torque wrench
Can someone recommend a basic torque wrench for me. I have a lot of tools but never owned a TW. Will not be building engines or that sort of thing so something basic that actually works, without b...
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Dtank, I agree with you, but.... I have never seen a normal tire shop use bar type, click type, or any type of torque wrenches to put on tire lug nuts. I assume (and hope) a racing shop or maybe a heavy duty truck shop would be careful, but not the local place down the street.
At car dealerships, I have talked to a few mechanics and they use "torque extensions" on their air wrenches:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Capri-Tools-1-2-in-Drive-65-to-140-ft-lbs-Torque-Limiting-Extension-Bar-Set-5-Piece-CP30083/207008191
I have not used those personally, but the dealerships use them to cover their butts for putting on wheels. The mechanics have told me they can get in big trouble if they are seen mounting wheels without using the torque extensions.
Most local garages usually put on the wheels with an air wrench "until it feels right". They will tell you different, but... I still check things when I get home.
The tire stores I've been to, well, they can dismount, mount, balance, and put back on wheels and tires faster than a NASCAR pit crew. I NEVER trust them to do it correctly that fast (I might trust an actual pit crew), the rare times I've used a tire shop I check lug nuts, rims, and tires when I get home.
I always like to check and re-torque (if needed) my wheels if someone else has worked on them... because if I have a flat, it will be me on the side of the road changing the tire!
At car dealerships, I have talked to a few mechanics and they use "torque extensions" on their air wrenches:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Capri-Tools-1-2-in-Drive-65-to-140-ft-lbs-Torque-Limiting-Extension-Bar-Set-5-Piece-CP30083/207008191
I have not used those personally, but the dealerships use them to cover their butts for putting on wheels. The mechanics have told me they can get in big trouble if they are seen mounting wheels without using the torque extensions.
Most local garages usually put on the wheels with an air wrench "until it feels right". They will tell you different, but... I still check things when I get home.
The tire stores I've been to, well, they can dismount, mount, balance, and put back on wheels and tires faster than a NASCAR pit crew. I NEVER trust them to do it correctly that fast (I might trust an actual pit crew), the rare times I've used a tire shop I check lug nuts, rims, and tires when I get home.
I always like to check and re-torque (if needed) my wheels if someone else has worked on them... because if I have a flat, it will be me on the side of the road changing the tire!
