Torque Wrench

[flyingace]

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.

[Steven Conlan]

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.

[rapidray]

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.

[rustybronco]

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.

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...

[Don-lo]

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.

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

[Steven Conlan]

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.

You are on your way to QS/ISO qualification. That is if whom ever checked the cal is also QS/ISO certified. What a pita that part of the job was.
I got to the point that I would watch some "technician" from afar when using a calibrated tool that I was responsible for.
Dropped tools is just the start. I have seen them used as hammers, pry bars, and to see heavy objects sitting on the wrench - ho boy!
I actually saw one "tech" using a beam torque wrench - not liking the reading - took the pointer and bent it in the direction to make the part pass the test.
I also learned to send the tool to a calibration service that DID NOT also sell tools. Too many times I would get reports advising the tool "Non Calibratable" along with a quote on a new tool.

I asked originally....I have a good friend that sometimes just doesnt get it. Good mechanic (kinda slow), does his own wrench turning. Owns many, many tools. He doesnt think that torque wrenchs EVER need recalibration. Even if dropped. He wont listen to me. I do not loan him ANYTHING that requires accuarcy. I do not use his torque's.

[Billy Ricks]

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.

Or use them as breaker bars.