Max torque on breaker bar/ratchet drives

[superba <superba@pacbell.net>]

Hi All,

Anybody got a WAG of what the max amount of torque is that can be safely
applied to a socket drive without deforming or breaking it?  I'm talking of
reasonable, average quality, such as Craftsman.  Not considering impact
tools.  Load would be applied slowly by hand, virtually static, as opposed
to dynamic.

For a 1/2 inch, 12.5mm, would it be 350 ft pounds?
For a 3/4 inch, 19mm, would it be 700 ft pounds?

I'm looking for quick and dirty, empirical answers.  I want the answer that
a good wrench would use in practice;  what size drive for what torque.

TIA.

Cheers!

Jim Jordan