I always use a torque wrench when putting on my lugs and in several other instances. My question is, is it ok to use a torque wrench in reverse to remove the lugs or is that in some way bad for the wrench or the lugs?

If it is bad for the torque wrench, please try to explain why and what a better substitute would be! Thanks!

 

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Why not use a regular ratchet or lug wrench to take them off. Better to be safe than sorry.

 

My torque wrench said to never use it as a breaker bar to loosen nuts.

I use a large ratchet.

 

Just that it takes a lot more force to use a lug wrench or ratchet. The torque wrench needs very little force. I can take off a lug or put it on with 2 fingers on the wrench!

Is it bad for the torque wrench to use it for this though?

 

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I'm sure that somebody knows something about a torque wrench around here...my questions still stand!

I hear all about a torque wrench being a precision device, but I don't even know what that means!

 

I use a torque wrench in both to titen and untiten things...I dont see why it would be bad or any different than using a normal wrench. I just get whatever I'm trying to loosen loose then i use my hands.

 

Yea, i agree with you. That's exactly what I do, but I hear so many people saying that its bad....i guess not!

 

bump for any additional info!

 

Anything subjected to use will wear out. Since the function of the torque wrench is to torque a fastener, using it to 'break loose' an assembly is just added wear to the wrench. Also the shock of the the fastener coming loose probably has a bad effect on the 'calibration' of the wrench. This will eventually lead to it not torquing properly in the future. I suggest using a breaker bar for future dis-assembly jobs.

 

Great, thanks for the help!