Still not sure if I should use a torque wrench on lug nuts or just feel it out

Had a chat with this older mechanic at a gas station last Saturday. He said he never uses a torque wrench on lug nuts because he's been doing it for 30 years and can feel when it's tight enough by hand. Me, I always break out the torque wrench and set it to 100 ft-lbs after working at a shop that got sued for a wheel coming off. But honestly, I get his point about speed when you're doing a dozen tire rotations a day. Is there a middle ground here, or am I just overthinking it? Anyone else still going back and forth on this?

2 comments

2 Comments

sage_rodriguez1mo ago

Yeah I heard a race shop guy say the feel method only works if you've done it like ten thousand times.

dakota_fox1mo ago

I read some study that said torque wrenches prevent like 90% of wheel failures so I stick with mine.