Well, stock AP1 rims aren't the only ones I deal with. I've got Volk CE rims and PT Cruiser OEM rims and black steelies for winter duty. The extension makes for a good place to grab and anchor so you apply the proper right angle forces when taking a torque read.

 

But I thought everybody says size doesn't matter?

 

Everybody's wrong.

 

My combo, which suits me great in both the garage and my track kit that must fit in the trunk, is a 1/2" ratchet to loosen, cheapo 1/2" torque wrench from Harbor Freight Tools (like 15 bucks), and cordless drill to quickly buzz on and off the lugnuts for those lightning-quick NASCAR style tire changes (I'm saving up for the giant jug o' fuel).

 

No need to get !/2" drive sockets, purchase a 3/8"-1/2" adapter. The 1/2" side fits on your breker bar, torque wrench, etc., the 3/8" side plugs into your sockets. I have used this set up for decades without any problems. My adapter is a Snap-On, but I am sure Craftsman and others have them.

 

I use a 1/2" drive 18" breaker-bar with a 19mm 6-point 1/2" drive socket from Sears. To re-torque the lug nuts I use a 3/8" drive 19mm 6-point deep socket (my torque wrench 3/8" drive).

 

I'm looking at the Dewalt DW059K-2 ($270). I don't think anything less will be powerful enough to loosen lug nuts, or last a long time.

The problem is, this unit does not seem to have variable speed control, NOR electric brakes.

How crucial are those 2 features? Should I look elsewhere? Please recommend a nice cordless impact wrench.. It'd be nice to just remove all the nuts with the cordless, but then use lower power to just lightly re-tighten the nuts, then use a torque wrench to finish the job.

 

I have the DeWalt. It works fine if you're just taking off the wheels and sinching the bolts up in prep for the torque wrench. The only time it had a problem was the first time I took the wheels off my used 2002 S2K. It wouldn't loosen the lugs and I was fuming 'cause I knew some grease-monkey had air impacted them on.

 

The only problem I have with cheap torque wrenches is that they are usually wrong. Or are only accurate the first couple of times you use it.

Also, don't use a standard socket on an impact gun, ever. If you are going to buy an impact gun, get an impact socket. A regular socket will deform and probably break sooner or later.

I have a 24 inch breaker bar and an 18 inch torque wrench in my trunk. The breaker bar is much more versatile than one of those X lug things. It has uses besides lug nuts. Namely like when I had to remove and re-torque my axle nut two weeks ago.

Also sears has a nice 1/2 drive metric set for under $50. Even has a spark plug socket, though you will need to pickup a 6" extension.

 

The handle from the floor jack is perfect for this type of activity.