Got torque?

[Big Wave D]

This question has to do with torque wrenches.

I know that to do a truly proper repair on a mechanical device, let's say a tractor )); a person should perform the repair and use the proper torque on all the bolts and nuts set forth by the shop manual.

So when the rubber meets the road, where do you all stand on this?

In my case, 1) I don't even own a torque wrench. (Which is probably the cardinal first sin of calling oneself a person of mechanical aptitude.) 2) I work on to many different projects to own a manual for them all is really not feasible. (Lot's of helping others with their stuff.) So, I don't even have any factory specified numbers to go by in those cases, even if I did own a torque wrench. 3) I am not rebuilding engines or transmissions. I have enough common sense to know that very complex machines need to have critical components torqued to very specific values; therefore, I steer clear of undertaking projects that I am not equipped for either by being limited on skill/knowledge or tools. Leave that to the pros. 4) Over the many years, I have a very good success rate on the repairs that I have performed. The item is returned to working order and doesn't explode or implode while being used.

Curious to hear how the rest of you decide how and when you break out the 'golden' t.w. :laughing:

What are your methods for deciding whether something is properly 'torqued' when no torque wrench is being used? (Keep tightening the fastener until it snaps, then back off a 1/4 turn )

 

[Combustix]

got one but use it seldomly. Though just replaced chipper blades and even the Manufactured recommended not to over torque as the blades could crack when using. So I used a TW. otherwise on the big nuts like truck or wheels I go as tight as I can get um and don't back off. Though I gotta say a 1/4" drive tw would be nice

 

[wthompson]

i can admit that i don't go by the book a lot times also. After turning wrenches for many years on all sorts of equipment from electrical connections to general maintenance you get a feel for it. Building an engine or transmission and not using a torque wrench would be insane thou. one thing i do like to check are wheel lug nuts! you get a feel for impact wrenches too but i still like to check with torque wrench.:thumbsup:

 

[Big Wave D]

I do have a neighbor who is a professional mechanic and has accumulated a massive amount of tools and specialty items. If I am really needing to do something "correct", I am fortunate that he will permit me use of his vast collection. I do not abuse his generosity and therefore don't ask often and do treat any item with extreme care. :thumbsup:

 

[Big Wave D]

I am with you, wthompson.

I guess after all of these years; I to have a certain sense of "calibration" or feel, but I doubt that if checked by an actual torque wrench I'd be +/- 4%. (Harbour Freight, $10 special, :laughing::laughing

 

[murphy1244]

At my age my elbow clicks at the percise torque I need.

 

[wrenchturner]

Those that believe they have developed a sense of feel for torque would be surprised at how far off their sense of feel is. I have tested my "sense of feel" against a torque wrench calibrator. Yes I can get it close but then what about the different positions you are in and the different lengths of wrenches? What if you are pulling on an 8 inch wrench versus a 12 inch wrench. You would have to pull 50% more on the 8 inch wrench compared to the 12 inch wrench to get the same torque.

 

[Big Wave D]

At my age my elbow clicks at the percise torque I need.

:laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing:

That's FUNNY! Thanks for a good laugh this evening. :thumbsup:

 

[Baby Grand]

Big Wave D - sounds like you are okay with your approach. When you get into anything critical, you go see your neighbor and get the TW.

Getting the right torque on most bolts means getting enough torque that the bolt won't loosen and drop out, but not so much that you snap the bolt off or deform or crack the things being bolted together. This is where a "mechanic's feel" is helpful.

Getting the right torque on critical components requires using a TW to be sure. You may get lucky without one, but you're really casting dice if you don't use it. As wrenchturner said, the scatter in the applied torque is too much to insure that a flange won't separate under load and start fretting or a cylinder head won't be unevenly loaded and overstressed to the point of cracking or failing the gasket.

If the bolt or nut preload is super important, then you want to measure angle of turn, not torque, but that is rare in consumer type products.

 

[rsewill]

I rarely use a torque wrench except for engine work. I am also one who estimates torque when I do wheels and the like. Wheels are easy. I know how much I weigh and I can calculate torque based on the distance I stand (or a knee) on the wrench from the nut/bolt. Accurate enough for my work. But usually I just crank on wheel securement. I tend to over torque because I use anti-seize Other wrenching usually has more tolerant specs so I guesstimate.