Good job ruining your torque wrench. Try a breaker bar next time. Don't use your torque wrench again until it has been re-calibrated or you'll be asking your self why bolts keep snapping when using it.

venom51 wrote:Good job ruining your torque wrench. Try a breaker bar next time. Don't use your torque wrench again until it has been re-calibrated or you'll be asking your self why bolts keep snapping when using it.

It's OK to use a torque wrench (note: but still really not recommended) as long as you reverse the action, wind it up to the maximum and don't go past the 'click' of that maximum. If you haven't done that, you've probably broken it.

Druid

im fairly mechanically retarded when it comes to names of stuff, im under the assumption a socket wrench is the same as a torque wrench? well the wrench i use anyway has been used a hell of a lot and is still working so dont think iv'e busted it yet.

venom51 wrote:Good job ruining your torque wrench. Try a breaker bar next time. Don't use your torque wrench again until it has been re-calibrated or you'll be asking your self why bolts keep snapping when using it.

I guess it depends on the size of the torque wrench! A few years ago when removing the rear axel of a car I was standing on a sykes pickavant wrench and levering off the car to try and budge the nut and it didn't 'click' the nut gave first.. mind you 1000ft lb wrench :D

As druid said, winding up the wrench to maximum setting is always best...

Damz wrote:im fairly mechanically retarded when it comes to names of stuff, im under the assumption a socket wrench is the same as a torque wrench? well the wrench i use anyway has been used a hell of a lot and is still working so dont think iv'e busted it yet.

A torque wench is an adjustable ratchet that gives you some kind of indication (visual / audiable / both) when the bolt you are tightening up is at a specific tension.

They look similar to this.



A standard ratchet is like a non-adjustable torque wrench, you can't set it, just change which way aroudn it spins.

Proper use of a Torque Wrench:
•Always work with clean threads free of corrosion.


•Follow the product manufacturer's instructions for specific torque loadings, particularly whether recommendations are for dry, oiled or plated threads.


•Avoid over-tightening a nut or bolt with a conventional wrench before applying a torque wrench.


•When not in use, set at lowest torque.


•Never use it as a hammer, pry or conventional wrench.


•Avoid dropping. If dropped, check accuracy on a torque tester.


•When using adjustable wrenches, do not over-torque by applying torque past the release point. Learn the feel of the release rather than relying on the sound.


•Read torque values on indicating torque wrenches by looking at the dial at 90 degrees to its surface.


•When in frequent or continuous use, periodically check calibration accuracy.

Neosophist wrote:As druid said, winding up the wrench to maximum setting is always best...

This is bad advise. A torque wrench is for tightening fasteners to a specific tension, and should NEVER be used as a breaker bar.

NC35! wrote:

Neosophist wrote:As druid said, winding up the wrench to maximum setting is always best...

This is bad advise. A torque wrench is for tightening fasteners to a specific tension, and should NEVER be used as a breaker bar.

Totally agree BUT if you are determined to do it then at the very least do that.

Druid