The breaker bar allows you to use a foot to apply the torque. You can
apply an awful lot more torque with one foot than with both hands. A
cheater bar can also be used with less chance of the bar snapping. Also
takes up less room under the seat.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of George Goff
Sent: Monday, July 11, 2005 3:08 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: lug nut torque?

In a message dated 7/11/05 1:46:30 AM, dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET writes:

<< 4-way lug wrenches are not the best tool for removing lugs. Go to
Sears
and get the long 1/2" drive breaker bar and a 19mm impact socket. >>

A 4-way lug wrench is the best hand tool for removing lugs.  The forces
applied to a 4-way lug wrench are opposite, equal and additive; half of
the
required torque is applied to one leg of the 4-way, half to the other.
As a result,
a 4-way has no tendency to roll off the fastener as does a socket on a
breaker
bar.  Additionally, if ever needed, the 4-way can be supported on center
with
a deadman and a cheater bar slipped over one of its arms.  Of course I'm
talking about a metric (for a Vanagon, at least), well-made, full size
4-way.

Also, did you ever try to spin a breaker bar?  Look out front teeth,
here it
comes.

George