Which breaker bar?

[bigdave1701]

Every time I do something on the car, I always get to that point where I need more leverage on a bolt. And every time I slip an aluminum tube over my ratchet handle to get that extra leverage I promise myself I'll buy a breaker bar but I always forget until I'm in that same situation.

So,... I'm doing some forward thinking and I'm going to buy one before I forget (again) but I don't know which brand to go for or how long to get it?! I see no point in getting a 10 incher as that's only fractionally bigger than my ratchet but I cant imagine a 24 incher would be much use in a confined space..

Any recommendations on brand's, sizes etc?....

[roswell]

I have 2 X 24 " ones, one is us pro tools not sure where I picked it up but can use a normal 1/2" extension in the handle to make it longer. The other has no name.

I also have a few T bars, these take the abuse in confined spaces as they are the same size as a ratchet but no moving parts.

One of each should see you ok, I also have a set of impact quality reducers for 1/2 " to 3/8 " if it can take the abuse of a windy gun im sure it wont break with the abuse my mear chicken arms can inflict on them.

[cossiejay]

i have a 24 inch lazer one cost £13 doe's the job well

[rich r]

I have an 18" and a 24" one - and the 18" one is quite capable of shearing the heads off bolts.

You need to factor in leverage versus room to actually use it. Even 18" can be restrictive when working in an engine bay or wheelarch unless you're lucky. Don't forget you can't really use UJs or flexible extension bars as they're likely to break with a lot of torque being applied.