lonewolf

That's understandable. What I don't understand is how I was able to break the lug bolts with about 300 ft-lbs (by using a breaker bar) when the impact can output 1100 ft-lbs?!

I just bought a Milwauke M18 impact wrench (model# 2763-22). Used it to torque down the lug bolts on a couple wheels on a VW Jetta this past weekend. Got carried away and overtightened them to at least 200 ft-lbs, when they should be tigthened to 90 ft-lbs. Tried to remove them with the M18 impact, and it won't take them off!! I'd hammer for a good 10 seconds, and nothing. The battery was at full charge and the impact seemed to be hammering at full force. I had 6 bolts that were way too tight. 1 it eventually was able to remove. For the others I used my 3 foot long breaker bar. Removed 4. 1 got its head stripped and will need to be drilled out. Now my question is how can it be that the impact cannot unbolt the same bolts it tightened just minutes ago? It is rated at 700 ft-lbs tightening torque, and 1100 ft-lbs nut busting torque. My 3 foot long breaker bar and my 190 lbs weight probably put no more than 300 ft-lbs of torque to undo the bolts. Is this normal, am I expecting too much from the M18 impact?