Torque Wrench Suggestions

[ddbackhoe]

I rather try to snug it and move on. That said, I've never EVER used a torque wrench for a drain plug nor, spark plugs for that matter. I've read some horror stories about the pan.... so I'm debating on trying to be more accurate when I do it verses the old "tighten it by feel" method.

As for the EZ/drain.... those intrigue me! I've seen those before. I don't recall how low the pan is (the car sits kind of low, I've scraped front bumper in a parking space before so tend to park short of the concrete bumps in parking lots)

Do you have a mobile tool dealer in the area? Check with them for pricing and see if they can perform torque wrench calibrations too. Our tool guy does ours as a freebie.
Of course, a periodic check will let you know if the wrench needs a calibration.

How to Check the Calibration of a Clicker-Style Torque Wrench

It should come as no surprise to anyone reading this that torque wrenches are calibrated and that calibration should be checked, at least occasionally. According to some experts, torque wrench …

www.onallcylinders.com

EZ/drain - No thanks, old school skeptic

 

[5030]

I only use a torque wrench for head bolts.

N ot me. If I have a specific torque spec, I always use it and of course wet or dry torque as applicable. Have the torque specs for my tractors and I adhere to then, always. Nice to have the shop manuals. I own a Proto 3/4 drive wrench that is good for 450 foot pounds and they ain't cheap, Don't use it that much but I do use it. Picked it up at a machinery auction and had it recalibrated.

Interestingly, I have a Snap-On 1/2" drive wrench as well (250 foot pounds) and if you put the Icon next to the Snap-On there is no difference except the lazer engraved name. of course the Snao-On cost 4 times the Icon. The Icon is a real bargain in accurate torque wrenches and one HF tool I strongly recommend.

 

[5030]

We have a Motion Industries branch store nearby and they check calibration and reset for free. I have all mine checked at least every 6 months.

 

[stumblinhorse]

Neither would I actuallu. One, they are expensive and 2, I prefer a frain plug over some valve that might come open.

And the drain plug gets all the oil out. The valves do not…

 

[Richard]

The threads on an oil drain plug are purposely made to strip long before you damage the oil pan.

Disclaimer: If my understanding is correct.....

Then you might have this backward. My understanding is it's the pan that's the softer material, therefore, more prone to stripping.....should something in fact strip, not the plug. If the plug stripped first then I'd just buy a new plug with each new filter (which automatically comes with a new crush washer).

 

[ericm979]

It's common for motorcycles with aluminium engine crankcases to get stripped drain plug threads. Guys don't use a torque wrench and just crank 'er down. The aluminum case theads strip before the steel plug. Mag cases are about as soft as aluminium. Maybe even a little softer. Using a torque wrench should prevent stripping the threads due to over tightening.

My VW came with a slick drain plug. It's a half turn sort of like a dzus fastener. As you tighten it there is a notable detent and then a hard stop. The seal is by o ring. It's really foolproof. But it's attached to a plastic oil pan which is easily damaged by rocks, especially since this model is lowered from the factory. I hit a rock and holed the pan, shut down immediately and saved the motor. I got a steel pan to replace it.

 

[MTGreen]

A cheap Chicom (e.g. HF) tool might be +/-15% inaccurate on the outside.
In reality +/-15% of spec in a drain plug is irrelevant as the spec is just to crush the washer adequately to prevent leaks and retain the plug.
This spec is going to be much less than the material strength of both the bolt and the drain pan.
If you're worried about it for a low spec application like this, get the HF one.
Alternatively, you can Helicoil the drain pan threads for longevity.
Just don't go expecting an HF type one to be accurate for critical applications like rod bolts or flywheel bolts.

You can also get a digital one for use with any ratchet or breaker bar for $50-100 if you want to go that route. I have a digital 3/4 one that I like because I have bolts on my tractor with a 500ft-lb spec which is well beyond my 3/4 torque wrench rating that I can get with my 3/4 breaker bar & digital attachment.

 

[mcfarmall]

Cheap wrench and inaccurate as well...

It would have to be waaaay off to strip out the plug if the dude follows the torque spec in the manual. After all, he's not building a space telescope or a jet engine.

 

[aczlan]

On accuracy,

A cheap Chicom (e.g. HF) tool might be +/-15% inaccurate on the outside.
In reality +/-15% of spec in a drain plug is irrelevant as the spec is just to crush the washer adequately to prevent leaks and retain the plug.
This spec is going to be much less than the material strength of both the bolt and the drain pan.
If you're worried about it for a low spec application like this, get the HF one.
Alternatively, you can Helicoil the drain pan threads for longevity.
Just don't go expecting an HF type one to be accurate for critical applications like rod bolts or flywheel bolts.

You can also get a digital one for use with any ratchet or breaker bar for $50-100 if you want to go that route. I have a digital 3/4 one that I like because I have bolts on my tractor with a 500ft-lb spec which is well beyond my 3/4 torque wrench rating that I can get with my 3/4 breaker bar & digital attachment.

IIRC they say the cheap harbor freight torque wrenches are good within 4%.
As long as you are using a basic 3/8" ratchet and arent reefing on it you should be fine without a torque wrench, the spec is 30 ft pounds from what I can find, that's snug but not reefing on it.

Aaron Z

 

[crazyal]

An ex GF had a 2003 (IIRC) Trailblazer. It not only had an aluminum oil pan the oil pan was also the front differential. There's a driveshaft from the transfer case going back into the oil pan. There's a reason why they sell so many different oil drain plug repair kits. I would hate to have to replace the pan on that Chevy.