Do any other women have a difficult time changing a flat because of lack of upper body strength?

[Sparklight]

I know how to change my own flat if I have to. The problem is not the process itself, but having the upper body strength to turn the lug nut. . Does any of you other girls have this problem? If so, is there a portable air wrench that you would recommend? I mean what do you recommend?

[OneViewpoint]

Not an air wrench. An electric cordless impact wrench. Same thing as mechanics use in the shop but instead of compressed air, they use a rechargeable lithium ion battery as a power source. Mine produces 450 lb/ft of torque which is more than enough for any consumer grade car or light truck. Not that expensive either. $200 or so for the tool and a battery + charger. You're also gonna need a deep socket in the correct size for your lug nuts.

[OneViewpoint]

Ryobi and Rigid are two consumer grade brands that are plenty good enough for the occasional tire change.

[Sparklight]

@OneViewpoint thank you.

[OneViewpoint]

You are welcome. It's a joy to use. Not just for the force. It really speeds up tire changes.

One note of caution. An impact wrench can provide way more torque than most auto manufacturers recommend for your wheels. Most are specified at between 80 to 110 lb/ft. The Rigid has an "Auto" setting that stops it from over tightening the lug nuts. Ideally you want to finish off with a manual torque wrench that will allow you to apply the exact amount of torque specified by the manufacturer. A decent torque wrench can be found on Amazon for $50-$60. It will ensure you don't break the mounting studs or crack your wheels. More complexity I know. But it can save you time and money in the long run.

[Sparklight]

Thanks.

[WonderingManII]

Try putting the wrench so that is on the down stroke, and use your body weight to help make it turn off.

[ChiTown33]

I was going to say that before I posted what i did. But I'm 6'5" 250 lbs. She might not weigh enough to get it started. Rust might be a factor. There's are other potential variables. I've actually had the wheel itself rust on. I had to kick the hell out of it to dislodge it.🤣

[Sparklight]

@ChiTown33 I am certainly not 6'5" and 250. LOL! And I don't of course have nearly the muscle mass of guys. This is the problem. LOL! I couldn't kick it to get it started either. We are certainly at a disadvantage when it comes to physical strength. I understand the process. Understanding will not solve the problem of physical strength however. LOL! I think sometimes you guys tighten jars stuff so that we women cannot get it off. I know you don't do it on purpose, but you do not realize how strong most of you are when compared to us. LOL!

[WonderingManII]

@sparklight I have another suggestion. Buy some steal pipe, and put it over the wrench handle, to make the handle longer. That will give you more leverage. Also when you put the lug nuts back on, put some grease on the lugs. That will keep the lugs from rusting.

[Sparklight]

@wonderingmanii thanks.

[WonderingManII]

@ChiTown33 Sometimes they come off really hard. I was taught to put grease on the lugs to keep them from rusting.

[Lilly1979]

I can in order to get a license here got know how to change tire, oil change etc though I take it professionals and the attended pump my gas.

[Sparklight]

@Lilly1979 I know all of this. It is the lack of strength turning the lug nuts that stops me sometimes.

[notadumblonde]

I do. Luckily I always have someone I can call for help

[ChiTown33]

Work harder not smarter. It was archimedes that said "give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum in which to place it and I will move the world". In other words. All you need is a long hollow pipe to place on the end of the lug wrench and it effectively increases you turning strength significantly. That's how you make up for lack of strength.

Side note*** yes I know I'm also quoting an episode of Big Bang Theory, but I also knew this before hand (just not the architects quote 🤣).

[Sparklight]

@ChiTown33 that is thought.

[ChiTown33]

Lol I mean work smarter not harder.

[DryGermanGuy]

Just came to second what @ChiTown33 wrote, with a ~two-foot extender for the wrench handle you will be able to loosen 99,95% of the wheel nuts.

[January_Sixth]

Most do

[Sparklight]

@january_sixth it is not just me then?