I keep breaking 1/2 ratchets on my lug nuts.

[LightningCamaroGuy]

A half inch ratchet in not the right tool. Go with a 3/4" socket set or impact.
I suspect you used a cheater bar.

Absolutely. A proper 3/4 setup is a whole different ball game. Kind of like with a tractor you're better off having the right tool for the job. If you're looking to plow 600 acres worth of fields then you're 55 HP tractor isn't as ideal as a 400 HP tractor, but if you're looking to maintain your pond, then the 55 HP tractor is going to be more ideal. You're not going to buy a .22 LR to hunt whitetail, but you might if you want to kill some tree rats.

If you want to go with a pneumatic setup, and don't want to pend big bucks on a badarse compressor setup that gives you a lot volume, and at a lot of pressure to bring out the potential of a good 3/4 pneumatic impact:
-Get an extra trank.
-Use at least 1/2 hose.
-Keep the hose short. (4' is often recommended)
-Attach the hose directly to the tank with no regulators, or couplers.
-Use high flow fittings for your tools and a quality coupler on the other end of your hose. (3/8, not 1/4, which most 3/4 impacts and 1/2 hose will be setup for 3/8 fittings anyway)
-Charge the tank to 125-150 PSI if your compressor will get you there.

This should give you a lot of reverse torque, but in short bursts. Then you will have to recharge the tank. Or you can invest in a industrial type compressor setup. Or you could go electric. I don't have a large electric impact, but I'm sure they're out there, and are strong.

 

[AndrewT]

everything above 1) buy a 3/4" Breaker Bar, middle to good quality not Harbor Freight junk, 2)get a good quality 1/2-3/4 adapter Impact grade.
Better yet buy narrow wall 3/4", 13/16" and 7/8" deep 3/4" drive sockets. 3) also use anti-seize or moly grease on studs and seat area around the hub. (coating threads of your wheel studs are a must do if wheels are exposed to weather/ mud/dirt/ salt) 4) torque your wheels to spec with a torque wrench everytime ! and re-check a few hours or 60 miles later if a road going vehicle.
and lastly don't use 6 foot cheater bars on ratchets, it gets expensive after a while lol

 

[Davenj4f]

harbor freight and craftsman have broken on me getting lug nuts loose. I am rough with them using a 6 ft pipe.

I do have a impact driver maybe that will work better.

Presuming you are using impact sockets...

 

[JsJs]

Used a breaker bar on a 2000 Durango wheel lug. Twisted the stud right off with nut still in tack. Impact wrench ever after with no problems.

 

[aircommuter]

If you torque something to a given torque it will usually take more to break it loose. Second thing is if you’re going to work on cars trucks or tractors you need to learn the ability of tools and their proper use. Ratchets are not a tool for a pipe cheater for example. Previously stated.

 

[EBGwd59]

harbor freight and craftsman have broken on me getting lug nuts loose. I am rough with them using a 6 ft pipe.

I do have an impact driver maybe that will work better.

Like I told my son, when he was 17, I’m not impressed that you can break it. Work smarter.

harbor freight and craftsman have broken on me getting lug nuts loose. I am rough with them using a 6 ft pipe.

I do have a impact driver maybe that will work better.

 

[Gord Baker]

harbor freight and craftsman have broken on me getting lug nuts loose. I am rough with them using a 6 ft pipe.

I do have a impact driver maybe that will work better.

You should know better than to use a 6' bar. Try an impact gun first, sometimes it takes a 3/4" drive gun. Put Never-Seize on the tapered end of lug nuts (NOT the threads).
The lug nut and wheel set up a galvanic cell being different materials.

 

[Bill601]

Try a breaker bar.

How is a breaker bar different from a pipe on the wrench?

 

[Chewwy]

How is a breaker bar different from a pipe on the wrench?

The OP was using a 1/2 ratchet. Pipe and wrench or pipe and anything is jury rigged.

One can break anything with a long enough pipe.

 

[5030]

The OP was using a 1/2 ratchet. Pipe and wrench or pipe and anything is jury rigged.

One can break anything with a long enough pipe.

Or bend the pipe.....