torque wrench for left handed lug nuts?
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dnewton3
Staff member
Agreed.
Disagree, with a caveat ...
Using a torque wrench is not wrong to do so, IF (that's the caveat) the torque setting on the wrench is substantially above the expected torque to break loose the fastener.
Example:
If you expect that it would take 60 fl-lb to break the fastener free, and you set the wrench to 100 ft-lb (on a wrench that is capable of 150 ft-lb) there is absolutely no damage that would occur. The torque wrench does not know if it's tightening or loosening a fastener; it only knows that a force is being exerted on the spring via the ball-detent mechanism. As long as that force is well within the operating range of the tool, and set above the expected break-away torque, then it won't harm the tool whatsoever.
The reason you'll see warnings in tool literature not to do so is because people are idiots and won't pay attention, thus overloading the detent and possibly causing damage. So, as a matter of over-precaution, they simply state "never use a wrench to break loose a fastener". It's easier for them to print a "never do this" statement than to explain what I did above, and hope people can control themselves and not act stupidly.
I do agree that, as a matter of practice, using a breaker-bar is better. But it's not "wrong" to use a torque wrench for break-loose tasks IF the caveat is honored.
so set the wrench at max? makes sense
dnewton3
Staff member
No, not necessarily at the "max".
Just set it reasonably above the expected "break loose" value.
See the example I gave above.
Just add some humor: do you think anyone, in 1968 or the next few decades that followed, ever used a torque wrench? Just give it three unga-dungas and you'll be close enough. 
Pretty sure my cheapo HF 150ft-lb wrench has a reversing lever on it, but I've never tried it in reverse. But I don't think lugs are that critical that I worry about it that much.
Pretty sure my cheapo HF 150ft-lb wrench has a reversing lever on it, but I've never tried it in reverse. But I don't think lugs are that critical that I worry about it that much.
i guess it is or can be a guessing game on break loose torque.
Not the greatest idea i suppose, better to just use a breaker var.
I keep around some 3' lengths of gas pipe to slip over mine. Some bolts get tightened with the torque wrench set to 11.
I've been driving since 1989 and changed many flat tires over the years. Last year was the first time I ever used a torque wrench when installing lug nuts. I always followed my gut on how tight to get the lug nuts, probably based on advice my Dad gave me when I was very young. I used to watch him work on cars when I was a young lad.Just add some humor: do you think anyone, in 1968 or the next few decades that followed, ever used a torque wrench? Just give it three unga-dungas and you'll be close enough.
JHZR2
Staff member
Not all click torque wrenches have a torque setting in reverse. I learned that with my Norbar Pro wrench, which I love, when I was doing a timing belt job…
Just go by feel. Your wheel won't fly off.
Just get this torque adapter and use it with a 1/2" breaker bar. It is certified for +/- 2% accuracy in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
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