TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Sep 07, 2006 8:46 am

Just got my new Harbor Freight add (doen't want to start a discussion on quality tools, etc.), but they have a Torque multiplier tool, that multiplies torque 33:1, they are advertising it as a Lugnut remover, so pretty sure it's a 1/2 inch drive, but can't help but think it would work on our axel nuts and so on on our VW's. Has anyone ever used one of these, it's on sale for $16.99. I'd go get one but my nearest Harbor Freight is 200 miles away. May just ask my daughter to pick one up. But thought some feedback might be good first. Thanks.

Thu Sep 07, 2006 10:27 am

Lugnuts are generally torqued from 70-120ftlbs depending upon the wheel and the application. The rear axle nuts get 217ftlbs.

I called HFT and they are 1/2" drive sockets but no max limit is stated for the tool. In the instructions it says it is for breaking stubborn lug nuts free. It has its own handle permanently attached for the ratcheting so you cannot use it for torquing the lug nuts, it is only a multiplier to "easily" remove them. Looking at the design, I think you would have a hard time keeping it in place if you tried to use it on an axle nut anyway so I would say don't get it if that is your intended use.

The 'Torque Dude' is available at cip and is designed for our VW cars. I have used mine for both flywheel and axle nuts and it works great and is easy to use. A little custom grinding on the bracket and it now fits my 5 lug Porsche pattern studs too.

Thu Sep 07, 2006 12:22 pm

Bugorsh wrote:
The 'Torque Dude' is available at cip and is designed for our VW cars. I have used mine for both flywheel and axle nuts and it works great and is easy to use. A little custom grinding on the bracket and it now fits my 5 lug Porsche pattern studs too.

That is one of my favorite tools....it really pays for itself after the first few uses.

Thu Sep 07, 2006 12:38 pm

VWLarry, I think you're talking about this one from Harbor Freight:

I bought one and it worked well on two of my minivan's four wheels, but when I got to the other two (I was rotating my tires) it started to gum up and then just wouldn't turn any more. I didn't buy it from Harbor Freight but it's been available from a lot of places and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone based on my experience. Especially as I paid quite a bit more than $16.99 for it so my guess is the catalog places are dumping them now.

This is the tool you want to get:

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC%2DC10%2D7036

This one works incredibly well on gland nuts and others say it also works great on axle nuts.

Thu Sep 07, 2006 1:15 pm

Thanks for all the input, guess I just saved $17.00. Thanks