Date:         Thu, 2 Apr 1998 05:30:51 -0800
Reply-To:     "CARVER, JEFFREY D" <Jeffrey.Carver@AEROJET.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "CARVER, JEFFREY D" <Jeffrey.Carver@AEROJET.COM>
Subject:      Re: Lug Nut Torque
Comments: To: Vanagon <VANAGON@VANAGON.COM>

I, too, have abandoned the standard wrench in favor
of a long drive handle, a short extension, and a socket.

The drip rails provide a nice hand hold to balance while
using gravity to move the nuts/bolts.  The extension
brings the center of rotation/torque out beyond the tire
width, and provides a location for the other foot for
balance.

After going through a BAD muscle in the back problem,
I have found this to be a way to still work on the bus
while in a recovering mode, and thus discovering new
ways to do things to prevent additional back problems.

After many years of using these tools, my socket broke.
I have since replaced it with a socket made for air
wrenches as it is MUCH thicker and sturdier and
very close in price to the standard one.  I also bought
a spare standard one also.

I listened for over an hour as someone was chiseling
off his lug nuts, as his (this was non VW, but applicable)
standard bent wrench failed.  His supply of chisels
was running low too.  By the time I was able to get
to him to assist, he was on his last 1/4 of his last
chisel.  Between vise-grips and channel locks, we
got the last nut off, and he was able to get the wheel
off to walk it to a shop where he got more nuts too.
I now carry a spare socket and handle, and use
anti-seize too.

- Jeff   Iwanna21/23windowsunroofDeluxewalkthru!
to be used for daily driving
'80 Westi  (2)   BOTH FOR SALE
'66 Bus, Kombi FOR SALE
'22 Piano, upright Kohler & Cambell FOR SALE
'67 Sqbk    '64 Ford Crewcab
'87 Subaru 4WD   '97 Nissan Quest
Grass Valley, California, USA
Jeffrey.Carver@Aerojet.com
- - - - - - - - -snip - - - - - - - -
After a bad experience with air tightened lug-nuts I abandoned the
standard bent-pipe lug wrench that came with the vehicle. Now I use use a
3/4" drive pull handle with a tight fitting socket. That set-up will handle
the force of the 4 ft lever.