Cordless torque wrench for rotating tires

typehxr1 · 07-05-2008, 03:17 AM

I bought a Hitachi WR18DL 18v lithium battery cordless torque wrench to aid in rotating my tires more quickly. I selected the correct size ratchet attachment, attached it to the Hitachi, set it to turn to the left, pulled the trigger and here this loud clacking noise. I thought the attachment was too big but it was the right size. Second, I verified that I was loosening and not tightening, and I was. Third, I held the attachment w/one hand while squeezing the trigger w/the other hand. I was shocked to find that it wasn't stripping, it just wasn't turning the lug nut. IT DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH JUICE!

Do any of you use something similar as opposed to a fully manual system for loosening your lug nuts? I just can't believe this thing is underpowered. If you have one that does the trick for you, what brand is it? I'm not interested in purchasing a corded one or an air compressor tool.

Lastly, how the hell did you guys get the tire jack and tools out from under the rear passenger seat? After my tool didn't work, I went searching for the stock tools and couldn't get them out. I couldn't find a bolt or anything. Granted, it was at night, but I did have a flashlight.

typehxr1 · 07-05-2008, 03:27 AM

By the way, the tool spec is 1950 in/lbs of torque. I can't recall if the Titan manual calls for 98 in/lbs or 98 ft/lbs to tighten lug nuts. Either way, it should be able to do the job

I may have to return it.

Quartz · 07-05-2008, 03:41 AM

1950 in Lbs is 162.5 ft Lbs. That should be enough.

typehxr1 · 07-05-2008, 03:44 AM

That's what my math led me to as well, so it should be more than enough. If you rotate your own, what do you use? Is a breaker bar one of those cross-shaped tools w/4 different sized ends?

**redneckpapa1996** · 07-05-2008, 03:47 AM

I have the heavy-duty dewalt 18V impact wrench that has 300 ft.lbs. and it will not break the lugs loose but will tighten the hell outta them..

I was pissed when i tried the first time...
I just break them loose a little and then SHAZAM !!!!!

Something about the initial breaking loose of the lugs that are too much for the non-pneumatic tools....

Yes it does SUCK !!!!

**redneckpapa1996** · 07-05-2008, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by typehxr1

That's what my math led me to as well, so it should be more than enough. If you rotate your own, what do you use? Is a breaker bar one of those cross-shaped tools w/4 different sized ends?

That is a 4-way lug wrench.....It will work also..

**Blackbeauty** · 07-05-2008, 03:49 AM

Nope. That's called a "lug wrench". I just use a long breaker bar (no ratcheting) with a socket on it. They come off pretty easily at only 98 FT.-LB.

To reinstall, I just use a ratchet and then switch to a torque wrench for final Titaning.

Are you sure the tool was fully charged? If not, could be why it can't budge them.

**redneckpapa1996** · 07-05-2008, 03:53 AM

My wrench was brand new with a freshly charged battery and would not break the lugs loose......Rated at 300ft.lbs.
Something about the initial breaking loose that is too much..

BB is an engineer and can explain it.......lol

typehxr1 · 07-05-2008, 03:54 AM

As far as I can tell, the battery was fully charged. I will plug it in when I go to sleep (work nights) and try again when I awake this afternoon.

As far as the guy w/the DeWalt, I can see myself maybe using it to unscrew/screw the lug nuts back on once I loosen them/before I manually tighten, but I don't know if I can justify $250 to save me 10-20 minutes per tire rotation every 7.5k miles. Dunno???

I can't picture what a breaker bar looks like. Will google image it and see what comes up.

**Blackbeauty** · 07-05-2008, 04:00 AM

Here:

It's nothing more than a long-handled socket wrench with no ratcheting ability. It just holds the socket and you get one turn, no ratcheting back and forth. It just swings around with the nut!

**redneckpapa1996** · 07-05-2008, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by typehxr1

As far as I can tell, the battery was fully charged. I will plug it in when I go to sleep (work nights) and try again when I awake this afternoon.

As far as the guy w/the DeWalt, I can see myself maybe using it to unscrew/screw the lug nuts back on once I loosen them/before I manually tighten, but I don't know if I can justify $250 to save me 10-20 minutes per tire rotation every 7.5k miles. Dunno???

I can't picture what a breaker bar looks like. Will google image it and see what comes up.

Mine only cost me 200.00 with charger and two batteries....
Got a connection in the construction business...

**redneckpapa1996** · 07-05-2008, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by typehxr1

As far as I can tell, the battery was fully charged. I will plug it in when I go to sleep (work nights) and try again when I awake this afternoon.

As far as the guy w/the DeWalt, I can see myself maybe using it to unscrew/screw the lug nuts back on once I loosen them/before I manually tighten, but I don't know if I can justify $250 to save me 10-20 minutes per tire rotation every 7.5k miles. Dunno???

I can't picture what a breaker bar looks like. Will google image it and see what comes up.

I also use mine to run lag screws through the outer bands into the 4x4/6x6 posts when building decks....Codes requirements...

typehxr1 · 07-05-2008, 04:06 AM

Thanks for the pic. Saw it in Google images. I think I'll go get one and a torque wrench (or take one from work

) and roll that way. I don't think I can justify the Hitachi. Thanks for the speedy responses at 5:45am central time. It's amazing how people are always on the computer

I often times think it would now be harder to live w/out the internet than it would cable/tv's. I feel the same about my wallet. Since I don't carry cash, I can replace my license, credit cards, etc, etc. My cell phone??....I lose that thing, I'm totally disconnected from the world. You know no one remembers phone numbers anymore. Just speed dials and how someone's name is saved in their phone.

**Blackbeauty** · 07-05-2008, 04:12 AM

Sadly... that's all true...

Quartz · 07-05-2008, 04:24 AM

I have pneumatic wrench but I keep a breaker bar in the Titan and another in my wife's Accord. Mine are cheap ones I bought at Harbor Freight http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=30395. I have made sure my wife can change her own tire with it. Although she will always call me if she has a flat, she travels and I might not be able to get to her in less than a few hours. I don't want her to be at the mercy of somebody that stops when she is stuck on the side of the road.