Can you use a torque wrench with an extension?

Category: automotive auto parts
4.5/5 (2,064 Views . 39 Votes)
Adapters will affect the torque wrench setting if the distance changes between the fastener and the torque wrench handle. A straight extension will have no effect on the torque wrench setting.



Then, does extension affect torque wrench?

The short answer is no, extensions do not affect torque wrench accuracy. That is if they're used properly, and you're using your torque wrench correctly.

Secondly, how do you calculate extension torque? When you put an extension on a torque wrench (e.g. a crow foot or a dog bone) the torque applied to the fastener increases as the lever arm extends. The calculator will work out what value you should set into the wrench to achieve the required fastener torque. The following formula has been used: M1 = M2 x L1 / L2.

Herein, what should you not do with a torque wrench?

Do not drop your torque wrench or overload the wrench with a pipe extension. Improper Wrench Storage - Storing the torque wrench in conditions that will lead to the corrosion in the tool. High humidity areas for instance.

Is it OK to loosen bolts with a torque wrench?

So long as users operate with caution and do not exceed the maximum torque, most torque wrenches can be used for undoing. However, if the bolt will not free within the maximum torque of the wrench, another tool should be used instead. If in any doubt, use another tool for loosening bolts.

31 Related Question Answers Found

Do torque wrenches use regular sockets?

All torque wrenches come with a square drive where you can fit a socket. Normally when you buy a torque wrench you will not get a socket. You can not use it without a socket.

Do extensions increase torque?

NO! As others have said using an extension on either end will not effect the amount of torque applied. By making the torque wrench longer it only makes it easier for you to apply the same amount of torque. If you set it for 80ft-lbs it will click at 80ft-lbs regardless of any extensions used!

Can you use a universal joint with a torque wrench?

The usual practice is anything less than 15 degrees of deflection may be disregarded. Over that, there is no linear correction factor or similar; use of u-joint and torque wrench is not recommended.

How do you calibrate a torque wrench at home?

Part 2 Correcting Torque Wrench Calibrations
  1. Adjust the torque wrench using the weight.
  2. Move the weights up the handle if you hear a click.
  3. Lower the weights if you don't hear a click.
  4. Mark the point of transition.
  5. Measure from the square drive to the point of transition.
  6. Calculate the applied torque.

Can you use a crows foot on a torque wrench?


You don't have to make any correction if you put the crow's foot at 90 degrees to the handle of the torque wrench. That is true because the "lever arm" is unchanged.

How much torque can a 1/2 drive take?

150 ft-lbs will break a 3/8" drive usually and about 300 ft-lbs will break a 1/2" drive. These are on regular breaker bars that are partially hollow and have the little ball in the space of the head to hold the socket. A SOLID 1/2" heat treated impact rated drive anvil will go up to about 1200 ft-lbs.

What type of torque wrench is most accurate?

After a lot of research, we can say that Tekton 24335 1/2 inch drive click torque wrench is the best one out there in the market. It is the reliable torque wrench for tightening lug nut of the wheel for the most of car brands/models, its torque range is 10-150 ft-lb.

How do torque extension bars work?

Torque sticks, also referred to as a “torque limiting extension bar,” are an extension for your impact wrench, and they basically act as a shock absorber. They work on a torsion theory, which is just a fancy way of saying they flex at a certain rate, then stop applying torque when they reach a specified flex point.

How do you hold a torque wrench?

Torque Wrench Use and Care Tips
  1. Tighten fasteners in two steps—first to half torque and then to final torque.
  2. Clean dirty or rusted threads before tightening, but don't lubricate them unless instructed to by the equipment manufacturer.
  3. Always dial the wrench back to zero (never below zero) when you're done with it.

What is torque value?


Torque is the result of multiplying the value of Force applied by the Distance from the point of application.

What are torque adapters?

The use of torque adapters. Posted by Pia Limpiyasrisakul on Nov 25, 2017. Torque wrenches are used to apply a correct torque (force) to a 'critical part'. Often we'd like to apply the correct torque in order to: Avoiding over-tightening the parts(s).

What size torque wrench do I need?

Here are four common sizes of torque wrench: 1/4" – Good for smaller bolts and nuts that need only 50-250 feet to pounds. 3/8"– Best for most automobile related requirements between 15-75 feet to pounds. 1/2"– Suitable for bigger bolts and nuts that need 30 - 250 feet to pounds.

What happens if you drop a torque wrench?

A Torque Wrench That's Been Dropped Can't be Trusted
One accidental drop to the shop floor probably isn't a big deal, but repeated drops can affect the wrench's calibration. This is true even if it doesn't show signs of damage. The easiest way to check your torque wrench is to check it against another wrench.

Do you have to calibrate a digital torque wrench?

Due to their simpler torque mechanism, dial-type torque wrenches do not require as much maintenance and re-calibration as the click-type torque wrenches. Digital torque wrenches are very accurate instruments. However, their more delicate construction requires extra care while handling.

Do I need torque wrench to change tire?


A torque wrench is not explicitly necessary; the spare jack and tire iron that come in the trunk of every car are sufficient to change a tire in normal cases. If this was the case, car manufacturers would have to start including torque wrenches with the car in the event of a flat tire.

Can you ratchet with a torque wrench?

Torque wrenches can be used on any bolt that needs to be tightened to a specific setting. Because torque wrenches do not have a ratcheting mechanism, a ratchet is usually used to tighten the bolt. The torque wrench is then used to apply the final torque setting.

How tight should car wheel nuts be with a torque wrench?

Tight is good, but over tighten is NOT. Over tighten can stretch the stud and cause failure around the rotor. Every car has a lug nut torque specification from the manufacturer. The proper way to tighten the wheel is to use a torque wrench to torque every lug nut to its recommended torque when the car is on the floor.