Q: do you use a torque wrench for wheel lugs?
02-09-2013, 03:37 PM
#41
Pro
I use a torque wrench, as I have encountered when you over tighten the lugs then it can actually cause the brake rotors to warp over time. Also, I believe that if you over tighten the lugs enough times then it will make the studs weak as they could potentially stretch if over stressed. Just my opinion. 
02-10-2013, 01:36 AM
#47
Racer
I use a torque wrench, as I have encountered when you over tighten the lugs then it can actually cause the brake rotors to warp over time. Also, I believe that if you over tighten the lugs enough times then it will make the studs weak as they could potentially stretch if over stressed. Just my opinion.
someone before said that shops don't bother with Torque wrenches and the above statement is the reason why - simply not in bubbas interests to do it right as long as the wheel don't fall off on your way out....
(Put me as a "yes")
02-10-2013, 07:59 AM
#48
Team Owner
02-10-2013, 09:07 AM
#49
Melting Slicks
02-10-2013, 09:31 AM
#50
Drifting
NEVER use an impact to install lug nuts unless you confirm the torque after the fact. Unless your studs and nuts are already buggered-up (in which case, replace them!) you should never require an impact to install your lug nuts anyway-
Also, for folks that are torque wrench junkies, I hope you are either using a beam type or having your wrenches calibrated yearly.
Ive seen lug nuts come loose on cars where torque wrenches were used simply due to the fact that they were never re-calibrated since new and they aren't accurate anymore.
You'd be amazed how far the click type wrenches drift out of calibration after just a year.
Just trying to save folks some unexpected surprises- A torque wrench is no better than doing it by hand if you don't keep it calibrated.
Also, for folks that are torque wrench junkies, I hope you are either using a beam type or having your wrenches calibrated yearly.
Ive seen lug nuts come loose on cars where torque wrenches were used simply due to the fact that they were never re-calibrated since new and they aren't accurate anymore.
You'd be amazed how far the click type wrenches drift out of calibration after just a year.
Just trying to save folks some unexpected surprises- A torque wrench is no better than doing it by hand if you don't keep it calibrated.
02-10-2013, 11:41 AM
#51
Also, for folks that are torque wrench junkies, I hope you are either using a beam type or having your wrenches calibrated yearly.
Ive seen lug nuts come loose on cars where torque wrenches were used simply due to the fact that they were never re-calibrated since new and they aren't accurate anymore.
You'd be amazed how far the click type wrenches drift out of calibration after just a year.
Just trying to save folks some unexpected surprises- A torque wrench is no better than doing it by hand if you don't keep it calibrated.
Ive seen lug nuts come loose on cars where torque wrenches were used simply due to the fact that they were never re-calibrated since new and they aren't accurate anymore.
You'd be amazed how far the click type wrenches drift out of calibration after just a year.
Just trying to save folks some unexpected surprises- A torque wrench is no better than doing it by hand if you don't keep it calibrated.
02-10-2013, 01:40 PM
#52
Racer
Thread Starter
thanks to everyone for replying and for the insight/advice! It's always interesting to hear the different perspectives from such a knowledgeable and diverse group of enthusiasts.
since it's not that much more trouble or expense to do it the "right" way, i'm going to go out and get me torque wrench or two. Harbor Freight has them pretty cheap so perhaps I'll start there. Or maybe i'll shop for some better quality ones on Amazon.
[edit: where to start... 1/2 drive, 3/8 drive or 1/4 drive torque wrench?]
since it's not that much more trouble or expense to do it the "right" way, i'm going to go out and get me torque wrench or two. Harbor Freight has them pretty cheap so perhaps I'll start there. Or maybe i'll shop for some better quality ones on Amazon.
[edit: where to start... 1/2 drive, 3/8 drive or 1/4 drive torque wrench?]
Last edited by VetteHalen; 02-10-2013 at 01:53 PM.
02-10-2013, 06:02 PM
#55
Racer
Thread Starter
02-10-2013, 06:55 PM
#57
Racer
Get the 1/2 drive, I would avoid Harbor Freight for anything that needs to be calibrated to begin with.... try Craftsman maybe? (should be good enough for lugs)
02-11-2013, 07:28 AM
#59
Team Owner
I brought my 3 Craftsman torque wrenches in from home (1/2" drive, 3/8" drive, and 3/8" drive, inch pound), and checked them out. They were all between +/- 1%. HOWEVER, and this is important, I always dial them down to "zero" when I done using them.
Check out the article on torque wrenches, in the current Car Craft magazine. It specifically demonstrates what happens when you don't....
