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Using a torque stick on an impact wrench set at the proper torque, but not hand tightening lugs nuts?

I can't remember for certain if I hand torqued the lug nuts on this vehicle I worked on. I was haivng a moment when I put it on, tightened them completely, but realized I forgot to balance the tire. So I loosened everything, took the tire back off, balanced it, and put it back on. But since I got home, I can't remember 100% if I hand torqued the nuts with a torque wrench. I did use an impact wrench with a torque stick that is 100 ft lbs, which is what the manufacterer calls for, that much I'm certain. And I'm pretty sure I did hand torque them (again) as well. Maybe I'm worrying too much, but could anything possibly happen if a person indeed torques the lug nuts with an impact wrench using a torque stick at 100 ft lbs, but not hand tightens them at 100 ft lbs with a torque stick? Not sure what the probability is, but I'm hoping to find out. And please, no mean comments about how I could make that mistake. It can happen to the best of us. I'm just looking for a peace of mind here. The rims are steel, not aluminum, just so everyone knows. Steel lug nuts against steel rims.

Public Comments

  1. that would depend on the type of vehicle though it does sounds like it was a light vehicle. I only ever use an impact wrench on my 4x4 and I also have it set to the lowest possible setting, been doing that for the last 20 years and have never had a problem, that is on all types of terrain also. Stop worrying
  2. 100 ft lbs is plenty unless its some kind of drag car... Anything above 50 or 60 ft lbs is gonna hold to a certain point... chances are that if it wasn't tight enough one or two lugs might come off and the wheel will wobble and the costumer will come back in... I highly doubt anything serious will come from it
  3. With steel wheels, you do not have to worry at all. I change tires all the time using an impact wrench, and never hand torque steel wheels. I have not had a problem with doing so in over 30 years. Relax. There is no problem
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