Mechanics sometimes put a length of pipe over the handle of a wrench when trying to remove a very tight bolt. How does this affect the torque the mechanic can apply to a bolt?

Using a length of pipe over the handle of a wrench is a common technique known as "cheater bar" method. By adding a pipe, the effective length of the wrench handle is increased, which in turn increases the lever arm and allows the mechanic to apply more torque to the bolt. This makes it easier to loosen tight bolts that would otherwise require a greater amount of force to remove. However, it is important to note that adding a cheater bar can also increase the risk of over-torqueing the bolt, which may lead to damage or breakage.