Retorquing lug nuts

[TradesmanGuy]

I have found that two 'uhgs' and one good aarrgghh! is always plenty of torque.

My uhgs and aarrgghh's are out of calibration and not to be trusted anymore. I gave an unintended uhg the other day taking a pot of chili off the stove.

 

[Sherman Bird]

My uhgs and aarrgghh's are out of calibration and not to be trusted anymore. I gave an unintended uhg the other day taking a pot of chili off the stove.

Now You're REALLY cooking!

 

[TradesmanGuy]

Now You're REALLY cooking!

My neighbor kids around with my Ughs when we are out cutting up downed trees for firewood. I tell him the Ugh gives 11% more lifting power. He don't believe me.

 

[diymirage]

My uhgs and aarrgghh's are out of calibration and not to be trusted anymore. I gave an unintended uhg the other day taking a pot of chili off the stove.

 

[Grams]

No more ughs and aarrghh’s since the prostatectomy.

 

[Sherman Bird]

My neighbor kids around with my Ughs when we are out cutting up downed trees for firewood. I tell him the Ugh gives 11% more lifting power. He don't believe me.

That is a fact... a grunt or "Ugh" does enhance a short burst of exertion!

 

[Hagar1]

Yes, I've been seeing this for years, but I've never returned to have them do it, nor have I done it myself, and never had a problem.

Note: I also drink from the garden hose and run with scissors.*

*This plan is not without risks.

It all boils down to liability, if the customer doesn't return for a retorque, the shop is off the hook or at least has a good defense in any lawsuit because someone lost their nuts!

 

[Sherman Bird]

It all boils down to liability, if the customer doesn't return for a retorque, the shop is off the hook or at least has a good defense in any lawsuit because someone lost their nuts!

That shop needs to invest in an air gun with new, improved, "Ugga Dugga"!

 

[TradesmanGuy]

It all boils down to liability, if the customer doesn't return for a retorque, the shop is off the hook or at least has a good defense in any lawsuit because someone lost their nuts!

In my 50+ years of driving I have never ever ever never been asked/recommended/offered/encouraged/warned/etc./etc. to return and have my lug nuts retorqued. Didn't even know it was a thing til I started reading this thread.

 

[Hagar1]

That shop needs to invest in an air gun with new, improved, "Ugga Dugga"!

If I ever catch a so-called "mechanic" coming close to the lug nuts on any vehicle that I own or drive, I will raise proper hell with the shop!
I have seen all the latest and greatest power tool and I've checked against a freshly calibrated snapon torque wrench. The snapon wrench was more accurate.
After you see a few wheels come off you get a bit more careful. I have never had a wheel loosen on any vehicle that I worked on since 1966 when I started in this trade. Must be that I'm careless. Just how long does it take for the apprentice to go around the vehicle with a torque wrench?

 

[Hagar1]

In my 50+ years of driving I have never ever ever never been asked/recommended/offered/encouraged/warned/etc./etc. to return and have my lug nuts retorqued. Didn't even know it was a thing til I started reading this thread.

In my 61 years of driving I've seen a few, heck, I trusted a tech to put the snow tires on my truck and one came lose before the hundred mile retorted came up.
I'll agree, it was less of a problem before aluminum wheels but it still happened.
I don't want to be "that guy" who contributed to the loss of a wheel because of negligence.

 

[Sherman Bird]

If I ever catch a so-called "mechanic" coming close to the lug nuts on any vehicle that I own or drive, I will raise proper hell with the shop!
I have seen all the latest and greatest power tool and I've checked against a freshly calibrated snapon torque wrench. The snapon wrench was more accurate.
After you see a few wheels come off you get a bit more careful. I have never had a wheel loosen on any vehicle that I worked on since 1966 when I started in this trade. Must be that I'm careless. Just how long does it take for the apprentice to go around the vehicle with a torque wrench?

I have also used a torque wrench, and still do so. My comment was tongue in cheek. I've got one of those Snap-on electronic units.

 

[Sherman Bird]

In my 50+ years of driving I have never ever ever never been asked/recommended/offered/encouraged/warned/etc./etc. to return and have my lug nuts retorqued. Didn't even know it was a thing til I started reading this thread.

As a professional, I CAN relate the experience I've had. After doing any work on a vehicle requiring me to remove a road wheel, I do retorque after a test drive IF the wheels are aluminum. Sometimes, the nuts might turn tighter a very small amount, but I doubt that means a lot. Manufacturers do direct to retorque aluminum wheels.

 

[Hagar1]

As a professional, I CAN relate the experience I've had. After doing any work on a vehicle requiring me to remove a road wheel, I do retorque after a test drive IF the wheels are aluminum. Sometimes, the nuts might turn tighter a very small amount, but I doubt that means a lot. Manufacturers do direct to retorque aluminum wheels.

Yes they do with specialized equipment. Aluminum wheels are far more of an issue than the olld style steel wheels.
Some impact wrenches make them so tight that some people can't get them off with the factory supplied tools.
I started in this trade in 1966, I've see my share of vehicle surprises.
But here is the deal, I'll keep doing what I'm doing and you can do your thing.
There argument is over.

 

[TradesmanGuy]

As a professional, I CAN relate the experience I've had. After doing any work on a vehicle requiring me to remove a road wheel, I do retorque after a test drive IF the wheels are aluminum. Sometimes, the nuts might turn tighter a very small amount, but I doubt that means a lot. Manufacturers do direct to retorque aluminum wheels.

Years ago after having purchased 4 new tires and having them installed all was good. Til I got home and looked. Something just didn't look right. 1 of 20 lug nuts was loose. Not at all tight. I guess the mechanic got distracted. Other than that I've never had a problem.

 

[4xdad]

Yes they do with specialized equipment. Aluminum wheels are far more of an issue than the olld style steel wheels.
Some impact wrenches make them so tight that some people can't get them off with the factory supplied tools.
I started in this trade in 1966, I've see my share of vehicle surprises.
But here is the deal, I'll keep doing what I'm doing and you can do your thing.
There argument is over.

if you can’t torque your own lug nuts maybe it’s you

 

[4xdad]

but seriously folks it’s getting them off that’s the problem usually. the average person can torque them tight enough with the wrench that they give you. getting them off can be a problem that’s why i have my daughter carry a short piece of 2x4 in her car. i showed her how to put it under the wrench and step on it to loosen it

 

[Sherman Bird]

Yes they do with specialized equipment. Aluminum wheels are far more of an issue than the olld style steel wheels.
Some impact wrenches make them so tight that some people can't get them off with the factory supplied tools.
I started in this trade in 1966, I've see my share of vehicle surprises.
But here is the deal, I'll keep doing what I'm doing and you can do your thing.
There argument is over.

Nobody's arguing, just sharing.
I remember working on exotic Porsches in the 80's that had magnesium wheels AND lug nuts. Those required a special aluminum socket, total abstinence from impact tools, and VERY specific torque requirements.

 

[Hagar1]

if you can’t torque your own lug nuts maybe it’s you

Maybe work in retail automotive for a while and think about the potential liability that you are exposed to. If an accident was caused by negligence by the tech, THEY will be named in the lawsuit as well. THINK about that one for a while! I'll always be sure that I was not going to be the one responsible if a wheel came off a vehicle and killed someone. It happens despite the government cracking down on shops.
Anyway, not my worry any longer because I've been retired for a few years now.

Now ........ THAT is funny. One some vehicles it is quite important to retorque. I use a Snapon torque wrench for accuracy. I only work on my own vehicle these day but when I do the seasonal change over I always retorque after about 100 to 200 km. Despite torquing them properly the first time, I often get a part of a turn out of some on a retorque. Especially noticeable on Aluminum wheels.

 

[turkeybird56]

That is a fact... a grunt or "Ugh" does enhance a short burst of exertion!

You mean, like seat of the pants increase of HP your truck has when U UGH the gas pedal????? lol.