I think he meant 1400 inch-pounds. The 1/2 impacts I have seen claim in the 300-400 ft-lb range (I know the math doesn't seem to work out) with some high dollar ones getting to 600. A 3/4 can get 1000. You would have to go bigger to get 1400 and you would have a hard time holding it and it takes a LOT of high pressure air to run it, maybe more than a home compressor can generate.

But the impact will help to break things if they are going to break, problem is you have to keep recharging the tank to keep the pressure high enough to get full power.

With a 3 ft cheater a 200lb guy can sit on it for 600 ft-lbs, and you can easily pull 300-400 with your arms (times 3), especially if you jerk it.

Every time I had one stuck, the 1/2 impact NEVER worked and I had to use a regular breaker bar each time and it worked.

A torque multiplier makes easy work of things, never used one myself, you have to secure it to something so I am not sure how you would attach it to the wheel. Some front engine nuts have a 350 ft-lb spec (lug nuts DO NOT!) and you need a multiplier, mainly due to space limitations.

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..........I don't think we'd be having the discussion if he was considering 117 lb.-ft. The wheel would already be off the vehicle.

There are some torque multipliers available that are set up specifically for lug nuts, where the "reaction bar" hooks on to another one of the lugs or lug nuts on the wheel. I've never used one like that, but here's a cheapie from Harbor Freight that shows the general layout.

I'd never heard of them until I did a little research after picking up a 3200 ft-lb. torque multiplier (not a cheapie) at auction a while back. Compared to any of the comparatively puny tools I already owned, wow, what a monster!

As already noted, no "hammer action" with these, but very potent if one needs straight-up torque.

I agree that the hammer action of am impact wrench is what you need, however if you arent going to buy a shop-sized air compressor anytime soon- where is what my dad always did.

Have one guy stand/pull/exert maximum torque on the lug nut using whatever means you have necessary (lengthen your breaker bar), hold that under torque and....

Have the 2nd guy get as large a hammer as he can hold with one hand, and pound on the nut, wrench or the metal (wheel) directly adjacent to the lug nut - tap as hard and as rapid as he(or she...) can - this hammering sets up vibrations that, in the absence of a "real" impact wrench, might break your nut loose (when the tapping and torque are applied at the same time). The harder you tap, the more the vibrations might work for you.

worth a shot IMHO- it has worked for me before.

-John

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most 1/2in impacts do in the 5-600 range. mine on the other hand will do 1000. using the impact emits a shock to the bolt that helps loosen. and yes some lugnuts do use that kinda torque.

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