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Torque Wrench

  • Thread starter Thread starter julien
  • Start date Start date
J

julien

Guest
Hey,

I was wondering what type of torque wrench (if any) you are using. I have been doing some research on the internet. The craftsman, who usually are guaranteed for life, except for their torque wrench, do not seem to keep people happy.
What are you guys (and ladies) using? Size, Make, etc, etc...

Thanks much.
 
Oh no. :eek: You don't know what you've done. :pray:
 
If you will Search "Torque wrench", all of your questions will be answered

This subject has been fully explored, and then some
 
dpep said:
Oh no. :eek: You don't know what you've done. :pray:
Click to expand...

I was waiting to make such mistake... however I was searching for torque wrench and not "torque wrench" which keeps both together....

Pardon my mistake... I guess I was looking for a shortcut :rolleyes:
 
dpep said:
Oh no. :eek: You don't know what you've done. :pray:
Click to expand...
There once was a discussion on this subject specifically on beam vs. clicker. I don't remember much of it other than (from my nearest recollection) a genious by the name of swanny referencing the considerable pros of the beam type.
 
ALL 4 of mine are Snap On torque wrenches. No matter what brand you go with, you will need at least 1 that goes up to 150 lbs and an inch pound torque wrench for all the lower torque ratings. Ray.
 
I use a Snap-on springless clicker, 3/8" 100-600 inch-pounds. It was expensive, but the range and quality is perfect for motorcycle work.
 
rapidray said:
No matter what brand you go with, you will need at least 1 that goes up to 150 lbs and an inch pound torque wrench for all the lower torque ratings. Ray.
Click to expand...
Here, here...1/2" craftsman ft/lb (old), a 3/8" inch/lb craftsman both click type and a 3/8" beam type craftsman in/lbs for setting pinion rotating torque.
 
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What the others have said; you need more than one if you want to cover all the bolts, large and small.

I typically don't use a torque wrench unless I'm doing delicate work. For example, use a low range in-lb torque wrench when tightening a valve cover with a rubber Real Gasket installed, and use a high range torque wrench when tightening head stud nuts or the rotor screw.
 
One of the most critical things you need a torque wrench for is the clutch pressure plate. You will need an in/lb wrench for that.
 
Billy Ricks said:
One of the most critical things you need a torque wrench for is the clutch pressure plate. You will need an in/lb wrench for that.
Click to expand...

Why are these critical to torque Billy? I've always just snugged them down since they don't create any kind of clamp load.
 
Nessism said:
Why are these critical to torque Billy? I've always just snugged them down since they don't create any kind of clamp load.
Click to expand...
It's more of a matter of getting hamfisted and busting the bolts off. We've seen quite a few examples of that in the forums with people breaking the bolts off. I think the torque specs on them are in the 9 lb/ft range. They are supposed to be tightened down a little at a time on each bolt to keep the pressure plate going down evenly. Any good mechanic would do that anyway just as they would a head or anything else.
 
Well since you asked.......:-\\\

Here is a pic of my torque wrench (not really mine but similiar!)

If you're left handed look at the end of your other arm. You know...the one that makes an L.:D

Use 1 finger for very little torque (rarely used)...2 fingers for just a wee bit extra (most commonly used on smaller bolts, side covers, valve covers, etc....).....3 fingers for a little extra ooompphh...4 fingers or whole fist for the bigger bolts and serious foot pounds!
This method works for the ratchets and screwdrivers alike.

Granted it took a few years of busted bolts in my youth before I got the hang of it, but I haven't busted a bolt in 30 yrs or had one come loose either.

You had to ask!:eek:...and you think I'm joking?
 
For most things I don't use a torque wrench either. Heads ands things like that I will torque.
 
Billy Ricks said:
For most things I don't use a torque wrench either. Heads ands things like that I will torque.
Click to expand...

OK, I'll give you that on the heads:) if you want perfection, but just as important is the pattern and gradualness or eveness of your tightening method.
I've seen some people go to town on one bolt before moving to the next!...and this applies to all side and valve covers, car wheels, etc....not just heads.
 
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You need two ranges - ft/lbs and inch/lbs. I agree the main reason for using them is to get the bolts tight without snapping the heads off. In light of this, I see no reason to spend lots of $ on them, just something serviceable. I have an old Craftsman 1/2"" bar type and a 1/4" Harbor Freight clicker. They work just fine.
 
Calibration

Calibration

A little hyjack - but not really.
I have been working in automotive testing for 15 yrs. One of my responsibilities was calibration. I always found it rather surprising how far out of cal. the torque wrenchs would be found. And this with supposed trained and careful technicians handling the tool.
So my question - Do any owners of torque wrenchs ever send them in for calibration ?
Sadly, pro calibration services can sometimes exceed the cost of the wrench. But using a measuring tool that you can not be sure of the reading is shooting in the dark.
 
I have mine checked every year between Christmas & New Years. I've never had an issue with one yet but I don't drop them or LOAN them to anyone! Ray.
 
Steven Conlan said:
Do any owners of torque wrenchs ever send them in for calibration ?
Sadly, pro calibration services can sometimes exceed the cost of the wrench. But using a measuring tool that you can not be sure of the reading is shooting in the dark.
Click to expand...
No, but it would be simple to make a one ft (or 2ft.) center to center arm, then hang calibrated/mearured weight from it. then take it apart clean and adjust.
Steven, my cousin did that for a while also.

***edit*** I wish I would have known about that when you were over.
on second thought... we were drinking...
 
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rapidray said:
I have mine checked every year between Christmas & New Years. I've never had an issue with one yet but I don't drop them or LOAN them to anyone! Ray.
Click to expand...


You don't use them as hammers or prybars either? :eek:
 
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