Tightening Lug Nuts

[High Road Travelers]

I am considering buying a battery operated impact wrench to use in changing flat tires, if ever needed. I don't know anything about impact wrenches but they look like they have more torque than needed as some are rated around 600 lbs. However my lug nuts on the camper require a tightening of only 160 foot lbs.
Do I actually need a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts, or can an impact wrench be adjusted to produce a certain torque that is less than its capability?
I'm getting weak and can't get the lugs off with a standard 4 prong lug nut wrench like used on cars.
Thanks for any advice or education,

[wolfe10]

I would not trust an electric 600 lb-ft impact wrench to properly torque lug nuts to 160 lb-ft.


Better to buy a 3/4" breaker bar, short extension for rear wheels and the correct socket. No need for muscle-- just orient it so that you can just "step on it" to break them loose. If you need more "power", just slip a 3' section of cheap galvanized pipe over the bar.


And, then a 1/2" torque wrench to tighten. Again, orient the wrench such that you are pushing DOWN, not pulling up.

[Skip426]

Re-torque , after 50 miles ( particularly important on dual wheels ) .

[rosebud1218]

Some impact wrenches have selectable torque levels, but controlling the output torque is reportedly difficult. If possible, it may be better to use a torque wrench for specific torque specifications after using an impact wrench to loosen the lug nuts.

[Alpine36]

Buy the impact wrench and one of these. Just be sure to use a torque wrench to check the accuracy after tightening the lug nuts the very first time. (If it’s off return it for another)
After that it’s so easy to check the re-torque simply by hitting the trigger.
Only use these extensions for tightening. I have some that are well over 30 years old and they still work great.
They also make these with the correct size socket built in.
Money well spent. I have one for our RV rated at 475 ft lb. Let me tell ya, it makes life much simpler and saves your back.

https://www.amazon.com/AFF-Torque-Li...2002649&sr=8-6

[zrock2010]

If you do not know how to use a torque stick as shown above stay away from them as you can still overtorque and break studs. Most electric impacts have settings to limit the torque. You could use the impact to remove and snug the nuts back up but your still gong to have to use a proper torque wrench to set the proper torque no way around it if you want it done right. I use my electric impact for dropping the stabilizer legs and drilling my lag screws into the ground for my awning support.

[MFL]

Are you sure your FW lug nuts require 160 ft lbs of torque? Seems excessive on a trailer wheel.

I would be okay with using the impact to loosen, but not tighten. You should be able to retorque to spec, using a quality torque wrench. It is easier to retighten, than to break nuts loose, that haven't moved in a long time.

[hamm2018]

Here is some information on torque requirements:
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...65835-0001.pdf

I have an electric impact I got from Lowes to use to change tires beside the road if needed. I use it to break the lug nuts free and to snug, then I torque the lug nuts by hand.

[RickNC]

I have been using the Milwaukee M18 mid-torque wrench for the past 5 years now. Max torque is 450ftlb. This motorhome and previous both have wheel torques of 160ftlb. In use the wrench doesn’t automatically put out the 450ftlb when you pull the trigger. It builds up as you hold the trigger for longer periods of time.

If you haven’t been into any of the various brands of battery tool eco systems. You also can get leaf blowers, drills, work lights, air compressor etc which come in handy while on the road

[John.W]

Lots of good information here regarding getting lug nuts on and off but have you considered how you will get the wheel and tire off and back on the axle studs? I'm 75 and just recently completed a brake job on my Superduty Ford and I can say the 20 inch load range E tire was heavy and required most of my strength while crawling around on the ground.

[Alpine36]

Originally Posted by John.W

Lots of good information here regarding getting lug nuts on and off but have you considered how you will get the wheel and tire off and back on the axle studs? I'm 75 and just recently completed a brake job on my Superduty Ford and I can say the 20 inch load range E tire was heavy and required most of my strength while crawling around on the ground.

Jack the vehicle up until the tire is only about 1/2” off the ground.
(place suitable jack stands in the appropriate areas)
Slide a robust flat blade shovel under the tire and use it as a lever to lift up and slide the wheel/tire out at the same time. Reverse procedure to re install. A real back saver. They also make tire dollies in all sizes such as one of these. However I’ve found the shovel works better in my gravel driveway.

https://www.jbtools.com/esco-equipme...2dcb2a3f2ebb10

[Alpine36]

Originally Posted by zrock2010

If you do not know how to use a torque stick as shown above stay away from them as you can still overtorque and break studs. Most electric impacts have settings to limit the torque. You could use the impact to remove and snug the nuts back up but your still gong to have to use a proper torque wrench to set the proper torque no way around it if you want it done right. I use my electric impact for dropping the stabilizer legs and drilling my lag screws into the ground for my awning support.

Nonsense. I’ve been using torque sticks since they were first introduced. I was skeptical at first but they work 100% as advertised. 45 years experience in the fleet maintenance world including 20 years instructing apprentice heavy truck techs.
I’ve never seen a torque stick fail or twist off a stud, and believe me I’ve seen some “mechanics” screw up stuff about every way imaginable. (myself included) But yes, double check the torque by hand once to verify the torque stick accuracy. After that there’s no need to do so.

[High Road Travelers]

Originally Posted by MFL

Are you sure your FW lug nuts require 160 ft lbs of torque? Seems excessive on a trailer wheel.

I would be okay with using the impact to loosen, but not tighten. You should be able to retorque to spec, using a quality torque wrench. It is easier to retighten, than to break nuts loose, that haven't moved in a long time.

The specs say the stud size is 9/16th inches and the torque should be 140 t0 170 ft. lbs. The wheels are 17.5".
Thanks for your helpful advice,

[High Road Travelers]

Originally Posted by wolfe10

I would not trust an electric 600 lb-ft impact wrench to properly torque lug nuts to 160 lb-ft.


Better to buy a 3/4" breaker bar, short extension for rear wheels and the correct socket. No need for muscle-- just orient it so that you can just "step on it" to break them loose. If you need more "power", just slip a 3' section of cheap galvanized pipe over the bar.


And, then a 1/2" torque wrench to tighten. Again, orient the wrench such that you are pushing DOWN, not pulling up.

Sounds simple and good advice.
Thanks,