Ok, I need to vent!

This latest LWB developed a leak in the LR tire so I go to change it tonight. I was actually kind of bummed because I had to break into the 'pristine-as-mint-condition' spare tire and jack kit. Oh well.

Anyway, I *BROKE* the f-in stock lug wrench on the second lug nut. :mad3:

Got out my breaker bar (NAPA brand) and it broke on the last lug nut. :mad3: :mad3:

Got out ANOTHER factory lug wrench and it started twisting like a stick of licorice, so I switched to my 1/2 inch Craftsman ratchet.

I am jumping up and down on it and it's not budging. I get out my LARGE 1 1/2 box wrench and put it on the end of the ratchet and start bouncing again. Hoping that the ratchet holds the whole jerry-rigged wrench slips out from under me tossing the impact socket into the door of the car next to me (I don't *think* that dent was from me sir!).

Anyway, the lug nut did come free and I was able to change the tire, only after breaking two lug wrenches and nearly snapping a third.

I figure that the lug nuts are torqued on at about 200lbs. and I'm about ready to go knock some heads. Problem is I don't know who to complain to, so I'm just gonna BITCH about all idiots that work at tire stores and use the F-ING impact wrench like it's going out of style!!!!:mad3: :flipoff:

Ok, I feel better now.

Problem is, now I'm going to have to go and get all the nuts re-torqued if I ever want to get the other tires off, AND I'm going to have to replace my breaker bar. DAMN!

Here's a pic of the carnage.

Damn Mike


Have you been working out?


-Jeff

BTW did Timm give you and impact socket or two. I left three with him and said "one each, fight over the third".

I remember once I had to tear my way out of a wet paper bag. Could have used your help Mike!

<grin>

that sucks mike. but it is for exactly these reasons that i have an impact wrench at home that produces about 700ft lb of torque in reverse!

btw, im sure that those lug nuts were on a light tighter than that of you snapped tools on them. think more like 300 ft lbs.

oh yeah and they make quality brand tools for a REASON! :D napa sucks for tools. go buy yourself a good craftsman breaker bar and ratchet set before you hurt yourself when one breaks.

Two words.... Plasma Cutter!

Oh, and Good Times!

Mike, you sure you were turning them the right way? :flipoff2:

Think it might be time for new lug studs on that LWB?

Having had all ten of my rear lugs break only three days apart on my Blazer (the reason I bought a Rover...), I think I can vouch for the wisdom of replacing all of your lugs after finding this sort of condition. It is quite disconcerting to be driving home late at night and get out to find that the wheel you left home with is AWOL now.

Not only do I question the wisdom of using an impact to tighten lugs, I'm scared to death of the lugs that you're left with.

I now take MY torque wrench to the tire shop and if they refuse to use my (Snap-On) torque wrench (and socket that properly fits Rover lug nuts), I politely turn around and leave. I'm finding more and more tire shops that advertise hand-torqued lugs.

Paul

FWIW,

I lost my factory lug wrench in a similar manner, the problem is that I put the lugs on with a "tourque stix" of the correct ft/lb. So no one to blame but myself :eek: . I happen to think that those factory wrenches are quite soft. I carry a .5" breaker bar and impact socket.

Just try'n to empathize with ya...

I used the handle off the high lift as my persuader and snapped the factory tire iron 2 weeks ago and hit the ground hard. Luckily my buddy had a socket large enough and tough enough to get the lugs off and not break the studs. No going back to the factory tire iron for me , it's just another p.o.s. .

Also had to have the pan hard bolts burned off the next day after 3 guys at " Big Moes " Front End tried for 30 minutes with air tools and breaker bars to get them loose and failed miserably. I had already bloodied my knuckles and called it quits - letting them do the panhards was the best $30 I have spent in a long time.
Sitting here thinking about it.... I might let them do the radius arms next and have them drill 'em for me while I am there- when they ask why drill them ? I can talk them into using their forklift for some articulation before and after tests.