Check your torque wrench!

[motorhead]

Some specifications require lube...some don't. .you have to check the manufacturers specs....for instance ARP requires the use of their moly lube to torque to spec..
Then again very few people how how long to hold the torque wrench to get to spec (5 seconds)
Then again trying to turn the wrench twice to click does nothing. ..
Because you have to figure breakaway torque added to the standard specs...
Very few people even know how to figure breakaway torque. ...

Yup, a lot more to it than just listening for "the beep". Different fasteners made of different materials in different sizes require different torque specs. It is almost like they stretch or something.

 

[1971demon]

Yup, a lot more to it than just listening for "the beep". Different fasteners made of different materials in different sizes require different torque specs. It is almost like they stretch or something.

back in the day..my boat engine builder would replace head bolts every yearly rebuild...he was a perfectionist...never launched a motor..he wasn't cheap but he was a perfectionist...his belief..multiple rebuilds..head bolts stretch

 

[Speedy!]

Never had mine checked, now you got me thinking.

 

[Jimmy N.]

For now, just use the time tested method of turning the fastener until it starts turning more freely again.
Then back off half a turn.

 

[Magnified]

Took my 1/2 drive o-150 lb no name 20? yr old torque wrench in to check calibration today and it was 25 lbs low!!!
I bought a new one.

Yes, that is one thing I don't save money on.

 

[Magnified]

I was pleased when my HF torque wrench matched my buddy's Snap On digital +- 1lb when we were doing the lugs on the Cats.
I don't always put it away with the spring unloaded, I use it frequently at 111ft lbs... but I've been told that is good practice.
Recommended calibration is every 5000 cycles or 12 months, whichever comes first. For context, that's only 250 tire changes.

I do more than 250 tire changes in a 12 month period.

 

[Jack_Toepfer]

back in the day..my boat engine builder would replace head bolts every yearly rebuild...he was a perfectionist...never launched a motor..he wasn't cheap but he was a perfectionist...his belief..multiple rebuilds..head bolts stretch

Back when I had time to do that stuff, I'd do the same with head bolts. Now, head studs, I'd reuse those for a few rebuilds.

 

[Old Mopar Guy]

So Ive been doing a bit of research and quite a few people give the HF Quinn 1/2 digital torque wrench a very favorable review. Anyone use one? Seems these digital wrenches also have an angle indicator which leads me to my second question. Will these wrenches continue to measure degrees if the operator was forced to stop applying force in order to ratchet the wrench backwards then reapply? I’m going to pin my crankshaft one of these weekends and I believe the new bolt gets torqued to 149ft.lbs and an additional 150*. With all this force needing to be applied I doubt I can reach 150* in one sweep. I will also mark points with a marker like Speedy did in his video. Thanks.

 

[Magnified]

Won't make it in one sweep, unless you're like the Hulk. lol, or more violent than I am with tools. I am stupid - the bolts will take an incredible g-load for several thousands pounds each, for example, yet I will be gentle with them when tightening them. Put the crap together like I'm building a watch. Silly.

 

[Old Mopar Guy]

I know I wont make it in one sweep which is why Im wondering if the wrench will keep track of where I stop, ratchet back a few teeth, and then begin torquing it down again. I seem to doubt it.

 

[Magnified]

How much did it cost? I know you can do it, but I think most manufacturers would only do the digital guage and hope for sales based on that, and not sophisticated and necessary functionality.

 

[Old Mopar Guy]

No purchase yet but HF lists it for 169.00 before coupon discounts. Prob about 135.00 ish when done. Good reviews on YT.

 

[Bowtie Guy]

Never needs calibrating

But my bad shoulder, shakes & blurry vision make it challenging

 

[Paladin06]

Took my 1/2 drive o-150 lb no name 20? yr old torque wrench in to check calibration today and it was 25 lbs low!!!
I bought a new one.

They should be calibrated annually if used frequently.

 

[Lize]

Very good advice.
Not using it for head bolts etc only wheels these days but had better check mine.
Just watched this video: