Torque wrenches

[SubAlpine]

Lets talk torque wrenches. Calibration, different types etc...
I will start, I checked a cheap needle type wrench with a calibrated click type. Needle was not even close.
Lets hear it from the experts...

[Hypoid]

We have to check the calibration on our torque wrenches at least weekly. To get accurate readings, you have to go slow and bear down until you hear the click. If you jerk it like you are a power lifter, the results are not so good.


I remember checking the big ones for the first time, feeling the test bench move as I applied force, almost pooping my pants as the torque approached 300 ft-lbs...

[Brad]

I have a snap on digital tech angle wrench. Expensive but works incredibly well.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TFaNE3htz8&sns=em

[RidgeRunner]

I have 2 Snap-On click type torque wrenches. Expensive like Brad said, but I know I can trust that they are right. I do have them checked periodically but not as often as Mike.

[Max]

I bought the 1/2" one from Harbor Freight for $9.99. Hey, it's not like I'm wrenching on the Space Shuttle Endeavour. :D

[The StRanger]

Have on of my 1st sticks as a spare. It about 40 years old.
Right now Im usein a mac unit that about 10 to 15.
Send it in once a year to calibrate and its good to go.
We used the cheap ones at P**rl**s tires and those thing would last about 2 week ...

[JFjeld]

I have this 1/2" click torque wrench I bought from Northern Tool about 5 years ago. Have only used it a few times, most notably when I installed an auto locker in my old D30 and had to remove the ring gear from the carrier. I've not had it calibrated...

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200621085_200621085

[Tnsejed]

I run a 3/8" Ft/lbs Snap-on click, and a 3/8" In/ibs Snap-on click. I also have an older snap-on 3/8" in/lbs dial type for checking bearing preload.
My 1/2" torque wrench is Matco.

Like everyone else said. Nothin is nearly as important in keeping up to date with the calibration. There are lots of metrology labs around that can do it.

[alexb]

So how do you calibrate a torque wrench? Have to send it somewhere? What's it cost?

[Chris]

Pshaw! You have a Yota Chris, just make it "Toyota Tight" and skip the torque wrench! ;)

(Unless it's something like the heads, of course)

[Tnsejed]

So how do you calibrate a torque wrench? Have to send it somewhere? What's it cost?

Usually I've always had my stuff sent out. A quick google search turned up this lab up north:
http://www.laerie.com/index.html

I have no idea what they charge. I'm sure there are some other labs up north as well, just make sure they will do automotive tools before you head there.

[Hypoid]

Lets talk torque wrenches. Calibration, different types etc...
I will start, I checked a cheap needle type wrench with a calibrated click type. Needle was not even close.
Lets hear it from the experts...
I know people who will trust the beam type torque wrenches over the "clicker" wrenches.

Here is a video that would be helpful to the home mechanics:

http://youtu.be/ZiBbDWPNHiI

When I get time, I'll cover the main points of the procedure we use at work. The guy in this video does mention some of these practices, but only in passing.