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

[sandman2234]

Torque multiplier is the way to go if you have lug nuts that are being a pain. Yes, a good battery powered impact wrench or a good air driven one (if you have enough air volume) will usually do the trick, but when that fails, a Torque Multiplier will spin off just about any tight lugnut within the limits of the socket that you are using. Most Torque Multipliers are 3/4 drive sockets, at least the ones I have seen.
David from jax

 

[jyoutz]

I still use the old style cross handle lug wrench. Always works and you can stand on them to break lugs free.

https://www.amazon.com/BIG-RED-T39232-Professional-Universal/dp/B099NYD32R/ref=asc_df_B099NYD32R?mcid=c0e4b2c939ab3d319b2625dc7f4ddb45&hvocijid=7516983405819531654-B099NYD32R-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7516983405819531654&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030404&hvtargid=pla-2281435177658&psc=1

 

[sandman2234]

Here is one of my Torque Multipliers removing a lug on my M7040 with almost no effort.
David from jax

 

[FullMetalBucket]

I remember my old cutlass needed a tire change one time. First lugnut snapped right off, went to the second one, it snapped off as well. I started to do #3 and then thought what am I nuts? Drove home on the flat. Ended up having to buy 3 new lugs. Another one snapped off, but at least it was at home. Not sure who the heck torqued those lug nuts prior to me trying to get them off, but never had that happen again on any vehicle. Crazy.

 

[WranglerX]

Now comes the question, has anybody used a torque wrench?....

 

[ning]

Now comes the question, has anybody used a torque wrench?....

Of course.

The next question though is, has anybody calibrated their torque wrench?

 

[WinterDeere]

Now comes the question, has anybody used a torque wrench?....

Yes. Every time. I spin the nuts in with a 1/4" electric impact driver, which probably only gets them to 60 ft-lb., then set the vehicle on the ground to final torque with a torque wrench.

The next question though is, has anybody calibrated their torque wrench?

I have, but don't bother regularly. I came up with my own way of verifying torque using a pull scale and measuring length between drive center and where pull scale attaches to handle, with drive pin held in a vice and wrench horizontal (to eliminate handle weight error).

Simple math: set your torque wrench to middle of range, say 150 ft-lb. Now put pull gauge on handle 18" from drive pin and pull. If pull gauge records 100 lb. max when it clicks over, that's 150 ft-lb., and no need to recalibrate.

Pull gauge itself can be re-calibrated or checked using fixed weights.

 

[Williy]

I have busted a huskey ratchet without using an extension so
now I spray them and just use a breaker bar and socket and
pound on it with a rubber mallet keeping pressure on the bar

willy

 

[CliffordK]

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.

Keep in mind, if you're working on your Ford Courier, then half the lug nuts are lefties. Probably a few other Fords from the early to mid 70's. If you work hard enough you'll break them off.

If I ever have a nut that needs either breaking loose, or breaking off, I just grab the Armstrong. It hasn't failed me yet.

As far as Harbor Freight tools. They have a unique ratcheting breaker bar. So far I've been impressed with it. It seems to work reasonably well. It has bigger ratchet steps than most ratchets, so I assume larger pawls. Anyway, it is worth a try. Still, if you abuse it with a cheater, you may be able to damage it.

1/2 in. Drive 18 in. Ratcheting Breaker Bar

Amazing deals on this 1/2In Dr 18In Ratcheting Breaker Bar at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[LHF2019]

Now comes the question, has anybody used a torque wrench?....

Every time I rotate tires or have them off for any reason. Hand start lug nuts, run them up with impact, tap them a couple times, then finish with torque wrench