Topic

if you're going to fiddle with your parts, it's important to put them back properly.
a torque wrench allows you to secure fixings to the manufacturers recommendation, not just 'nip it up'.

you don't need to spend a fortune, i procured a couple that cover a good range of torque.

Draper 28757 3/8-inch 10 - 80nm Square Drive Ratchet Torque Wrench by Draper
Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009VYBFBO



and larger

30-210 nm
Draper 30357 Micrometer Adjustment Torque Wrench by Draper
Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0001K9S52



the smaller unit allows access in tight spaces, the larger has a longer 475mm handle to give leverage.

these are tested/certified from new, typically torque wrenches are most accurate within the middle of their range.

to keep them in top condition;
don't use them as a wrench - just a final torque tool.
back off the adjuster when not in use.
keep them warm and indoors - corrosion will damage them.

happy torquing

i love it when you 'torque' dirty to me

Whiz you filthy slag. You love it.

More tool porn..... I don't know if I can cope

TB

I think a torque wrench is a must when tighening steel bolts into aluminum alloy. It is so easy to over torque the bolt and strip the aluminum alloy threads. The oil pan on my F's engine had five stripped threads.

There are other types of torque wrenches that the micrometer type shown above.
There is the duel signal deflecting beam type

These are very robust and give both a visible and audible signal the the desired torque has been reached.

There are fancy digital torque wrenches

These ones feature interchangeable heads.

Here is a Stahlwille torque wrench like mine and some of the different types of insets.




Your torque wrench should have it's calibration tested from time to time.
To check my calibration I use one of these.

When the torque wrench is used with extension bars it will affect the accuracy of the torque wrench and change the amount of torque applied to the bolt for a given setting. This happens because the extension bar twists and soaks up some of the torque applied.
But if torque wrench and the extension bar to be used are put on this meter then I can reset the torque wrench to apply the desired amount of torque to the bolt.

Now torque wrench testers aren't going to be a viable purchase for the average home mechanic but you my be able to get it tested at a friendly workshop.

There are other kinds of torque wrench testers.

That Stahlwillie stuff looks the dogs b*ll*cks (and is true tool porn).

R

I have this in my garage.

No fancy calibration tools but I bought and used the Draper 10-80 nm torque wrench for my track rod ends and on the wheels. All good so far.

Why is the image upside down?


[/URL][/img]

So our Australian friends can see it?