Function and Use
– Breaker bars allow for a larger torque to be generated with the same amount of force
– Absence of a ratcheting mechanism makes breaker bars stronger than ratchets
– Breaker bars can be improvised by inserting a wrench into a metal pipe
– Improvised breaker bars are called cheater bars or snipes
– Breaker bars are used to apply high torque to break loose tight-fitting fasteners
– Breaker bars are commonly used in automotive and mechanical industries
– They are used to break loose tight or rusted fasteners
– Breaker bars are essential for heavy-duty applications that require high torque
– They are often used in conjunction with impact sockets for maximum effectiveness
– Breaker bars are versatile tools that can be used in various maintenance and repair tasks.
Materials and Strength
– Breaker bars can withstand up to 2500 pound-feet of torque without breaking
– High-end 1/2 socket wrenches can withstand a maximum of 500 pound-feet of torque
– High-quality breaker bars are made of chromium-vanadium steel (AISI 6150)
– Chromium-vanadium steel is known for its high strength, toughness, and shock resistance
– Chromium-vanadium steel has a yield strength of 84.0 kilo-pound per square inch (KSI)
Physics of Torque
– Torque varies depending on where the force is applied
– Breaker bars create larger force due to the amount of torque from a longer handle
– Lever arm, or moment arm, is important in measuring torque
– Longer lever arm increases surface area for force application, increasing rotational force
– Torque equation: Torque = Radius × Force
References
– U.S. Patent 4,811,638 (1989)
– Smith, John. ‘Can You Use A Torque Wrench As A Breaker Bar?’ (Clever Handymen)
– Dehner, Robert S. ‘How Much Torque Can A Drive Take? (1/2, 1/4, 3/8 Drive) Analyzed.’ (powertoolinstitute.net)
– Sui, Jason. ‘Top 10 Best Breaker Bars.’ (AutoGuide.com)
– Alloy Steel 6150 | Grade Summary (Metal Supermarkets)
Applications
– Breaker bars are commonly used in automotive and mechanical industries
– They are used to break loose tight or rusted fasteners
– Breaker bars are essential for heavy-duty applications that require high torque
– They are often used in conjunction with impact sockets for maximum effectiveness
– Breaker bars are versatile tools that can be used in various maintenance and repair tasks. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaker_bar
This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2010) |
A breaker bar (also known as a power bar) is a long non-ratcheting bar that is used with socket wrench-style sockets. They are used to break loose very tight fasteners because their additional length allows the same amount of force to generate significantly more torque than a standard length socket wrench. Their use prevents damage to the ratcheting mechanism of a socket wrench. Often, after the first half turn, the fastener is loose enough to be turned with a socket wrench.
