Home  |  Forums  |  914 Info  |  Blogs
 
914World.com - The fastest growing online 914 community!
 
Porsche, and the Porsche crest are registered trademarks of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. This site is not affiliated with Porsche in any way.
Its only purpose is to provide an online forum for car enthusiasts. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
 

Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

> Breaker bar or an inexpensive 12v Impact Wrench?, Answer surprised me....
sfrenck
post Aug 20 2012, 07:27 PM
Post #1


Member
**

Group: Members
Posts: 492
Joined: 28-February 10
From: Wilmington, DE
Member No.: 11,411
Region Association: MidAtlantic Region
Well, couldn't break siz lug nuts bolts on my front driver tires. I had a lug wrench set up, and, using a 42" demolition bar from HomeDepot, was able to put all 170 lbs of my weight into them (estimated 170lbs x 30" lever / 12 in / ft = 425 ft-lbs).

I couldn't believe that I actually spun the blocked front tire instead breaking the lug nuts bolts free. Tried heat, PBlaster, hitting the tire iron with a BFH, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ar15.gif) ... nothing.

Then I saw this online....
Attached Image
A Kawasaki 12v Impact Wrench from Pepboys. That's right - it runs off the cigarette lighter. No way did I think this would work - but for $50 and no way to get my non-running car out of the garage to a mechanic with air tools I figured I'd give it a try. Heck, it's rated for 280 ft-lbs of torque (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

Much to my surprise, after about 10 seconds per rusted lug nut bolt, and very little effort on my part (holding the gun and pressing the trigger), the lug nuts bolts loosened and came right off!

Initial plan was to spin the nuts bolts off and quickly return the product for a refund, but now I'm keeping it in the family minivan for emergency tire changes. Figured I'd give a great product a plug and try to keep some fellow members from falling off their 3' long breaker bars as they jump up and down.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
2 Pages V  1 2 >  
 Reply to this topicStart new topic
Replies(1 - 19)
McMark
post Aug 20 2012, 07:36 PM
Post #2


914 Freak!
***************

Group: Retired Admin
Posts: 20,179
Joined: 13-March 03
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Member No.: 419
Region Association: None
I've found that slow, steady increase of torque is WAY less effective than bursts of torque. When I'm loosening tough fasteners by hand I often do this. For example, old brake lines often want to round off when they're stuck and you try slowly increasing the pressure. But I have great success with breaking these nuts loose by pushing hard repeatedly, on-off-repeat.

But success with a 12v cigarette lighter tool is really interesting. Might have to add one of those to my collection. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
maf914
post Aug 23 2012, 11:40 AM
Post #3


Not a Guru!
****

Group: Members
Posts: 3,049
Joined: 30-April 03
From: Central Florida
Member No.: 632
Region Association: None
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/hijacked.gif)

Interesting thread concerning the 12 volt impact drill. I have been looking at 120 volt versions at Lowe's and Home Depot, wondering if they are worth the investment. I don't have a big compressor in my garage, so air tools are out. I get irritated when rechargable batteries die, so I didn't want to go rechargable.

Does anyone have experience with 120 volt impact drills? Are they worthy? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Thanks. Sorry for the hijack.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
balljoint
post Aug 23 2012, 12:25 PM
Post #4


914 Wizard
**********

Group: Members
Posts: 10,000
Joined: 6-April 04
Member No.: 1,897
Region Association: None
I have two electric impact wrenches, a little one and a big one. They have come in handy many times.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
patssle
post Aug 23 2012, 12:39 PM
Post #5


Senior Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 981
Joined: 28-August 09
From: Houston, TX
Member No.: 10,741
Region Association: None
I had to pull off the rear axles a month ago...that axle nut. A breaker bar with 225 lbs at the end didn't do it. Soaked in PBlaseter didn't do it. Bought a 500+ ft-lbs air impact wrench - that didn't do it either.

But it must of loosened it up because a 225 lbs human jumping up and down on the breaker bar finally did it. We were literally ready to quit when it came loose. The breaker bar bent before that nut came off.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
mepstein
post Aug 23 2012, 12:43 PM
Post #6


914-6 GT in waiting
***************

Group: Members
Posts: 19,578
Joined: 19-September 09
From: Landenberg, PA/Wilmington, DE
Member No.: 10,825
Region Association: MidAtlantic Region
I had stopped by after you tried the breaker bar and loosened up the nuts. Actually it was my daughter that broke them free. Didn't want to hurt your feelings.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
MartyYeoman
post Aug 23 2012, 12:50 PM
Post #7


Senior Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 1,526
Joined: 19-June 03
From: San Ramon, CA
Member No.: 839
Region Association: Northern California
I've got a 3/4" breaker bar stuck into a 48" long piece of black iron pipe.
It puts the load out at about 60" from the socket.
Never had a problem breaking anything loose, not even axial bolts (bus, bug or 914). Just need to stand on it and bounce. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
balljoint
post Aug 23 2012, 12:54 PM
Post #8


914 Wizard
**********

Group: Members
Posts: 10,000
Joined: 6-April 04
Member No.: 1,897
Region Association: None
QUOTE(mepstein @ Aug 23 2012, 02:43 PM) *

I had stopped by after you tried the breaker bar and loosened up the nuts. Actually it was my daughter that broke them free. Didn't want to hurt your feelings.


(IMG:style_emoticons/default/pinch.gif)


(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
zymurgist
post Aug 23 2012, 12:55 PM
Post #9


"Ace" Mechanic
*****

Group: Members
Posts: 7,411
Joined: 9-June 05
From: Hagerstown, MD
Member No.: 4,238
Region Association: None
Cool tip. And it's Ninja Green too! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ninja.gif)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
ThePaintedMan
post Aug 23 2012, 01:03 PM
Post #10


Advanced Member
****

Group: Members
Posts: 3,886
Joined: 6-September 11
From: St. Petersburg, FL
Member No.: 13,527
Region Association: South East States
QUOTE(McMark @ Aug 20 2012, 09:36 PM) *

I've found that slow, steady increase of torque is WAY less effective than bursts of torque. When I'm loosening tough fasteners by hand I often do this. For example, old brake lines often want to round off when they're stuck and you try slowly increasing the pressure. But I have great success with breaking these nuts loose by pushing hard repeatedly, on-off-repeat.

But success with a 12v cigarette lighter tool is really interesting. Might have to add one of those to my collection. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)



Force = mass x acceleration (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Acceleration can really make a difference sometimes.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Eric_Shea
post Aug 23 2012, 02:09 PM
Post #11


PMB Performance
***************

Group: Admin
Posts: 19,289
Joined: 3-September 03
From: Salt Lake City, UT
Member No.: 1,110
Region Association: Rocky Mountains
QUOTE
Force = mass x acceleration
2 (squared)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
r_towle
post Aug 23 2012, 02:13 PM
Post #12


Custom Member
***************

Group: Members
Posts: 24,638
Joined: 9-January 03
From: Taxachusetts
Member No.: 124
Region Association: North East States
QUOTE(Marty Yeoman @ Aug 23 2012, 02:50 PM) *

I've got a 3/4" breaker bar stuck into a 48" long piece of black iron pipe.
It puts the load out at about 60" from the socket.
Never had a problem breaking anything loose, not even axial bolts (bus, bug or 914). Just need to stand on it and bounce. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I have broken both a 1/2 inch and a 3/4 inch breaker bar doing the rear nuts with a pipe while bouncing.
Twisted the end off both tools (craftsman thank you for the replacement)

Never had any issues using an impact gun, I have quite a few.
12VDC impact...that is now on my list...
Battery operated ones do tires really fast.

rich
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Valy
post Aug 23 2012, 02:16 PM
Post #13


Senior Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 1,677
Joined: 6-April 10
From: Sunnyvale, CA
Member No.: 11,573
Region Association: Northern California
QUOTE(Eric_Shea @ Aug 23 2012, 01:09 PM) *

QUOTE
Force = mass x acceleration
2 (squared)

Eric,
Seems you've been picking in Jake's notes on how to calculate engine power. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Brodie
post Aug 23 2012, 03:43 PM
Post #14


Newbie
*

Group: Members
Posts: 39
Joined: 28-October 09
From: Kansas
Member No.: 10,990
Region Association: None
The unfortunate part about removing stuck lug nuts with an impact is quite often you will twist the studs off. I wish I had a better solution for you, but you'll have to do what you have to do to get them off. Try reversing and than going forward in really short bursts using a medium torque setting. If you break them off than you'll have to put in a couple of new studs. If you don't want to buy an impact yourself ask a local repair shop to do it for you. If it was my shop I'd buzz them off for free.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Mike Bellis
post Aug 23 2012, 04:04 PM
Post #15


Resident Electrician
*****

Group: Members
Posts: 8,346
Joined: 22-June 09
From: Midlothian TX
Member No.: 10,496
Region Association: None
Electric motors start turning at max torque. I have both air and electric guns. My electric gun is way better at loosening bolts, my air gun is better at tightening bolts.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
stugray
post Aug 23 2012, 06:08 PM
Post #16


Advanced Member
****

Group: Members
Posts: 3,825
Joined: 17-September 09
From: Longmont, CO
Member No.: 10,819
Region Association: None
"Does anyone have experience with 120 volt impact drills? Are they worthy? idea.gif"

I have had a 120V impact wrench for at least 20 years and have beat the crap out of it (commercial use, not just hobby).
It will still break off pretty much any bolt you throw at it.

I dont recall the brand but I will check.

Stu
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
okieflyr
post Aug 23 2012, 06:18 PM
Post #17


9fauxteen
***

Group: Members
Posts: 816
Joined: 9-January 05
From: Phila PA
Member No.: 3,426
Region Association: North East States
Scott,

If you get in a jam again give me a hollar. I've got tools and stuff down the street from ya.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Elliot Cannon
post Aug 23 2012, 09:49 PM
Post #18


914 Guru
*****

Group: Retired Members
Posts: 8,487
Joined: 29-December 06
From: Paso Robles Ca. (Central coast)
Member No.: 7,407
Region Association: None
The key for me has always been "impact". As in "impact wrench". If you use a breaker bar with a cheater pipe, put a bunch of weight on the cheater pipe and then put some "IMPACT" (BFH) right where the pipe slides onto the breaker bar.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
76-914
post Aug 24 2012, 08:55 AM
Post #19


Repeat Offender & Resident Subaru Antagonist
**********

Group: Members
Posts: 13,621
Joined: 23-January 09
From: Temecula, CA
Member No.: 9,964
Region Association: Southern California
QUOTE(ThePaintedMan @ Aug 23 2012, 12:03 PM) *

QUOTE(McMark @ Aug 20 2012, 09:36 PM) *

I've found that slow, steady increase of torque is WAY less effective than bursts of torque. When I'm loosening tough fasteners by hand I often do this. For example, old brake lines often want to round off when they're stuck and you try slowly increasing the pressure. But I have great success with breaking these nuts loose by pushing hard repeatedly, on-off-repeat.

But success with a 12v cigarette lighter tool is really interesting. Might have to add one of those to my collection. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)



Force = mass x acceleration (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Acceleration can really make a difference sometimes.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

QUOTE(Elliot Cannon @ Aug 23 2012, 08:49 PM) *

The key for me has always been "impact". As in "impact wrench". If you use a breaker bar with a cheater pipe, put a bunch of weight on the cheater pipe and then put some "IMPACT" (BFH) right where the pipe slides onto the breaker bar.

This might be the first time that I agree with (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif) Elyut but, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Also, this method is less destructive.
User is online!Profile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Lennies914
post Aug 24 2012, 08:48 PM
Post #20


Slacker
***

Group: Members
Posts: 828
Joined: 9-January 10
From: NorCal
Member No.: 11,216
Region Association: Northern California
Attached Image

I use one of these every day. Love it!

I also have a 120v. one, for when the cordless isn't enough.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
« Next Oldest · 914World Garage · Next Newest »
 

2 Pages V  1 2 >
Reply to this topicStart new topic
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:

 

Display Mode: Switch to: Standard · Linear+ · Switch to: Outline

Track this topic · Email this topic · Print this topic · Subscribe to this forum

- Lo-Fi Version Time is now: 31st October 2024 - 08:19 PM
Invision Power Board v9.1.4 © 2024  IPS, Inc.
All rights reserved 914World.com © since 2002
914World.com is the fastest growing online 914 community!
We have it all, classifieds, events, forums, vendors, parts, autocross, racing, technical articles, events calendar, newsletter, restoration, gallery, archives, history and more for your Porsche 914 ...