Questions and Answers

Proper Wheel Torque Q. I just purchased a Craftsman electric impact wrench (7.5 amp; ½" drive; 2,100 RPM) to mount and remove my snow tires each year. I'm worried that I may over torque the lug nuts with this tool. Is this something I should be concerned about? Daniel

A. It is very important to make sure your wheels are torqued correctly. Wheels that are over torqued will bend and rotors could be warped as well. The ideal method of correctly torquing wheels, and the method I use, is to use a torque wrench. This way there is no question in my mind that the wheels are torqued to the proper specifications.

The most common method used by tire stores are to use what are called "Torque sticks". These are special tools that are used with an impact gun to limit the torque to whatever torque the stick is rated at. In your case this would be impractical since a kit can contain several sticks that you'll never use.

In your situation I would recommend a Craftsman click type torque wrench. If you have no other use for the impact gun, or just want to use it to remove the wheels, you may be able to exchange it for a torque wrench.

Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA