What tool is commonly used to tighten or loosen lug nuts on a vehicle?

The tool specifically designed for quickly tightening or loosening lug nuts on a vehicle is the impact wrench. This power tool delivers high torque output through quick, rotational impacts, making it highly effective for removing or securing lug nuts. The design allows for rapid engagement and disengagement, significantly reducing the time and effort involved in tire changes or wheel service.

While other tools can also be used for this purpose, they are not as efficient for the task at hand. A torque wrench, for instance, is primarily used to ensure that lug nuts are tightened to a specific torque specification after they have been initially tightened, rather than for quick removal or installation. A ratchet is a manual tool that depends on the user’s strength and can be slower to use compared to an impact wrench. A breakaway bar is often used to provide leverage to break loose stubborn or rusted lug nuts but does not provide the rapid, high-torque functionality of an impact wrench. Therefore, the impact wrench is the preferred choice for efficiently handling lug nuts due to its speed and power.