposed" snow we are supposed to get tomorrow, I'd like to get my 18's off and put my PYO's back on. Is there a special socket I need so I don't scuff the chrome lug nuts?

nope as long as it fits your good to go. Ive taken mine off tons of times and my lugs dont looks too bad still.

do it by hand w/right size of coarse, and all will be fine. It's air guns and numb nuts that screw up lug nuts.

all depends on the wheel, my helo's require a Skinny special lug nut socket that came with my lug nuts.