I have a couple of the original BUDD/Lug wrenches for the M37 and Power Wagon. I tried using a 3/4" mild steel rod as a handle and ended up bending the rod. The lug nuts were not that tight and came off with a breaker bar and socket. What were the original handles?
Were they rods made from hardened steel?
Thanks
Lug Wrench Handle
Moderators: Cal_Gary, T. Highway, Monkey Man, robi
Re: Lug Wrench Handle
I don't know the grade of steel used for the OEM bars, but I'd try a higher carbon or alloy steel than "mild steel" which is probably a low carbon steel such as A36. Since I have some in my shop (and it's readily available through metal suppliers), my next choice would be 4140.
“When a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, IT IS THEIR RIGHT, IT IS THEIR DUTY, TO THROW OFF SUCH GOVERNMENT...” -Declaration of Independence, 1776
Re: Lug Wrench Handle
There are two wrenches used; 41-H-1541 (bar socket wrench) and a torque wrench adjustable to 250 foot pounds. The bar is 3/4 dia., and tempered steel. You can buy one at the link below, 41-H-1541 interchanges with Budd 44201. The torque wrench is used to tighten the lug nuts to 200-225 foot pounds.
[https://www.armyproperty.com/product/71282/44201/]
[https://www.armyproperty.com/product/71282/44201/]
Re: Lug Wrench Handle
Link does not work.Vaughn2 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 03, 2025 3:50 pm There are two wrenches used; 41-H-1541 (bar socket wrench) and a torque wrench adjustable to 250 foot pounds. The bar is 3/4 dia., and tempered steel. You can buy one at the link below, 41-H-1541 interchanges with Budd 44201. The torque wrench is used to tighten the lug nuts to 200-225 foot pounds.
[https://www.armyproperty.com/product/71282/44201/]
1951 M37 "Brutus" w/Winch and 251 engine
Re: Lug Wrench Handle
While I have the NOS bar and socket I prefer a 3/4 drive T-Bar and the 1 1/2 socket. In the garage I use the socket with a 1/2 to 3/4 adapter on my Dewalt impact gun as a time-saver.
Gary
Gary
Cal_Gary
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
G741.org Forum member since 2004
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
G741.org Forum member since 2004