Briebee72
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #16
Thanks, I guess I took you meant the lug wrench would mess it up somehow not that there was a better way. But when a cars up in air can't exactly jump in and go buy tools thanks for the tips.You do understand the basic principles of torque and applying leverage, right? Your definition of "worked just fine" is different than mine.
Those cross shaped lug wrenches are typically 14 inches across (let's call it 12 inches / 1 foot for simplicity). The socket is in the middle of that span, meaning that you have basically a 6 inch / 0.5 ft lever arm. If a lug nut requires 150 lb-ft of torque to break it loose, you basically need to generate 300 pounds of force to break that lug nut loose. If you use a breaker bar that's 2 ft long, you would need to generate 75 pounds of force to break it loose.
Also, not all air impacts are the same. A lot of people overrate their own air impacts. They buy cheapo ones where the marketing will claim they'll do 400 lb-ft or more, but it's really a sham. I know because I made the same mistake. It'll make all the same noises as high end air impact guns, but deliver a fraction of the torque. And that's not even mentioning the air supply.
And I get it, you used what you have. I do the same, but I also use it as an excuse to buy better tools, so that in the future I won't struggle with the same issue. Do yourself a favor, and get yourself a telescoping lug wrench like this: https://www.amazon.com/EPAuto-Telescoping-Wrench-Wheel-Sockets/dp/B071FV7XVM or a nice breaker bar and socket at harbor freight. https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-25-in-professional-breaker-bar-62729.html
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