I have an electric impact wrench that I'd like to use for changing my winter/summer wheels but I've been reluctant to use it because I don't want to over-torque the lugs. Recently I discovered torque sticks and I'm thinking of buying a set but before I do I'd like to understand how they work. What I don't understand is how these things actually stop the impact wrench from turning the lug at a certain torque as they look solid to me. I don't expect that they'll get me to the exact torque but I'm thinking if I use a 90 or 100 ft/lb one I'll get close enough that I can finish them off with my hand torque wrench. Does anyone have experience with these who can share how they actually work?

 

Jay,
Yea they work, just have to make sure that your impact has the right air pressure/volume, etc to make sure they do what they are designed to do. I would still throw a torque wrench on the lugs after to make sure that your wheels are torqued accurately though. I always did.

 

Hey thanks Scot. My impact wrench is a fairly old electric Craftsman - an old hand me down from my Dad. It seems to be in very good shape though but I have no idea how good/bad it is. Anyhow, that's my plan - torque the lugs with this and the torque stick to 90 or 100 lbs and then do the rest with torque wrench. That said, how do these things actually work? Do they start twisting or something when you reach the torque level? I just don't understand, even if they do twist, how they stop at the proper torque. Do you just stop the impact wrench when you see it start to twist? Thanks again!

 

Yea they twist and start to create a particular vibration/sound. It feels similar to when you hit the torque setting on your drill if it has the torque adjustments on it. Too much torque and the torque sticks are actually made to break.

 

Interesting. I'll have to try it on someone else's car first then... (kidding)

 

Lol. That's why a lot of them of are coated in plastic. I've only seen one break so you should be fine! Torque away!