201 replies to this topic

[buckland]

That is a fine idea. I currently carry the T lug nut wrench so I can get some torque. The regular tire iron is useless without a 4 ft pipe to put on the end. I’d rather lose that T and add the torque wrench and socket. Thanks.

[JaSAn]

The high-lift jack handle makes an excellent 'cheater' bar.  I also carry an appropriately sized impact socket; I've broken regular sockets.

 

I also use anti-seize on the wheel studs.  Get a more consistent torque and lug nuts won't rust to the studs in the Minnesota road salt slush.

[trikebubble]

I carry a big ole' torque wrench in the truck all the time now and regularly check my wheels. I had a front wheel almost fall of on the highway last summer, and now i'm slightly paranoid. I must have neglected to tighten the lugs properly on one wheel and after hearing some terrible noises from my front end I pulled off the highway to find my front wheel extremely loose. One stud had snapped clean off, one other lug nut missing, and the remaining three were hand tight. The loose wheel also took my front brake caliper with it, which i had to have replaced. Since I seemed to have dodge that bullet, I went straight to Canadian Tire and bought a big 1/2" torque wrench which stays in the truck and I keep an eye on all the lug nuts now.

As far as a big breaker bar goes, the handle on my Hi-Lift makes the best one I've used as of yet.

 

I actually carry a "torque" wrench with the truck/camper.

I use it as a breaker bar.

Ever try to get the lugs loose after they have been tightened?

Also a deep socket helps.I don't rely on the truck jack or lug wrench.

Thanks for the story.

Frank

Edited by trikebubble, 08 February 2019 - 11:50 PM.

[ntsqd]

Torque wrenches really aren't meant to be used as a breaker bar. If you're using a beam style you probably aren't hurting anything, but a clicker will soon go out of calibration and be unreliable as a torque wrench.

A fact that I saw well demonstrated in High School Auto Shop is that you can't accurately or consistently torque fasteners without some sort of guide, be it a torque wrench or something. When I need to torque lug nuts in the field I tuck a pinky finger under the others and the handle. Maybe I can't torque them consistently w/o a guide, but I can repeat fairly exactly just how much pain from squishing that little finger. I think that's enough of a guide.

 

I carry a 24" 1/2" drive Craftsman breaker bar, a deep socket, and the extension needed to get the bar in the right place. The trick that I taught my ~100 lbs. wife for breaking loose lug nuts is to get the bar as horizontal as you can, and then STAND on the handle. Right there she's generating 150-200 ft-lbs of torque depending on the length of the lug wrench. If that doesn't break it loose give it a bounce or two. The bouncing can easily triple that torque.

 

I don't have salt on the roads to consider and I use anti-seize on the lug studs.

[pvstoy]

Apply that tourqe then smack it with a 4 pound hand jack. Now you've simulated a impact hammer.

[Sledawg]

Done some stupid things with my Fleet. Yet another one. Month ago had a great trip up CA 395 (Horton Creek / Coyote Flats / Mazourka Peak). As usual when I get home I clean and prep the truck and camper for the next trip. I missed one small detail. I use bubble wrap in the egg shelf of the fridge. One egg was left behind and I haven’t been back in the camper for a month. Warm weather, enclosed space and 30 days result in an wonderful aroma. I’m still airing the camper out after finding it a day ago.

Edited by Sledawg, 01 September 2019 - 09:08 PM.

[ski3pin]

Oh my goodness, hard to miss wasn't it? Best of luck with the airing out.

 

 

Done something stupid things with my Fleet. Yet another one. Month ago had a great trip up CA 395 (Horton Creek / Coyote Flats / Mazourka Peak). As usual when I get home I clean and prep the truck and camper for the next trip. I missed one small detail. I use bubble wrap in the egg shelf of the fridge. One egg was left behind and I haven’t been back in the camper for a month. Warm weather, enclosed space and 30 days result in an wonderful aroma. I’m still airing the camper out after finding it a day ago.

[pvstoy]

There goes the new camper smell...

[2trout]

"Done something really stupid?"

 

Do you mean today?

[ski3pin]

Done something really stupid......................................

 

Brace yourselves, this will not be a pretty one. I'll make it quick and to the point. I started this thread years ago with the story about leaving something on top a tire, forgetting about it, and then running it over. I still have not learned this lesson. Starting out on a hike from the truck recently, the morning call to duty had me hurriedly grabbing a WAG bag. You can put together the rest of the story.