Torque multiplying wrenches

[oltrunt]

I'd like to have a torque multiplier wrench so I could change my own tires (350 ft lb range).  I'm finding prices from $35 to$5000!?!  What am I looking at? Any experience would be appreciated.  Thanks, Jack

[DoubleEagle]

The search phrase you should use should be something like "Torque Multiplier Lug Wrench Tool". On eBay, there will be many, and most of them are made in China. I bought one a few years ago on eBay from someone (I can't find the listing in my history) who claimed that he sold a lot of them, and was able to specify changes in the design from the source. Anyway, it works, and it can get off super tight nuts that are torqued over 500 lbs. Look for a seller that provides a money back guarantee, or a warranty. Some do not state anything, some are 30 days to two years. I think I paid around $80, and I have not broken it yet, but I am trying. 

[sixtyseven]

Hey Jack,  The choices are overwhelming !  To figure out ratio you want, take the torque you want to apply and divide by a comfortable # to run your torque wrench at.    e.g.  350 / 116 = 3.02   Then get a ratio of 3 aka 3:1 aka 3x. If you get one that's a lot higher like 8x you will waste a lot of time ratcheting.   I have a 4x ratio and it can torque mine 500# easily.   Also make sure you have a good accurate torque wrench to run it with or you may as well just use a big ratchet and a cheater.   

[luvrbus]

My multiplier is a 13:1 Proto it is different than the ones made for wheels lol I never used it much till I started getting older,it cost me $ 600.00 about 40 years ago and now the $50.00 multipliers have a better ratio   

[chessie4905]

With high power battery impact wrenches now available, is there any point of messing with one of these any more?

[Ed Hackenbruch]

Well, with my 12x1 i am able to torque each wheel to within 2 lbs of each other.

[luvrbus]

I wonder what the wheels torque at on that little guy it looks like a 1 ton chassis, probably less than 200 lbs a multiplier maybe a waste   

[lostagain]

I had a multiplier that broke trying to remove the nuts off my Pete. They had been there a long time, and I suspect overtorqued by the last guy. I never replaced it, because, like mentioned above, a good battery impact nowadays works really well. Also a good air gun does too. I have a AirCat 1150 that removes the nuts off the bus (450 lb/ft) really easy. Oh, and brute force and ignorance with a long bar works too...

JC

[luvrbus]

Any one looking for the battery impact Tractor Supply has the Dewalt on sale for $169.00 Friday the battery and charger are included

[Geoff]

I've had a 4x1 torque multiplier for 25 years.  USA ""The X-4 Corp." Model LW-750.  Around $100 back then.

I just looked on Amazon, $268+

[oltrunt]

I probably should go with a multiplier---jumping up and down on a 6 ft extension  (drive shaft) on my 3/4" breaker bar didn't budge the 41 mm lug nuts.  Isuzu recommends 330
ft lb on the lug nuts which have a huge surface contact area which may explain why they are so hard to remove.  Am I thinking right that a 4:1 ratio multiplier coupled with my torque wrench set at 100 ft lb and reduced 15% for mechanical loss should about do the trick?  Jack 

[DoubleEagle]

I would allow something for the rust factor, it can make a tremendous difference (at least out East).

[lvmci]

Hi Jack, just got this for emergencies, tom...

[kyle4501]

Ebay #382405314353 looks similar the one I bought - mine is yellow & is a 78:1 ratio.

Mine is an incredibly tough unit. I have used it to remove rusted on lug nuts that were so tight I thought I was going to flip the bus over.
I have also used it with a regular cordless drill to back off nuts that were badly rusted on.

Same setup to pull new studs in without causing any damage to the nut or stud or the ball thrust bearing.

Considering the abuse I have put mine thru & the low cost, I wouldn't worry about the warranty. 

However, If you use an impact driver on it, I'm sure it will die an early death!


BTW, I use a 600# capacity torque wrench set on 425 ish to put the nuts on (450 ish for the inner).

[ol713]

Hi Jack, just got this for emergencies, tom...

   That looks like the one I got off of Ebay. Priced right when needed.  I like to use a long
   bar and socket.  If I put the nuts on, I know I can get them off..
                                                         Merle.