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**Jlawles2** · 09-19-2021, 09:08 AM

TedS Ted, the reason for not using a torque wrench for loosening bolts is not that it does not work or is not calibrated in that direction (most are not calibrated in both directions), but the fact that loosening bolts can be demanding on the wrench. If left on for extended times or exposed to various conditions the nuts can require a lot more torque to remove than install. Not to mention break out is a harsh release of force which can throw things out of calibration.

I have a 4 way in the camper for both removal and installation. True the lug nuts should be torqued on, but in a pinch just getting the tire changed and to safety is more of a concern than anything else.

When I had to replace the axles on the previous 5er, I stopped 3 times and checked the lug nuts with the 4 way on the home. I do know that the axle failure was not due to the lug nuts, but i did not want to deal with loosing a tire on the side of the road.

That reminds me that I need to go out and check the lug nuts on the camper since they replaced the wheels because of coating failure.

**Cate&Rob** · 09-19-2021, 09:49 AM

d

Originally posted by TedS View Post

Cate&Rob a torque wrench works backwards for lefthand threaded bolts and nuts. At least, mine does.

Agreed . . . it is just the "using it as a breaker bar" that could far exceed the torque setting, that I would avoid.

Rob

**TheNescios** · 09-19-2021, 10:19 AM

Agree on both the breaker bar and a battery impact wrench - and think all of the mainstream brands make decent tools but I went with Makita more years ago than I'll admit so have stayed with their system.
For now I'm carrying a long handled 1/2" breaker bar and a set of deep sockets to make sure I'm covered for lug nut sized on my menagerie of rolling stock plus a torque wrench for checking before & during trips.
I don't use the torque wrench for loosening because it seems like loosening can build up a lot of force then suddenly release it which just doesn't seem good for something we want to accurately & reliably give us good information.
Am considering a battery impact as the older I get the less I want to kneel in the dirt and "argue" with things like lug nuts, and, it turns out there is a model Makita calls "sub compact" for tight spaces that's a little bit lighter & smaller but still similar specs to the larger size impacts.
Chris

**ncitro** · 09-19-2021, 10:39 AM

I also carry a torque wrench and breaker bar but still really like having the impact for breaking loose. Particularly on the truck which makes the trailer bolts seem like wing nuts. I think the torque spec on my F350 is 165 ft-lbs, which can be a bear to break loose.

Like most of the tools I carry, I have them for me, but most of the time use them to help other people. It's good to be equipped for a variety of rig sizes.

**Jkwilson** · 09-19-2021, 11:39 AM

Originally posted by ncitro View Post

I also carry a torque wrench and breaker bar but still really like having the impact for breaking loose. Particularly on the truck which makes the trailer bolts seem like wing nuts. I think the torque spec on my F350 is 165 ft-lbs, which can be a bear to break loose.

Like most of the tools I carry, I have them for me, but most of the time use them to help other people. It's good to be equipped for a variety of rig sizes.

With a 3ft breaker bar, I can generate 700lb-ft of torque to take a lug nut off with zero physical effort. No need for a battery.

**TedS** · 09-19-2021, 12:58 PM

Once broken loose just use a drill with hex to square adapter to spin the nuts off if you want to use a battery powered drill. Cheaper than a matching impact wrench.

**TheNescios** · 09-19-2021, 09:12 PM

As I was reminded after joining a little over a year ago when I made a suggestion about "making do with what we have" - "never discount a good reason to purchase a new tool"!

**Yoda** · 09-20-2021, 10:43 AM

Well I may have found a real need for the Milwaukee 2767-22 unit. Went to adjust the moisture sensor positions on my Hesston in-line hay baler. I need to remove four 3/4" carriage bolts to take a side panel off the bale chamber. I have been soaking them (very rusty) for a week with BP blaster and WD-40. I used my Craftsman 1/2" 18" breaker bar with a 2' pipe extension - busted two craftsman 6 point sockets (split sides) (60's vintage), but no go on the nuts - I am guessing they are grade 8 based on the behavior and old parts list I found online. I would be happy just snapping them off as they can be easily replaced. There is no room to cut off either as they are set inside a cover with a hole for access. I will try adding heat when I get the sockets replaced.

So looking for a good deal and found this.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...6985_200786985

BTW - who makes a good set of 6 point impact sockets - I have heard they are tougher than standard ones.

Thanks
Keith

**Jkwilson** · 09-20-2021, 03:34 PM

Originally posted by Yoda View Post

Well I may have found a real need for the Milwaukee 2767-22 unit. Went to adjust the moisture sensor positions on my Hesston in-line hay baler. I need to remove four 3/4" carriage bolts to take a side panel off the bale chamber. I have been soaking them (very rusty) for a week with BP blaster and WD-40. I used my Craftsman 1/2" 18" breaker bar with a 2' pipe extension - busted two craftsman 6 point sockets (split sides) (60's vintage), but no go on the nuts - I am guessing they are grade 8 based on the behavior and old parts list I found online. I would be happy just snapping them off as they can be easily replaced. There is no room to cut off either as they are set inside a cover with a hole for access. I will try adding heat when I get the sockets replaced.

So looking for a good deal and found this.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...6985_200786985

BTW - who makes a good set of 6 point impact sockets - I have heard they are tougher than standard ones.

Thanks
Keith

Impact sockets aren’t tougher than standard ones. They are softer so they don’t shatter when they are hammered sending shards of sharp metal flying.

**Yoda** · 09-20-2021, 03:57 PM

Originally posted by Jkwilson View Post

Impact sockets aren’t tougher than standard ones. They are softer so they don’t shatter when they are hammered sending shards of sharp metal flying.

Interesting - I would have thought the opposite - learned something new - Thanks John
Keith

**Canyonlight** · 09-20-2021, 04:05 PM

Originally posted by Yoda View Post

Interesting - I would have thought the opposite - learned something new - Thanks John
Keith

X2 Keith - and I used these (still have them) back in my automotive service center job back in the day over 4 decades ago. Thanks, for sharing this John Jkwilson .

Dan

**Country Campers** · 09-20-2021, 04:08 PM

Actually they are "tougher" but "softer" than a general socket. A regular socket is thinner wall and a little harder than an impact socket that is why they crack and break. I have broken plenty of craftsman sockets over the years but have yet to break an impact socket.

Brian

**Guest** · 09-20-2021, 04:52 PM

Originally posted by Jkwilson View Post

Impact sockets aren’t tougher than standard ones. They are softer so they don’t shatter when they are hammered sending shards of sharp metal flying.

Impact sockets are thicker and 6 point, and will far out endure a standard socket. Impact sockets are a must with power tools. I've never broken an impact socket.

Jim

**gbkims** · 09-20-2021, 04:56 PM

Originally posted by Yoda View Post

BTW - who makes a good set of 6 point impact sockets - I have heard they are tougher than standard ones.

Thanks
Keith

My preference is USA, then Taiwan made hand tools.
I have one Tekton 1/2" impact socket set from a few years ago that seems good quality. - https://www.tekton.com/about-us
https://www.tekton.com/impact-drive-...ve-size=1-2-in

My older impact socket sets (Standard & Deep) are Proto and Craftsman, USA made from 15+ years ago.

**Guest** · 09-20-2021, 05:03 PM

Originally posted by gbkims View Post

My preference is USA, then Taiwan made hand tools.
I have one Tekton 1/2" impact socket set from a few years ago that seems good quality. - https://www.tekton.com/about-us
https://www.tekton.com/impact-drive-...ve-size=1-2-in

My older impact socket sets (Standard & Deep) are Proto and Craftsman, USA made from 15+ years ago.

Gene,

I have a proto set that I purchased in the 70s when I worked as a diesel tech. Also have the Craftsman which have worked well over the years. When I purchased the Craftsman set they had two models. One with the lifetime warranty (not sure how this works today) and another with a limited warranty.

Funny story: I checked both which the salesman had showed me. Somewhat confused I mentioned both have the same price...is this a trick question? I'll take the lifetime ones. He mentioned the price on the lifetime was mislabeled and he would honor the price. Then he tells me this is 10% off day on top of that. Funny and valuable experience.

Jim

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Do I need a 1/2" air or battery power Impact Gun for tire lug nuts?

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