What Size Impact Wrench For Lug Nuts

I've been a mechanic for over twenty years, and I use my torque wrench many times a 24-hour interval. If you buy a skillful ane, you won't ever need to buy some other.

A 1/2 inch torque wrench with a working range of thirty to 160 ft. lbs. is the correct size tool for lug nuts and other heavy fasteners.

Torque wrenches are not just for the Pro. The days of tightening a nut or bolt by feel or guessing are over.

The cost of these type specialized tools take come style down, so now it makes sense to own i. Especially as some of y'all may know, that sickening feeling when you over-tighten a commodities, pull the threads, or break the bolt.

Repairing that kind of impairment can be expensive and soul-destroying. I still remember the sense of taste of my medicine. Anyway, hither's a link to my favorite 1/two inch Teng torque wrench you might observe useful. Information technology links to Amazon, and truthfully I was surprised at the cost. I paid more than this for mine many years ago.

What Makes A Good Torque Wrench?

At that place are a number of of import factors to consider when choosing a torque wrench, but the nigh of import consideration – What range do I need? The torque range of the wrench volition dictate the bulldoze size. 1/two inch is pretty standard for larger fasteners like automotive and truck lug nuts.

A torque wrench won't be accurate at the very top or lesser of its range, so conduct that in mind when choosing your wrench. You'll need well-nigh 10 ft. lbs. to spare. Common torque wrench drive sizes include ane/four, iii/8, 1/2, and iii/iv inches. All have dissimilar applications.

The 1/four and some 3/viii inch drive wrenches volition exist measured in inch lbs., not ft. lbs… They're designed for lighter fasteners requiring less torque. (12-inch lbs. is equal to 1-pes lb.) The 1/4 inch drive torque wrench is used for very light fasteners, like interior trim, control module covers, etc.

The 3/8 drive is perfect for engine work like timing belt associates, front end covers, water pumps, cam covers, oil pans, etc. The 1/2 is ideal for heavier type fasteners like lug nuts, suspension, steering, engine mounts, etc.

The 3/4 isn't used in automotive. Information technology'southward reserved for oversized fasteners establish on large vehicles like Semi and world-moving equipment, etc.

Most automotive lug basics are tightened to 90 – 120 ft. lbs… Trucks will exist more, about 120-150 ft. lbs. range.

If you're running a truck, consider ownership the ane/two inch larger wrench with a greater working range of xxx to 250 ft. lbs., you lot'll find enough of other uses for the greater range.

As a mechanic, I know what I want in a torque wrench. Hither's a bulleted listing of what's important to me.

Flexible Working Range
All Metal Torso
Certified Accuracy
Ratcheting Head
Stamped Easy Read Scale
Solid Haptic & Audible Click
Hatched Metallic Handle
Angle Measuring Head
Solid Storage Case
Smashing Warranty

Understandably, a feature like an angle measuring head may not be important to the occasional user. It probable won't be used unless y'all undertake larger repair jobs similar replacing a caput gasket.

Correct Lug Nut Torque Procedure

While you already know the value of using a torque wrench, some people might say information technology's non strictly necessary to torque your lug basics. I don't agree.

Sure it's OK in an emergency to tighten your lug nuts using your car's cycle changing kit, only I suggest calling a tire shop and accept them dorsum off the wheel lug nuts and torque them to spec.

And hither's why – Most vehicles will use the tension of the bicycle rim against the hub to keep the brake rotor aligned. If the bike lug basics are torqued out of sequence and to different specs, it's possible to cause the rotor to take run out (wobble).

This will merely be slight merely can cause vibration, pulsing in the brakes, road-dissonance, the brake rotor, and pad damage. When torquing a wheel, Snug all lug basics down first before using the torque wrench. Then tighten in a star formation. This helps the wheel, Rotor and Hub align squarely.

Why I Love My Teng Torque Wrench

I've had my Teng wrench for a few years now. It gets calibrated every year, and I've never had a problem. It's non an decoration. It's used heavily only however performs and looks adept. I'm happy to recommend it. It's a skillful kit.

Here's why I dearest it – First off, it'south made of alloy – no plastic $.25 to intermission. The measurement scale is in ft. lbs… On the opposite side, it's measured in Nm. The scale is stamped into the barrel, then information technology'due south non going to wearable away, and I tin can read them clearly.

The ratchet head has a degree measurement tool built in. Traditionally this would be a separate tool birthday. You'll use this feature when torquing down cylinder caput bolts on cars or trucks. The spec canvas might say, torque the head bolts to 100 ft. lbs. and on the 2d laissez passer, torque to 90°.

Comes with a solid plastic case and a detailed instruction sheet. The Teng torque wrench comes with a lifetime warranty. I like how the Teng 10-150 ft. lbs. experience. It's a quality tool. You can tell by belongings it. You lot'll notice how confident and definite the action is. When it reaches the set torque, it clicks clearly.

If yous need a greater torque range, this Teng wrench covers 25-250 ft. lbs… It'due south the same quality wrench.

How To Use The Teng Torque Wrench?

Your torque wrench is a precision tool and should be stored in its molded example, information technology will arrive with full instructions, but it isn't difficult to master. You can utilise regular 1/ii sockets; however, you'll find deep sockets work best on lug nuts.

If you're very particular about your wheel rims, get a gear up of ABN non-scratch 1/2 inch impact sockets.

Unlock your Teng torque wrench by turning the lock to the left.
Adjust the wrench to the closest required measurement on the main shaft scale.
Then utilise the handle scale to adjust to exact specification needed.
Each marking on the twist handle is 1 ft. lbs.
When set, lock the torque wrench using the handle lock.
Torque wrench is now ready for work.
Torque your fastener, using even steady force per unit area.
A solid click indicates the correct torque accomplished.

Caring For Your Torque Wrench?

This is a precision scrap of kit. Dropping it on the ground like you would a hammer is going to knock it out of calibration. Although the torque wrench is not unlike a ratchet, it'south non a ratchet. I don't utilise it to open bolts, only tighten to spec.

I clean mine every use, store it on a shelf where I can take hold of information technology real fast. Come up winter. I'll spray it with WD40 and proceed it in its hard instance to continue moisture off it. You may want to shop yours in the torso. If then, shop it deeply.

Best to return the Torque wrench to the bottom of the calibration range when it's non in use. This relieves the tension on the components. The tool requires calibration every yr when working it professionally, but equally an occasional user, you won't demand to.

Y'all can check out all the tools I use, including a torque wrench and workshop manuals, hither on the Mechanics tools page, or check out the Amazon link below.

Amazon Mechanics Torque Wrench