Torque wrench
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
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From: Lynn MA
Torque wrench
Is there a small enough torque wrench to fit into the area where I can check my tightness of the header bolts so I won't over tighten and snap a bolt off ? There must be something out there. I have check all over with no luck.
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I've always just used a standard sized 1/4 drive inch pounds torque wrench on LS header bolts and yes even on the C5 with no flex head or universals.
Then again I don't have the stupid air system on my car.
For home use I'm a big fan of the inexpensive Performance Tool torque wrenches. You can get them at just about any auto parts store.
Then again I don't have the stupid air system on my car.
For home use I'm a big fan of the inexpensive Performance Tool torque wrenches. You can get them at just about any auto parts store.
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I have all 3 of the Harbor Frieght cheapest torque wrenches. 1/2” drive in ft. lbs., 3/8” drive in ft. lbs., and 1/4” drive in in. lbs.
The only problem I’ve ever had is with the 1/4” drive in. lbs. one. I was changing out the knock sensors on my truck and when I put the intake bolts back in, it snapped the very first one in the torque sequence.
I took it back and got a replacement, but I tested it and I still just don’t trust it.
The only problem I’ve ever had is with the 1/4” drive in. lbs. one. I was changing out the knock sensors on my truck and when I put the intake bolts back in, it snapped the very first one in the torque sequence.
I took it back and got a replacement, but I tested it and I still just don’t trust it.
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Just use a ratchet and tighten it 1/4 turn before it breaks.
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I have all 3 of the Harbor Frieght cheapest torque wrenches. 1/2” drive in ft. lbs., 3/8” drive in ft. lbs., and 1/4” drive in in. lbs.
The only problem I’ve ever had is with the 1/4” drive in. lbs. one. I was changing out the knock sensors on my truck and when I put the intake bolts back in, it snapped the very first one in the torque sequence. I took it back and got a replacement, but I tested it and I still just don’t trust it.
The only problem I’ve ever had is with the 1/4” drive in. lbs. one. I was changing out the knock sensors on my truck and when I put the intake bolts back in, it snapped the very first one in the torque sequence.
I took it back and got a replacement, but I tested it and I still just don’t trust it.
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I agree with the vast majority of your posts, Larry. But I'd NEVER trust a Harbor Freight torque wrench, without first having it calibrated..... I had my Craftsman calibrated, and it was within 3 ft/lbs@70ft/lb readout (head torque spec with my ARP studs). Just saying.........
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I agree with the vast majority of your posts, Larry. But I'd NEVER trust a Harbor Freight torque wrench, without first having it calibrated..... I had my Craftsman calibrated, and it was within 3 ft/lbs@70ft/lb readout (head torque spec with my ARP studs). Just saying.........
I should have listened to the little man inside. “See, you gotta listen to the little man!” Kramer
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I have always used a Craftsman 3/8” drive torque wrench - has worked well for me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
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You need a torque wrench for bearing caps, rod caps, head bolts and inexplicably wheel nuts. Everything else can and should be done by common sense and feel.
Every time I've stripped a bolt or a stud it has been with a torque wrench and bad specs out of a book.
Every time I've stripped a bolt or a stud it has been with a torque wrench and bad specs out of a book.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Northville, MI
Really easy to measure your torque wrench, for years I do this the first week of January each year. I have a 15 lb, 25 lb and 50 lb weights that I had weighed at an engine builders shop years ago and wrote down how many tenths of ounces they were off. 12 " from the pivot point on the wrench I mark a spot and hang the 50 lb weight from the 1/2" and then measure how far off the torque wrench is. My craftsman was 2.6 oz off while my HF was 17.5 oz off last January. that will give you the percentage off the torque wrench is lb-ft.