Do You Really Use Torque Wrench?

Oka · Post by **Oka** » 15 Oct 2017, 04:07

Hello folks, am just so curious on how many of us enthusiasts/DIYers use torque wrench?
I have a fairly good one, but I just don't bother.
Thanks.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 15 Oct 2017, 06:09

I have a set of three, 1/4" 3/8" and 1/2" drive. I use them to torque everything to spec. Saves a lot of time by not dealing with snapped bolts and stuff coming loose.

Oka · Post by **Oka** » 15 Oct 2017, 06:59

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑15 Oct 2017, 06:09 I have a set of three, 1/4" 3/8" and 1/2" drive. I use them to torque everything to spec. Saves a lot of time by not dealing with snapped bolts and stuff coming loose.

Very logical. Thanks!

Post by **oragex** » 15 Oct 2017, 07:08

I would use one for the timing belt tensioner, a head bolt, or a subframe bolt. And definitely for the wheel lugs, until I got the feeling how much to torque it. For others just by feeling, bolt size and safery concern degree.

Post by **abscate** » 15 Oct 2017, 09:25

If you use a torque wrench for a week of jobs along side a ratchet, you can get a feel for what your

wrist - 5-10 ftlbs
elbow 20-35 ft lbs
Shoulder 50-60 ft lbs (perfect for lug nuts with lubrication)
Body - more

will deliver. Most applications torque is not critical - one place where it is is when Volvo tells you to torque to 80 ft lbs then 60 degree angle turn. Dont short cut those - beg borrow rent steal - ok, don't steal. Borrow mine if you are in the NE.

Old age gives you the experience to feel a fastener reach the combination of head friction, thread friction, and bolt stretch where you won't break anything by over torque. All my broken fasteners are from seized steel in Al with age and oxidation rather than over tightening.

I salute you guys who torque everything to spec - well done.

Cees Klumper · Post by **Cees Klumper** » 16 Oct 2017, 00:10

I have so far only used my torque wrench for the driveshaft bolts on the Volvos, head bolts on my '69 Mercedes, and the CVT transmission on my Honda scooter. Everything else I do by feel, and never had anything snap off or come loose. Also, I recently read somewhere that you must always return the torque wrench to '0' after use, i.e. Don't leave it set to any other setting, for it to remain accurate.

Post by **precopster** » 16 Oct 2017, 00:36

Only use them on head bolts and camshaft sprocket (CVVT type).

The rest is pure experience based on metallurgy, size of fastener, depth of reach, my current muscle tone and thread pitch. My mind is just like an IBM computer from the sixties......

Post by **jonesg** » 16 Oct 2017, 03:08

My friend uses it for everything, then runs into situations where the torque wrench won't fit.
Sooner or later it's best to learn what it feels like.

Post by **j-dawg** » 16 Oct 2017, 06:01

If even application of force is necessary - head bolts, cam cover bolts, wheel bolts - then yes. Smaller screws going into aluminum is also a good use of a torque wrench, though for some things I've just gotten used to not going full gorilla on it (intake manifold, thermostat housing, etc).

Post by **mrbrian200** » 16 Oct 2017, 09:09

Depends what it is. If it's something that might result in a leak or disabling the car if not proper/even then, yes, absolutely I use a torque wrench. Except the lug nuts-- if you've taken enough wheels off you get a pretty good feel for it without the torque wrench as long as someone hasn't done something dumb like put grease on them. I found that a 7lb sledge with about 6-8 inches of swing on the T-bar is just right for wheel lugs. For steel on steel suspension parts held on by bolts in the 15-18mm size range I 'swing harder' and its about right. Except if aluminum is involved. Then I look up the spec and use the torque wrench. You don't want to risk weakening or stripping out threaded aluminum on higher torque applications. And you will if you're not careful.