Your Torque Wrench?

gbopp wrote:

BuckBarker wrote:
Don't forget that adding an extension onto the wrench so the socket will reach the lug nuts will change the torque reading. These wrenches are calibrated with a socket mounted directly onto the wrench.

I was instructed, from my navy days as an aircraft mechanic, that a socket extension will not change the accuracy of a torque wrench. It's just measuring the twisting force.

But, if you use a crows foot, it changes the length of the wrench and will effect the accuracy.

I learned something today. :?

So did I. I learned that the old extension myth is alive and well, STILL!!
I, too, learned how to properly use a torque wrench as an aircraft mechanic (ADR) in the Navy. I went on to hold an FAA A&P license.
An extension will NOT change the calibration of a torque wrench!
A crowfoot, where the point of contact with the fastener is beyond or behind the end of the torque wrench DOES change the calibration, and must be computed to get accurate torque.
A crowfoot at right angles to the centerline of the torque wrench has such a small effect on the calibration that it can be ignored.
The longer the crowfoot, the more important it is to compute the actual torque applied to the fastener.
It is often more important to have the fasteners tightened equally than it is to have the actual torque reading.
I have had and used torque wrenches of all types and brands. One of the best I ever had was a Duro-Chrome from a farm store. That wrench passed the calibration tests required of aircraft tools for many years, but after about 30 years of use, it finally failed calibration and was scrapped.
Now I have a couple of Harbor Freight wrenches. They do the job just fine. Now that tools are no longer tax deductible for me, I see no need to spend the money on a Snap-On wrench!