How much torque can you put through 1/2" drive?

[WildGoose]

This has nothing to do with bikes btw, before some of you think i'm about to shear my frame in half.

Was just wondering if there was a general rule of thumb as to how much torque your 1/2" drive sockets, extensions, ratchets etc will tolerate before something starts ripping?

Looking in a range of 300-350Nm, and where possible don't want to buy 3/4" stuff as it has such limited use for me, also had limited success with stepdowns. i.e. they tend to shear before anything else. Torque wrenches do exist in 1/2" for that range, but they are damn pricey which makes me think some exotic materials must be needed.

Bit of a random thought, but if you have any of your own, i'd be interested to hear.
____________________
So in other words, he stopped you for being flagrantly in posession of a motorcycle in direct contravention of the Hippies, Darkies and People Whose Face I Don't Like The Look of (Police Powers) Act. 1976

[G]

My weight on the end of a .5m breaker bar should be around 420NM.
However, prefer to use 3/4" for that ideally.

Think my impact wrench is around that too.

Obviously does depend on the quality of the tools etc.

I find my 3/4" set quite useful overall and they're pretty cheap too - for me, not much more than the cost of a big breaker bar and 36mm socket which I needed, but you got everything else too.

[Teflon-Mike]

[thomp1983]

most half inch drive breaker bars are rated at around 400nm, the heads tend to shear but are replaceable on most bars

chris

[AndyB1989]

ive snapped many 1/2 inch breaker bars but halfords professional have a lifetime garuntee so they give me a new one each time lol


butmy weight on the end of a 1/2 m bar would be 620nm .. lol