need a 1/2" torque wrench recommendation

[GNRick]

Something to carry in the trunk to loosen and tighten lug nuts. Not too expensive. I have a nice snap on wrench but it only tightens bolts. Thanks.

 

[Bruce Urie]

Rick.....never ever use a torque wrench to "loosen" lug nuts.....only to tighten them. Never use a torque wrench to loosen any bolt or nut....never!

Use one of those "X" type of lug wrench with four different sizes to loosen lug nuts.......small enough to carry in your trunk in a bag....also good for personal defense.

Bruce '87 Grand National

 

[GNRick]

Thanks for the advice Bruce. Maybe that's why the Craftsman torque wrench didn't last long. I've had problems with the "X" wrench getting off lug nuts in the past, though.

 

[achalmersman]

High end digital torque wrenches can be used in reverse to measure breakaway torque. I have 3/8 and 1/2 snap on tech angle digital wrenches and do it frequently.

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

 

[Johnnie]

I carry a breaker bar to break them loose and a craftsmen click torque wrench with the correct size socket . I can hide them pretty easily. The torque wrench was pretty reasonably priced.

 

[GNRick]

I found a 1/2" wrench at Eastwood for $75. It's not a torque wrench though. I'm thinking of buying it.

 

[gsgnnut]

Breaker bar and proper size 6 point socket costs under 40 bucks leave in trunk. If you can't estimate lug nut torque get a bar type torque wrench. They last a lifetime and are accurate and unbreakable when used correctly.

 

[BuickMike]

You guys will laugh, but I have a Harbor Freight torque wrench that works great. I got it cheap with a coupon years ago, but when it was time to assemble my motor I was initially not going to use it. Then I sent it into the calibration lab at the place I used to work. When I went to get it back, they were all laughing because it was dead nuts on. They stated it was the most accurate that they had seen from anyone so far. They mentioned plenty of Craftsman, SnapOn, Matco, etc had come their way and they were all a hair off. I proceeded to use it for 2 motors.

I do only use it to tighten and also loosen it completely after every use.

Now all that said, are you going to use this in case of when you may need to put on a spare tire for yourself, or is this for job purposes? If just for a spare, get a good feel with a breaker bar for how much you need to tighten your lugnuts and just keep that in the trunk.

 

[EVIL]

You're over thinking this.

Just keep a regular ratchet and socket in the car.

There is no harm in driving the car home with lug nuts not torqued.

Then torque them when you get home.

There are plenty of cars with lugs not torqued that last a life time.

A short trip is no big deal.

D

 

[GNRick]

I bought a $69 1/2" socket wrench from Lowe's. It should work good on lug nuts and has a lifetime warranty. As stated, I can torque it when I get home. Thanks for all of the responses.

 

[TurboTnZ06]

1/2 breaker bar and 6 point deep socket. All you need. Except, I use the breaker bar to loosen it half a turn, then use a milwalkee cordless impact to finish the job since I have 3 inch studs.