first time using torque wrench
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first time using torque wrench
ok so a little embarrassed to ask this question.. this weekend I replaced the clutch master cylinder which did fix my sticky clutch pedal issue
since I had to take the front wheel off to replace it, I wanted to make sure I used a torque wrench when putting the wheel back on. So I bought a new 1/2 drive, 50-250 wrench from Lowes. I set it first to 50, then 80 and then 100 ft/lb. Once I heard the clicks at 50, when setting it to 80 and then to 100 it didn't seem tighten anymore before it clicked letting me know it was at the proper level? I guess what I expected is between 50-80 and 80-100 it would have tightened the lug a little more each time and that wasn't my experience?
Thank you for helping this beginner out!
since I had to take the front wheel off to replace it, I wanted to make sure I used a torque wrench when putting the wheel back on. So I bought a new 1/2 drive, 50-250 wrench from Lowes. I set it first to 50, then 80 and then 100 ft/lb. Once I heard the clicks at 50, when setting it to 80 and then to 100 it didn't seem tighten anymore before it clicked letting me know it was at the proper level? I guess what I expected is between 50-80 and 80-100 it would have tightened the lug a little more each time and that wasn't my experience?
Thank you for helping this beginner out!
Le Mans Master
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From: South Dakota
That is not normal. It should tighten a little more with each increase in torque setting.
When you heard/felt the click at 50 did you stop immediately or turn a little further? Don't mean to offend, but just wanted to make sure you were using it correctly. Once it clicks, you can apply extra torque without another click and it does not limit the torque, it just tells you when you have first reached the torque value.
When I do mine at 100 I will recheck in about 100 miles. Usually I get a little movement on some of the nuts before it clicks. It normally takes me about 2 retorquings before all of the nuts will not move before clicking.
good luck.
When you heard/felt the click at 50 did you stop immediately or turn a little further? Don't mean to offend, but just wanted to make sure you were using it correctly. Once it clicks, you can apply extra torque without another click and it does not limit the torque, it just tells you when you have first reached the torque value.
When I do mine at 100 I will recheck in about 100 miles. Usually I get a little movement on some of the nuts before it clicks. It normally takes me about 2 retorquings before all of the nuts will not move before clicking.
good luck.
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I did stop once I heard the click at 50.. and then at 80 and 100 it didn't really seem to turn it would just click immediately. I appreciate your response.. Im really not sure what I am doing wrong? I may loosen them and start again??
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Yes, the wrench should tighten the lug nuts a bit more each time and have an audible click when it reaches the next torque setting.
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Hill Country TX
Doubt it is an issue, but then again you never know. I suggest you take your torque wrench back and exchange it for a different one. Could be defective. Stranger things have happened.
Edited to add: Also check the little pamphlet that comes with the wrench. Some mfgr suggest adjusting the wrench through out its range (ie twist the setting to 250lbs and down to 20lbs) or so a few times) before use. Note also that the mfgr most likely recommend that the wrench be stored at some setting other than zero. Normally 10-20% of full reading.
Edited to add: Also check the little pamphlet that comes with the wrench. Some mfgr suggest adjusting the wrench through out its range (ie twist the setting to 250lbs and down to 20lbs) or so a few times) before use. Note also that the mfgr most likely recommend that the wrench be stored at some setting other than zero. Normally 10-20% of full reading.
Last edited by Weck86; Jul 18, 2016 at 10:29 AM.
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I tighten the lug nuts on my C5 using two passes. First at 70 then at 100. That way, I can hear the audible click and feel the nuts turning. I had used 3 passes before and had a similar issue with not feeling movement of the lug nuts between 80 and 100 ft-lbs. I also make sure to include the locking lug nut in the tightening sequence.
Torque wrenches from places like Lowes (Kobalt) and Sears (Craftsman) are fine for the home mechanic but most of these wrenches have something like a +/- 4% accuracy. I also keep the setting on my 1/2" drive torque wrench at 25-ft-lbs when I'm not using it.
Torque wrenches from places like Lowes (Kobalt) and Sears (Craftsman) are fine for the home mechanic but most of these wrenches have something like a +/- 4% accuracy. I also keep the setting on my 1/2" drive torque wrench at 25-ft-lbs when I'm not using it.
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From: Kelowna BC
Maybe remove the nuts and start over. Torque to 50#, then place pieces of masking tape with felt lines on the lugs and wheel. Then torque (in steps as you like) to final #. If the marks still line up you might have a faulty wrench. Slow and steady wins the race, as noted by another poster.
Also, are you cross tightening? Start with one, then go across to the right, across to the right... until all 5 are done?
Also, are you cross tightening? Start with one, then go across to the right, across to the right... until all 5 are done?
Last edited by grantv; Jul 18, 2016 at 12:16 PM.
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From: Houston TX
Slow and steady pressure, as mentioned. It's easy to overshoot the click if you're not careful. When done, don't forget to set the torque wreck back to its lowest setting.
Last edited by Black 02; Jul 18, 2016 at 12:16 PM.
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I tighten the lug nuts on my C5 using two passes. First at 70 then at 100. That way, I can hear the audible click and feel the nuts turning. I had used 3 passes before and had a similar issue with not feeling movement of the lug nuts between 80 and 100 ft-lbs. I also make sure to include the locking lug nut in the tightening sequence.
Torque wrenches from places like Lowes (Kobalt) and Sears (Craftsman) are fine for the home mechanic but most of these wrenches have something like a +/- 4% accuracy. I also keep the setting on my 1/2" drive torque wrench at 25-ft-lbs when I'm not using it.
Torque wrenches from places like Lowes (Kobalt) and Sears (Craftsman) are fine for the home mechanic but most of these wrenches have something like a +/- 4% accuracy. I also keep the setting on my 1/2" drive torque wrench at 25-ft-lbs when I'm not using it.
