Hit exactly 500 foot-pounds on a lug nut that had me stumped

Was working on a Freightliner with seized lug nuts, using my 1-inch drive torque wrench. The spec called for 450, but it wouldn't budge. I kept going slow and hit 500 exactly before it cracked loose. It mattered because I was sure I'd strip it or break a stud going over. Anyone have a good trick for freeing up seized lugs before they get that bad?

3 comments

3 Comments

margaret_nelson1mo ago

Hit exactly 500" reminds me of the time my torque wrench clicked on a stubborn gate hinge.

caleb_bell1mo ago

My old Chevy's lug nuts always felt like they needed 110 foot-pounds.

taylor9291mo ago

Same feeling when my torque wrench finally clicked on a seized brake caliper bolt. That click is so satisfying after a fight.