High Torque Setting Solutions

[Dan Hunter]

I'm trying to replace an M20 10.9 bolt on my MX5 mower. As near as I can tell, it requires 500 ft lbs of torque. My highest capacity wrench is 150 ft lbs.

I'm contemplating just assembling it and taking it to 150 ft lbs and then loading it on my trailer and dragging it to my local implement store and have them put their torque multiplier for a fee if necessary (didn't buy the mower from them but I did buy my disc harrow from them). I can't anyone that rents and the best answer in purchasing tools would be:
a big 3/4 inch cheater bar TEKTON 15359 3/4-Inch Drive by 38-Inch Breaker Bar - - Amazon.com
a torque adapter Neiko 2743A 3/4" Digital Torque Adapter | 147 Foot/737 lb | Audible Alert - Hydraulic Adapters - Amazon.com
and an impact reducer Amazon.com: TEKTON 47823 3/4-Inch Drive (F) by 1/2-Inch (M) Impact Reducer: Home Improvement
I just don't know how much use I'd get on the stuff.

Thoughts?

 

[JRobyn]

Do you or anyone you know weigh about 250#? Use a 24" handle/cheater bar and have them stand on it.

 

[1stDeuce]

Is this the pivot bolt right under where the top link attaches? Unless you're pulling that torque spec from the manual, I might suggest it probably doesn't need that much torque to function fine...

My recollection is that my IR 231 1/2" impact will hit about 450ftlbs at 90PSI. I imagine most are in the same ball park. If I had to torque something to 500ftlbs, I'd just set the pressure to about 100psi and let it rattle till it was tight. Be close enough.

Just so you know, published torque specs are always for a dry bolt and nut. If you're greasing or oiling the threads, or using locktite, it will reach the same clamp at 50-70% of the published spec.

 

[Stimw]

I worked on Semi's for over 30 years. We had a torque specification- As tight as it will go then 3 more turns!!
I have installed THOUSANDS of truck lug nuts holding wheels on. I have never worked where there was a torque wrench for them.
I have also replaced hundreds of broken wheel studs because someone went 4 turns.
Not sure what part you are trying to hold on but with some exceptions I would just get it close.

 

[JRobyn]

Just got done with a rodeo to have two wheel studs replaced on our Subaru. Did you know that there is no such thing as "regular" wheel studs anymore in a small handful of common sizes? All specially-designed and have to be purchased from the auto manufacturer.

Numbnuts at Discount Tire think it's cool to stick the nut in the socket on a 400#-capable, 1200RPM impact wrench and then jam it on the stud at full speed. Woulda taken 2 sec or less to start it a turn or two by hand, but instead, they get to eat about a $200 repair job.

Sorry, rant over, returning you to your regularly-scheduled thread.