Overheard a guy saying torque sticks are useless for lug nuts

I was at the auto parts store on Saturday and some kid behind the counter told a customer torque sticks are just a gimmick and you should always use a torque wrench. I've been using a set of those sticks on my F-150 for over 8 years now and never had a lug nut come loose or strip. Sure they aren't perfect for engine work but for wheels they get you close enough without breaking out the big tools. Has anyone else had good luck with them or am I the only one?

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martin.jamie2mo ago

My neighbor Dave was a full time mechanic for 25 years and he's the one who actually told me to pick up a torque stick set. He said for wheels on a daily driver they're totally fine as long as you aren't trying to do something crazy like engine internals with them. I use a Harbor Freight set on my 2008 Tacoma and I've never had a wheel fall off or a stud snap on me. The kid at the counter probably just learned about torque wrenches in his class and thinks anything else is junk. Real world experience matters more than some textbook opinion in my book.

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xena_miller312mo ago

Wait, @martin.jamie, that's pretty much been my experience too with those cheap torque sticks.

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