I’m guilty. I have used my 1/2-inch ratchets as breaker bars, complete with a chunk of 1-inch conduit on the handle for extra leverage. So far, I’ve managed to not mangle the ratchet mechanism. Evidently I have not learned my lesson when it comes to tightening lug nuts. I believe my father’s words went something like this, “Uh… we might want to get those back off someday.”

On a related note, one of my favorite blogs has dug up a nifty tool from Titan that combines the quick, easy use of a ratchet with the leverage and durability of a breaker bar. The 18-inch ratcheting breaker bar is advertised as being able to withstand up to 376 ft.-lb. of torque. The street price on the tool ranges from $30 to $45. That seems a bargain.

Via Toolmonger