Dave Baker wrote:

>>Subject: Is Impact Wrench Proper Tool?
>>From: "Ron"
>>Date: 30/12/04 14:46 GMT Standard Time
>>Message-id: .com>
>>
>>I've recently ordered (delivery in late February) a freightliner
>>sportchassis medium duty truck (22.5X8.25 10-bolt wheels with Michelin
>>XRV 255/80R22.5 14-ply tires) to tow a trailer while I'm retired and
>>fulltiming in the RV. The truck has air brakes and air ride and
>>includes a quick disconnect fitting with hose for a tire inflation kit.
>>With this set-up I thought it might be a good idea to pruchase an air
>>impact wrench to periodically check/tighten the lug nuts on the truck
>>and trailer. However, after the research I've conducted (this is a
>>VERY confusing topic for a newbee) I'm not so sure this is as good an
>>idea as I thought. I do not anticipate using the impact wrench for any
>>other task. Other maintenance I do I can handle with my ratchet,
>>breaker bar, and/or cheater pipe.
>>
>>Is an impact wrench the tool I should be considering?
>
>
> No. It's probably the least suitable tool you'll ever need for that job.
>
>
>
>>If so, would an Ingersoll Rand 1/2" or 3/4" wrench (model #?)be
>>correct?
>>Or, is a good torque wrench a better choice?
>>Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
>
>
> A torque wrench would be the right tool if you're particularly pedantic about
> wheel nut torque settings but most people manage perfectly well doing them up
> by feel. In fact that isn't true. Most people manage perfectly well by never
> checking them in the first place. After all, when was the last time you saw a
> car sailing down the road on three wheels being overtaken by the fourth?

I wouldn't discourage him from regularly checking the torque though.
Most auto mfgrs. recommend one retorque of all auto wheels at some
interval after remounting them; I believe heavier trucks have regular
torque check intervals. This leads me to believe that proper torque is
more important on truck wheels than car wheels.

nate

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