# I hurt my lower back while removing lug nuts/replacing tire. Is there a better tool to use? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** toyota, camry\ **Created:** [November 5, 2023, 6:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726 "2023-11-05T18:49:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![CalmnCool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/90db22/32.png) [@CalmnCool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/CalmnCool)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 6:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/1 "2023-11-05T18:49:59Z")
2005 Camry, I used the basic tools that came with the car to remove the lug nuts. I used a lot of leverage and still had to muster almost every ounce of my strength to get them off. I woke up with lower back pain. Is there a better tool I can buy to make this easier? ---
**Author:** ![old\_mopar\_guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/6bbea6/32.png) [@old\_mopar\_guy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/old_mopar_guy)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 6:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/2 "2023-11-05T18:54:55Z")
Yes, an AAA card. ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 7:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/3 "2023-11-05T19:06:19Z")
A 1/2 drive impact wrench is far easier. Battery or pneumatic. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 7:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/4 "2023-11-05T19:08:03Z")
[https://www.amazon.com/Wagan-2257-12V-Impact-Wrench/dp/B0038KNJQ6/ref=asc\_df\_B0038KNJQ6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309802506143&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3337966944260092941&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019498&hvtargid=pla-405660631088&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/Wagan-2257-12V-Impact-Wrench/dp/B0038KNJQ6/ref=asc_df_B0038KNJQ6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309802506143&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3337966944260092941&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019498&hvtargid=pla-405660631088&th=1) Tester ---
**Author:** ![jdmere](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jdmere/32/3002_2.png) [@jdmere](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jdmere)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 7:21pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/5 "2023-11-05T19:21:17Z")
I’ve found that a socket of the right size attached to a long breaker bar works just fine. You could also try a tire iron that has longer handles. ---
**Author:** ![asemaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@asemaster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asemaster)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 7:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/6 "2023-11-05T19:48:06Z")
With a long enough lever you can move the Earth. Go to Harbor Freight and pick up a long handled breaker bar and a 21mm socket. The lugs will come off like butter. ---
**Author:** ![Barkydog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/barkydog/32/2470_2.png) [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 8:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/7 "2023-11-05T20:18:01Z")
A 4 way might be a cheap alternative, foot for downward pressure and hands for pulling up. ---
**Author:** ![CalmnCool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/90db22/32.png) [@CalmnCool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/CalmnCool)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 8:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/8 "2023-11-05T20:40:08Z")
21mm will fit most tires right? How long do you suggest the breaker bar to be? I dont anything too crazy. ---
**Author:** ![keith](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/keith/32/5518_2.png) [@keith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/keith)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 9:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/9 "2023-11-05T21:05:45Z")
The simplest and least costly route is to measure the diameter of the handle of your lug wrench and then buy a steel pipe about 24" long that has a slightly larger inside diameter. It doesn’t take up much space in the trunk or tire well. Just slip it over the lug wrench handle to give you more leverage when removing the lug nuts. DO NOT use it to tighten the lug nuts though. You could damage the lugs themselves by over torquing them. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 9:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/10 "2023-11-05T21:09:59Z")
Mine are 3/4 inch. I just use a ratchet with a leverage pipe. The ones supplied with a car are junk. ---
**Author:** ![CalmnCool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/90db22/32.png) [@CalmnCool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/CalmnCool)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 9:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/12 "2023-11-05T21:28:36Z")
> [@bing](#): > > Mine are 3/4 inch. I just use a ratchet with a leverage pipe. The ones supplied with a car are junk. How long is your leverage pipe? Do you use it for tightening as well? ---
**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 9:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/13 "2023-11-05T21:31:07Z")
Breaker bars are inexpensive and take up little room. But, a AAA membership is well worth it. I decided on that after changing a tire in 95 degree heat on an interstate. Have used their services multiple times. They even towed my GFs car ten miles to my house. ---
**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 9:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/14 "2023-11-05T21:50:48Z")
No! A breaker bar will over torque the lug nuts. ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 10:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/15 "2023-11-05T22:02:06Z")
> [@CalmnCool](#): > > How long do you suggest the breaker bar to be? This is the breaker bar I use. My corresponding 1/2 inch drive socket fits the lug nuts on both my 50 year old Ford truck and 30 year old Corolla. > **[1/2 in. Drive 18 in. Breaker Bar](https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-18-in-breaker-bar-60818.html)** > > Amazing deals on this 1/2In Dr 18In Breaker Bar at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices. ---
**Author:** ![Rainflurry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/cab0a1/32.png) [@Rainflurry](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rainflurry)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 10:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/16 "2023-11-05T22:05:04Z")
@Tester Do you have that impact? If so, what are your thoughts on it? I’ve been curious about buying a cheapo to throw in my truck in case I end up with a flat or to be able to help someone else that has one. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 10:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/17 "2023-11-05T22:05:19Z")
90 foot pounds? ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 10:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/18 "2023-11-05T22:08:24Z")
I bought one for the wife in case she gets a flat… No problem removing lug nuts. Tester ---
**Author:** ![lion9car](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/59ef9b/32.png) [@lion9car](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lion9car)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 10:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/19 "2023-11-05T22:41:07Z")
Who last tightened the lug nuts? It sounds to me like they were overtorqued. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 11:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/20 "2023-11-05T23:17:19Z")
Thanks for the reminder though. Just had tires put on and I always re-torque the nuts. Can’t imagine having to do that on the side of the road. ---
**Author:** ![asemaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@asemaster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asemaster)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2023, 12:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726/21 "2023-11-06T00:11:26Z")
21mm should fit your car. 19, 21, and 22 will fit most passenger cars. Buy a breaker bar that’s twice as long as the lug wrench you have in the car now. [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-hurt-my-lower-back-while-removing-lug-nuts-replacing-tire-is-there-a-better-tool-to-use/193726.md?page=2)