Torque wrenches

[jpaine4]

Regardless of which one you choose, It should not be left at selected torque. When done, return it to the 0 point. Accuracy will be maintained that way. Most come with directions indicating this. However, most people do not read the directions, or follow them if they have read them. 😳

[J. Morgan]

Originally Posted by jpaine4

Regardless of which one you choose, It should not be left at selected torque. When done, return it to the 0 point. Accuracy will be maintained that way. Most come with directions indicating this. However, most people do not read the directions, or follow them if they have read them. [emoji15]

Split beam torque wrenches can be left at any setting without implication, as can digital wrenches, (They're split beam too).

(I have a caliper 3/8" inch drive inch pound torque wrench, a 3/8" drive foot pound torque wrench, a 1/2" drive split beam torque wrench, and a 1/2" drive angle torque capable digital torque wrench.

Have I used any of them to torque my Airstreams lug nuts?

Honestly? no. should I? Maybe.

Maybe if I had aluminum rims I would.... and maybe not. I have a pretty good feel for tight on lug nuts, those that don't should for sure use a torque wrench.

[Projet2907]

Originally Posted by mimiandrews

I bought a pawnshop torque wrench to carry in the Airstream. I'm torquing lug nuts, not aircraft engine parts, so perfect accuracy isn't required. Minimum loss if someone steals it.

Until you have a wheel flying off. Happened to me, Big ordeal with a single axle unit and lots traumatizing extended damages. Studs cut right off. Since then I bought a Snap-On Torque my own wheels. Makes me feel safer to be close to precise.

[Life is a Highway]

Yes my snap on torque wrench stays home and the inexpensive harbor freight goes on the road. Works well enough for the lug nuts and the equalizer hitch bolts.

The harbor freight torque wrench must be wound to the full torque limit and then backed down to zero for five times. Hardly anyone does this but it’s in the instructions.

I was always taught to never leave a torque wrench in a set pre loaded position for any length of time always back it down to zero to store.

That’s why a dial or beam style remains better calibrated it returns to zero after torque.

[pianolaw]

I have a technique question - in checking for torque what is correct method? Loosen each nut and then tighten and torque or just use the torque wrench on the already tightened nut?

[rmkrum]

Use on already properly torqued nut.

Loosen and retighten basically starts over.

[PKI]

Learned some on this thread. Thanks for posting the information. Pat

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

Use on already properly torqued nut.

Loosen and retighten basically starts over.

But L & T IS the only way to properly torque anything....cold.🤓
Torquing hot changes everything.


TETO...I torque once cold and ck at will.

Bob
🇺🇸

[pianolaw]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

Use on already properly torqued nut.

Loosen and retighten basically starts over.

Thanks

[FunkyBunks]

Originally Posted by Knotflying

New to the Airstream community and hoping to be a long time friend. We just purchased our first AS. Tommy Bahama FB27. Looking for advice on a quality torque wrench to take with us to check lugs periodically.


Thank you

The best brand is Wright. Lifetime warranty. Just something to consider...assuming you need a torque wrench for other things and/or cost is not a factor. All the best.

[Julie-Bob]

Originally Posted by Knotflying

New to the Airstream community and hoping to be a long time friend. We just purchased our first AS. Tommy Bahama FB27. Looking for advice on a quality torque wrench to take with us to check lugs periodically.





Thank you

Here the real deal on torque wrench. Drop it guess what it could be out of calibration, knot it around guess what it could be out of calibration, don’t unscrew it to zero after use guess what could be out of calibration. In the aviation industry before you could use a torque wrench had to check the calibration. But like all knows this isn’t rocket science. Lug nuts torque check is good. Yes I check mind before a trip. Here a question. How many times does one re check the lug nuts on their TV??? As far as purchasing a torque wrench. Pick one up a Harbor Fright for $19.00 on sale need a 1/2 inch one or purchase one from Snap On for big dollar both will do the job.

[ROBERT CROSS]

When I re-mount the wheels at Spring get-ready I torque to 110fp with the S/O torque wench in my tool box.

On the road I ck tightness with my manual + wench.
I don't 'torque', I ck tightness.👍

Note...to accurately re-torque a wheel it must be COLD and first be loosened, if loosened it must be checked again in 50-100mi.
If the TW is set at a value and you use it to ck torque by waiting for the click, you have a very good chance of increasing the torque value.
TETO


POI....I do NOT carry the Snap-on on the road for the above stated reasons. It stays 'at rest' with all my other tools.

Bob
🇺🇸