I keep breaking 1/2 ratchets on my lug nuts.

[JKR]

What lug nut do you need to take off. That you need a 6 foot cheater bar. Most lugnuts are
between 80 to 110 foot pounds. A half inch breaker bar would be better that a ratchet.
3/4" breaker bar and impact socket would be safer.
You can buy a 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch battery impact gun that would work.
Safety first.

 

[Soloz2]

Get yourself a breaker bar and only use your 6’ cheater bar with that if you need. I’ve never broken a HF or Craftsman breaker bar and I have both. Once you break the lug loose then switch to your ratchet.
My favorite ratchet for lug nuts is my Gearwrench 120xp 1/2” flex head long handle. I primarily use gearwrench ratchets in the 120xp or roto head variety, but I do have a trusty 3/8” flex head kobalt I love. The big thing is to use a breaker bar for anything you really need to put pressure on.

 

[tomterr17]

harbor freight and craftsman have broken on me getting lug nuts loose. I am rough with them using a 6 ft pipe.

I do have a impact driver maybe that will work better.

I assume your torqueing them correctly, so I guess they are freezing up because of the environment (wet and or damp). You must use never-seize on the threads of the studs and on surface of the nut to wheel contact. Paul C.

 

[kenlip]

The problem with using anti seize, or any lubricating product, on wheel studs is that it changes the torque values needed.

They'll now need more torque to achieve the same clamping force...but how much more?

They need less torque, not more.

Lubed lug nuts require approximately 30% less torque than dry nuts.

 

[Little Red Tractor]

All the suggestions regarding impact drivers, breaker bars or even 3/4 drive are valid. I suspect that whoever put the lugs on over-tightened them to begin with. Once you get them off, use some never-seize and torque to--not over--spec. You should never have that problem again.

 

[masscity]

I found this a while back. I've also read that it should be 20% less.

 

[Utopia Texas]

There are special high strength sockets made just for impact drivers that can also be used in your situation with a breaker bar. Regular sockets can shatter in heavy use and send dangerous pieces into the air. These impact sockets are usually made a “black” color.

 

[Utopia Texas]

Only use “impact sockets” made just for what you are doing. Regular sockets can shatter and send dangerous pieces into the air.

Amazon.com : impact sockets 1/2 drive

 

[Riding a Relic]

harbor freight and craftsman have broken on me getting lug nuts loose. I am rough with them using a 6 ft pipe.

I do have a impact driver maybe that will work better.

Find out the torque specs. Use the value per service manual. Clean the rims and axle flange before you install the wheel. If you have been over doing the torque, replace the studs or bolts and or nuts. Use anti-seize compound when installing. Invest in a decent torque wrench. Life will be better for you!

 

[Yanmar J]

harbor freight and craftsman have broken on me getting lug nuts loose. I am rough with them using a 6 ft pipe.

I do have a impact driver maybe that will work better.

Had the same problem with a 1969 Chrysler. Replace all factory studs on the wheels with new ones from Auto zone or an auto parts store. Not original. MIGHT help. Sometimes the different metals in the nuts reacts with the metal in the studs and they kind of weld. Also try using anti seize.