1/2 Breaker Bar Recommendations

[5lima30]

I usually not a big fan of HF handtools...however the 24" HF breaker bar IS a gem! I recently had to replace a hotwater heater element that had been in since the 70's. I broke my usual heater element wrench trying to get it out. I used the HF breaker w/ a 3/4" adapter to fit the socket and was able to get it out. The HF is much stouter than my 18" SK that I've had for years. JMHO.

 

[otis66]

I would get a SK 18" breaker bar. BUt for belts you should get the GearWrench Belt socket set. I use it on any belt. Works great.
http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/specialty_tools/serpentine_belt_tool/

 

[Nocturnal-G]

What do you guys think of this?

http://www.bgstechnic.com/product.php?id=64&prodID=00273

Only problem is finding someone who sells it... I wish Wiha had a non-insulated breaker bar that was longer. So far, it's only been SK, Neiko, and a few others I can't remember that I have to choose from. I don't mind the Neiko and I don't mind the SK. Just something to get me by for now on that I can depend on whenever I need it without getting hurt. Lol. Btw, I had 5-6 stores tell me they didn't know what breaker bars/flex handles were. One was a Klein Tools distributor, they had 17" for 29 bucks. Not bad... I want a 24" though.

 

[pipsters]

What do you guys think of this?

http://www.bgstechnic.com/product.php?id=64&prodID=00273

Only problem is finding someone who sells it... I wish Wiha had a non-insulated breaker bar that was longer. So far, it's only been SK, Neiko, and a few others I can't remember that I have to choose from. I don't mind the Neiko and I don't mind the SK. Just something to get me by for now on that I can depend on whenever I need it without getting hurt. Lol. Btw, I had 5-6 stores tell me they didn't know what breaker bars/flex handles were. One was a Klein Tools distributor, they had 17" for 29 bucks. Not bad... I want a 24" though.

According to the product info it is only rated to about 370 ft-lbs. That is pretty low for a 1/2" drive breaker.

I know you want a long breaker but honestly a shorter breaker with a long piece of black iron over it works really well...almost effortless removal of large bolts...plus it gives you the flexibility of using a shorter bar in a more confined area like a wheel well.

 

[Vvmvbb]

What do you guys think of this?

http://www.bgstechnic.com/product.php?id=64&prodID=00273

Only problem is finding someone who sells it... I wish Wiha had a non-insulated breaker bar that was longer. So far, it's only been SK, Neiko, and a few others I can't remember that I have to choose from. I don't mind the Neiko and I don't mind the SK. Just something to get me by for now on that I can depend on whenever I need it without getting hurt. Lol. Btw, I had 5-6 stores tell me they didn't know what breaker bars/flex handles were. One was a Klein Tools distributor, they had 17" for 29 bucks. Not bad... I want a 24" though.

I have one piece from BGS (folding lug wrench for the car kit) and it's top quality. I got it from Ash - http://www.german-hand-tools.com/

Can't speak to the max allowable torque spec of the BGS noticed by pipster since I can't quickly find the spec for SK for comparison. Be good to know.

 

[Nocturnal-G]

So I just ordered an SK 16" inch breaker bar on amazon along with a wera 17 mm 1/2 socket for my belt. Something in me says cancel it and just buy a kobalt breaker bar... I did a lot of reading and it seems like brands don't really matter on breaker bars, it's all preference since most will break if misused. And I got a 16 because I think that should be plenty for a belt tensioner. Kobalt only has a 18 inch I believe and it feels pretty good in the hand... So SK 16 vs Kobalt 18... Buying a breaker bar has been pretty time consuming... Not too many manufacturers out there.

 

[GTO]

I've got the 24" too and it's been a good bar so far.

I bought the 24" GW from Amazon.
Just recently too.

I have an older 18" Craftsman as well.

 

[Nocturnal-G]

Received today... Thank god for one day shipping. So far I noticed this thing is bulkier than other breaker bars I've felt, the handle feels grippy and good in the hand... so far I'm happy and can't wait to use it. I did notice something odd... since I'm fairly new to tools, is it a defect?

 

[Hank McMauser]

used my 18" snappy breaker bar with a 3 ft pipe to remove rusted trailer lug nuts. I broke/bent 2 extensions(1 was a snappy also) breaker bar itself shows no signs of wear & tear

 

[rusty65]

Any love for Wright breaker bars?

 

[MechManiac]

Any love for Wright breaker bars?

I have a Wright 4439 breaker bar http://www.royalsupply.com/store/pc/Wright-Tool-4439-Flex-Handle-16-9-16-Contour-Grip-2783p51036.htm
which I used extensively to remove lug nuts and hub nuts up until I got an impact wrench. I have stood on the end (160Lbs), with my brother also on it ( 120 lbs) ...foot to foot and this thing shows no signs of bending, joint spreading or any negative trait.
IMHO, it earns your love.
This is certainly not an area to buy blindly... you can injure yourself if this thing fails in use. Buy a quality tool from a manufacturer that produces consistent, high quality products.

 

[ATC]

I just acquired a New Britain breaker bar from the 1930's.

 

[RCStocker]

I have been going to yard sales and swap meets for 40 years. Every time I see a HF breaker bar it has spread at the Y. Unless they make them better I would not buy one.
I can get a belt tight with a wratchet. Then I just leaned back in my $500 office chair and snapped a bolt and ripped the metal on both sides. LOL

Take a pipe and put it on a cheap ratche and crank away. You will not hurt the ratchet. I have done that for years when I did not have a breaker bar around. That way you can pick a used one up cheap when you find it. I am not one for doing things like that but unless you brace yourself with your foot and pull you will not have a problem.

I know, I know you should never do it. Then again I have a box full of ratchets that I paid less than $3 for. I have never broken a ratchet yet doing that and if you use a C man they will take it back without questions.

 

[camarotoolman]

A used 1/2 drive long handle ratchet would be more useful imo. used go for 20-30$

 

[jrlp]

I use a us craftsman 3/4 sliding t-Bar with a reducer. I broke 3 different brands trying to take off my 1fzfe crank bolt. Finally bought a giant impact rated one from Napa. It has 3/4" thick walls.. I routinely put a 4' pipe on it. It has never failed me. Also comes in handy for short banjo bolt heads using it like a tbar. I haven't used my 18" breaker bar since I got the t handle.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[TDWendt]

I got a k-tool international 24" breaker bar. Have,had any problems yet, like the extra length compared to my old 16in bar i broke.

 

[otis66]

Any love for Wright breaker bars?

I love my Wright 3/8 drive breaker bar.

 

[mmack66]

What is up with German breaker bars? Are they the best?

 

[FiendFX]

I also got the lastest and longest 1/2" breaker bar from HF, can't beat the price. Works as should.