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I finally stopped using my old impact wrench for lug nuts after a close call
For years, I'd zip lug nuts on with my old high-torque impact, thinking it saved time. Last spring, I warped the rotors on a customer's F-150 because I over-torqued them. Now I use a torque stick set and finish with a calibrated wrench, aiming for the spec, usually around 100 ft-lbs. It adds maybe 90 seconds per wheel, but the peace of mind is worth it. Has anyone else made the switch to a more careful process, and what was your reason?
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james_singh71mo ago
Been there, done that. Torque wrench is the only way.
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elizabeth90014d ago
My buddy Dave found that out the hard way too. He was swapping winter tires on his wife's SUV and zipped those lug nuts on tight as could be with his impact. A month later she hears this grinding noise coming from the front wheel, turns out he cracked the rotor right through. Cost him nearly 400 bucks for parts and labor to get it fixed at a shop. He bought a torque wrench that same week.
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michaelf511mo ago
Notice this same shortcut mindset everywhere, like people skipping the torque wrench. We trade a tiny bit of time now for a much bigger problem later, and it rarely pays off. That extra minute is cheap insurance.
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