I have my spare checked when I rotate tires and I've previously checked the factory tools in my car to change a tire. Everything was there and worked well and the spare was fully inflated. I've had issues with all the above so I try to be prepared. I didn't even struggle to free the shell from the hub. I've had to pry them off before because of rust.

However, I'm looking for a new lug wrench in case I need the extra leverage. I also need a better tool for speeding up the scissor jack until I decide on a bottle jack.

Would the forum recommend a breaker bar and specific socket or the normal 4 way? Nissan Xterra so all tools have to go inside the vehicle.

While I'm at it I'll update my truck kit too.

Breaker bar and socket would likely be easier to store. Downside is, the socket can/will come off and may get separated from the bar.

Also, if you go that way, spend the money for an impact-grade socket. Be a real bummer to crack the socket with one lug nut left to go...

I carry a breaker bar and socket. The factory lug wrench that came with the jeep barely gets a hold of the lugs. Piece of crap.

Anyway, I rotate all five tires so the "spare" is in constant use.

I went 4 way. If you torque to spec, you really shouldn't need much of a breaker (normal wear and tear). Can't lose the socket on the 4 way. And there's folding models for storage, such as

https://www.amazon.com/Perform...Wrench/dp/B000N37E9O

Had a coworker call me one morning as she got a flat on the way to the office (pothole at 70mph).
Helped her change the tire & her spare was flat (20psi) too. Luckily we were at a gas station & they had air.

Yep to the aboves.


1/2 inch breaker bar, equal length (or longer if you have room) of 1" thick wall PVC, and the impact grade socket.
Couple of "Glow Sticks".

+1 on what PHPaul said. He's right about the impact socket versus a regular mechanics socket. Your bar doesn't need to be extremely long, because the Xterra lug nuts are speced at 85 ft. lbs. Unless some tire monkey over torqued the lug nuts. Also, I'd get an el cheapo breaker bar, something from harbor freight or northern tool. You could probably go longer since they are cheap. Larger and longer is probably better, so it won't break when you need it most.

Don't forget to bring some wood blocks to block up or support your jack on wet or soft soil if you're off the blacktop.

I did plan on an impact socket. A chunch of 2x6 won't take up much. I'll look for a bar and socket that can be pinned together. I'd leave the stock stuff in probably as spares.

The lugs broke loose easy enough, made me wonder if they were tight enough actually. The tire shop is pretty good though.

Thanks!

Next time I get tires I'll probably get five but I need to get a matching wheel at least and maybe an external tire carrier.

Harbor Freight:
$13 2' breaker bar
$16 4 impact sockets @ $4 each
$10 1/2 drive extension set

These can be cheaper with a coupon. I carry a 1/2 drive torque wrench I picked up for $35 at Autozone. I also carry two plug kits and a Viair 400P compressor.


I regularly check the lugs on my truck and fifth wheel as well as the bolts in my fifth wheel hitch.

Impact sockets and regular rachet ones are designed for different purposes. Impact sockets are tougher, but they're also designed to wear out faster. This won't make a difference if you use it to rotate your tires a couple times per year, but it does in a professional setting. Impact sockets are also not to be used w/ torque wrenches, b/c impact sockets are designed to flex and twist more than regular ones.

I prefer a 1/2 drive breaker bar and socket, b/c in addition to breaking free lug nuts, in times of duress it is also a good tool for breaking... other things.

I like 4-way wrenches too; hence, I carry both in my vehicle. 4-ways are faster for install and removal, b/c you can spin them. A good breaker bar provides more leverage though.

I have one of these from Gorilla:

https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla...=gorilla+breaker+bar

Nice and compact, but it works like a champ, even fully extended.

Highly recommended.

-Rob

I'm partial to a good 4 way as that's what I'll use if it's available.

Of course I've always been able to use the factory lug wrench in a pinch also.

quote:

Impact sockets are also not to be used w/ torque wrenches, b/c impact sockets are designed to flex and twist more than regular ones.

Using impact sockets with a torque wrench will not impact the accuracy of your torque wrench if you are using the wrench smoothly. Even if it did, any impact would be well with in the ball park required for lug nuts.

And if you have locking lug nuts/bolts on your vehicle, make DAMN CERTAIN you have the key. Ask me how I know this.

RMD

quote:

Originally posted by rduckwor:
And if you have locking lug nuts/bolts on your vehicle, make DAMN CERTAIN you have the key. Ask me how I know this.

RMD

I did make double sure on my new wheels.

quote:

Originally posted by Riley:

quote:

Originally posted by rduckwor:
And if you have locking lug nuts/bolts on your vehicle, make DAMN CERTAIN you have the key. Ask me how I know this.

RMD

I did make double sure on my new wheels.

So did I until I didn't. I have no idea where it went. New one enroute.

RMD

I carry a 4 way lug wrench and a 4'long 2"wide pipe as a cheater bar.
A 1/2" breaker bar and two 13/16th sockets are in my tool kit.
To finish it off I carry two 6" pieces of glulam to put the jack on when necessary.

Yes I do have a truck.

 
I carry a breaker bar with extension and impact socket. I use the breaker bar just to break the torque, then I can usually just use the extension with socket to spin them off. If I am in my garage, I use a cordless impact driver with appropriate adapters to adapt to the socket, and let that spin them off. Then spin them back on the same way. For a standard cordless impact driver, you will never overtorque them, though they will snug up nicely. Then out with the real torque wrench for final tightening.