ProV1

as I do more DIY stuff in the garage, I find the stock lug wrench that came with the car too short for adequate leverage. If I get something beefier and longer, getting the nuts loose would be much easier and thus save me time.

Do you guys have a 20-25" breaker bar w/ a socket? The only breaker bars I can find are 1/2" drives.. none with 3/8"

Any other solutions? how much would an impact wrench cost?? then i'd have to get a compressor too.. dayum my gf will kill me

Or are electric impact wrenches strong enuf to take off lug nuts?

mikegarrison

The air wrench is the way to go. Electric impact wrench is OK. Both will take the lugs off even when the wheel is in the air and free to spin.

However, if doing it by hand I recommend using a cross-shaped lug nut wrench. You can find them at any auto parts store. As a plus, you can use them on many different cars. They work a lot better than the little tool that is included in the trunk kit. That should be for emergency use only.

Like this: http://www.alltiresupply.com/p-T56.html (Another tip: put a little bit of paint on the 19mm socket end so it is easy to spot.)

And ps. -- get a 1/2-inch drive 19mm lug nut socket. Most torque wrenches of the right torque range (ie. those which can measure 80 ft-lb) are 1/2-inch drive. If you finally do get an impact wrench, it will probably be half inch drive also.

My air compressor cost about $450, my air wrench cost about $150. But you also need hoses, fittings, etc. Figure $800 to get a decent home air tool setup. Be suspicious of anything that costs less than that -- you may end up replacing it.

My cordless electric impact wrench cost about $300. You can find cheapies for under $100, but they are not nearly as nice or reliable.

xviper

You should be using 1/2" drive for lugnuts anyway. I have an 18" 1/2" drive breaker bar. Before that, I used a piece of metal pipe to slip over the rachet handle for leverage.

ProV1

thanks for the help!

but darn it, i knew i'd kick myself for getting a dinky basic 3/8" socket & ratchet set last month.. now i'm gonna have to buy a 1/2" socket set as well!! i also need 17mm for my nissan beater. i've been hanging out at sears every weekend. lol

should've just bought that $499 gazillion-piece tool set

mikegarrison

[QUOTE=ProV1,Jul 12 2006, 01:50 PM] thanks for the help!

but darn it, i knew i'd kick myself for getting a dinky basic 3/8" socket & ratchet set last month.. now i'm gonna have to buy a 1/2" socket set as well!!

ProV1

thanks again. i think i'll get a 25" 1/2in drive breaker bar +:


17, 19, 21mm

that should get me by for a while, and then i could get an impact wrench later on to use w/ those sockets.

xviper

That's the smarter route to go without having to buy a complete 1/2" drive socket set. Also get a 4" or 6" extension (1/2" drive). This'll bring the breaker bar and torque wrench out far enough from the rim so as to not interfere.

mikegarrison

I've never had a problem using the torque wrench directly on the socket. No probs with the rim. (OEM AP1 wheels)

ProV1

xviper probably has wheels like this which require 3 extensions:

jah

19mm socket (s), extension, breaker bar
for the purposes of tires anything will work, consider Harbor Freight, their quality levels are low but if the only use is the s2000 wheels what the hek. disposable tools. Instead of a breaker bar i would get a Sears socket wrench.

for fastners i plan to use frequently on the car try a lubericant
Permatex Anti-Seize compound 133a

Torque Wrench
use this to assure 80ft-lbs. there is no need for accuracy, its hard to justify not having this sice they are $20 or less at Harbor Freight. a click type is conveniant, again they are inexpensive and disposable. would not use this thing for anything else tho.

1/2" cordless electric impact wrench
Snap-on ct3450 is expensive but works VERY well for removal and some install. as any Snap-on thingy its hi cost so you might consider ebay. excessive but makes life easy.

Floor Jack
most people by the Sears 1.5 ton racing floor jack. its $100 but makes life easy.