[William Hartford]

The torque limiting extensions work by limiting the amount of torque the impact will put on a lug nut. The extension goes on like any other extension.

Let’s say, for example, that you’re rotating tires on a vehicle and the specs say that the lug nuts should be tightened down to 100 ft/lbs. If your impact has 300 ft/lbs of torque output when tightening, and you use it as is to tighten a lug nut, chances are you will over tighten the lug nut, which could damage the lug nut or possibly snap the stud. But if you use the 100 ft/lb extension with the impact, you could hammer away at that lug nut all day and it’ll never tighten past 100 ft/lbs.

So they effectively eliminate the possibility of over-tightening lug nuts.

I like this torque wrench for lug nuts
TEKTON 24340 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench (25-250 ft.-lb./33.9-338.9 Nm) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C5ZL1NS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_B.RxAbAT4ZNWX

And this one for torquing drain plugs to spec.

TEKTON 24330 3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench (10-80 ft.-lb./13.6-108.5 Nm) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FMPKAD0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kdSxAb8VK8AEB

Though some of the seasoned veterans of the trade might argue a necessity of torquing drain plugs to spec, I believe it’s an excellent way to cover your behind. It helps eliminate the possibility of stripping and oil pan because you over tightened the plug. Especially if you are new to the trade. I’ve been at this a couple years now, and I still use my torque wrench on drain plugs each and every time.

Always glad to help!

[William Hartford]

Also on amazon:
TEKTON 1/2-Inch Drive Deep Impact Socket Set, Metric, Cr-V, 6-Point, 10 mm – 24 mm, 15-Sockets | 4883 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009447UOC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_c7QxAbW24X68G

It probably goes without saying, but always use impact sockets with an impact wrench. And this set is a good, complete half inch set for pretty cheap.

And torque sticks as well for running lug nuts on. And you’ll want a good half inch torque wrench. Torquing lug nuts properly is extremely important so you don’t damage hubs, rotors, and wheels. And also so wheels don’t fall off.

I don’t know what your budget is, but the torque sticks are important if you plan to use an impact to install lug nuts. They’re pricey, but worth every penny. I work on a variety of makes, so I got this set, as it covers a huge range of torque specs for lug nuts. I’ll give the link, but if it’s out of your price range, shop around and pick a set that will better suit your needs.

Astro 78810 10-Piece Torque Limiting Extension Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007K92N7M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_5sRxAb09MNQBR

If you have any questions, or want some advice, I’m watching this thread, so feel free to ask.

[William Hartford]

I recommend you go to Sears. They have mechanics tool sets of various sizes. You want one that comes with quarter inch, 3/8 in, and half inch, as well as wrenches, torx, Allen, screwdrivers, pliers, and extensions. It’ll come in its own little tool box, and it’s a very good place to start.

I also recommend a pair of push pin pliers. You’ll thank me for that. Lol
Once you have those basic tools, start working the job. And if you find yourself thinking “if I had X tool, that would have been way easier” write it down, and buy it. Make lists.

You don’t need to buy crazy expensive tools right away. I’ve been a Lube Tech for two years, and Craftsman tools have served me very well. They come with a lifetime full warranty. And if you break a tool, you walk into the store with it, and you walk out with a new one.

Be wary of Harbor Freight. But if that’s all you can afford, Harbor Freight is better than nothing.

I hope this helps, and good luck with the new job!

[William Hartford]

So after searching around, turns out a switch is hard to come by. As a used part, anyway. So what I found is a new one costs $110. Is there a way to diagnose that it’s a switch or do I just jump right in and replace the switch and see if that works?

[Author]

Replies