Torque Wrench Question (Split from another thread)

[clutch22]

... since we're kind of on the topic of torque and I'm just starting my build, the torque wrench that I have is the cheap pendulum style.
With the low torque values on some of the smaller bolts (10-15 in-lb), it hardly is enough to move my guage. Also, I dont really have much faith in the precision this style. Would it be in my best interest to invest in a click type wrench or do you guys find this wrench sufficient?

[Sid Lambert]

You can get a nice click style inch pound wrench for not much. It's nice to have for the important things.

[cka357]

Originally Posted by clutch22

... Would it be in my best interest to invest in a click type wrench or do you guys find this wrench sufficient?

Andrew,

Yes it would be a worthy investment to procure a good 5 - 50 in lb torque wrench. The larger torque wrenches (ft lbs) are not ranged for small torque values. Most of the AN3 and AN4 bolts are measured in In-lbs. Many of the 1/4" drive digital torque tools will work.

Chuck

[RVbySDI]

Originally Posted by clutch22

... since we're kind of on the topic of torque and I'm just starting my build, the torque wrench that I have is the cheap pendulum style.
With the low torque values on some of the smaller bolts (10-15 in-lb), it hardly is enough to move my guage. Also, I dont really have much faith in the precision this style. Would it be in my best interest to invest in a click type wrench or do you guys find this wrench sufficient?

I would not be concerned about the "accuracy" of that type of torque wrench. In many respects that type of torque wrench can be more accurate than a click type wrench.

However, I would agree you should purchase a click type torque wrench that will measure the smaller values. It is being able to accurately measure a smaller torque value that you need to correct rather than the "type" of wrench you use.

[rongawer]

Originally Posted by clutch22

... since we're kind of on the topic of torque and I'm just starting my build, the torque wrench that I have is the cheap pendulum style.
With the low torque values on some of the smaller bolts (10-15 in-lb), it hardly is enough to move my guage. Also, I dont really have much faith in the precision this style. Would it be in my best interest to invest in a click type wrench or do you guys find this wrench sufficient?

I like my Craftsman torque wrenches. I have one in inch pounds and one for up to 175ft-lbs. Ratchet style and very reliable.

[clutch22]

Thanks guys

[rapid_ascent]

I have a couple of the craftsman torque wrenches, but for these lower torque values I bought a 1/4" drive click type torque wrench. I can't remember where I got it right now. I'm always paranoid about these types of things. For a few bucks in the grand scheme of things its more than worth it.

[rapid_ascent]

Oh and I'm marking them with torque seal so I think you would see the reminants in this case if it had been applied.

[larrynew]

I got this on the big auction site at someone's recommendation from this site. Use it all the time for the smaller nuts. Used but checked against my nicer CDI and it's spot on. I also use it for screws. 6-30 inch/lbs. It's a Utica TS-30. Got it for less than 1/5 of an aviation unit!

[Noah]

As a rule of thumb, torque wrenches are most accurate in the middle of their acceptable range and least accurate at the top and lowest 10%. For example, if a wrench is rated for 20 to 100 in-Lbs, it's least likely to be accurate below 28 in-Lbs and above 92 in-Lbs. Because of this, an assortment of torque wrenches is a good idea for a well stocked shop. See:
http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/t...wrench-FAQ.htm