Jfkmk

OP stated “ I’m looking for one that can break lug nuts loose so I can rotate my tires.” Kind of implies he needs an impact to break the lugnuts loose, which would mean they’re overtorqued.

Jfkmk

Wrong about what? I never said to use a t-wrench so you cant overtorque the lugnuts. I use a torque wrench. A lot of shops just blast the lugnuts with an impact and overtorque the lugnuts. Is that where you say I’m wrong? The impacts also beat the snot out of the lugnuts. Tell tale sign is the slightly rounded lugnuts that are rusty. You won’t see that on any of my vehicles.

RLXXI

You're wrong for making a blanket coverage statement the if one uses an impact it'll always be over torqued. The mechanics skills play the most important part in using said tool. I've been using one for over 35 years and have never over torqued a lug because I also use torque sticks.

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-pie...3YMaAkpb8P8HAQ
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johnday in BFE

iTrader: (1)

Robert, I heard somewhere, that you shouldn't use torque stix with a battery operated impact? Is that true?.
Almost think it was "Scotty Kilmer" that said that, can't recall.

RLXXI

Absolutely false. Doesn't matter what impact air or electric. I use all combinations on a daily basis for many years.
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johnday in BFE

iTrader: (1)

Thanks, that's what I thought, the statement didn't make sense to me.

Jfkmk

And you're wrong because I never made that statement. RIF! I said if an impact is required to remove the lights they're probably overtorqued.

RLXXI

Impact makes it easier and faster, when you do it for a living all day long you use the most effective tool for the job. It doesn't have to be over torqued to dictate use of the tool. I've had to use 4 way lug wrenches that impacts would not remove. Using the tool doesn't mean anything but convenience and in my line of work makes financial sense.
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Steve83

Did you read the Ford TSB in the caption of the diagram I posted above? If you're using any impact making 400 lb-ft to set a 100 lb-ft lug nut, a torque stick won't prevent it overtorquing. It'll just damage the stick so it will never work right again, even with the appropriate input.

RLXXI

That is the entire point of using a torque stick, to prevent vehicle damage as it limits torque applied to the lugs so it DOES prevent over torquing, The sticks are cheap to replace, lug studs/wheels etc,, not so much.

It's basically a little calibrated torsion bar. Same thing that holds up the front of 97-03 F150 4x4 and various other makes, first time I encountered torsion bar suspension was an old 80's Chrysler.

P.S. In the past 20 something years I've never damaged a torque stick and I use the best impacts on the market available. My SnapOn impact is rated over 500ftlb and I use it daily with torque sticks.
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