Torque wrench
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 359
From: Iowa
If this question is for me. I have the digital calibrator you put in a vise to check the torque at the different settings. I set the wrench in the mid pound settings as close as I can, then check the indications at higher and lower settings. I record the higher and lower settings so you will know how to adjust your true torque.
It's surprising how far off torque wrenches are. This all started with installing new valve springs. The torque spec for the rocker arms is 22 ft lbs. So if your wrench is off by just 3 lbs. that's a lot.
It's surprising how far off torque wrenches are. This all started with installing new valve springs. The torque spec for the rocker arms is 22 ft lbs. So if your wrench is off by just 3 lbs. that's a lot.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 359
From: Iowa
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,443
Likes: 2,166
From: Loveland
It can be used as either one. If you don't have a torque wrench, you can use this. It's a bit cumbersome. It's also used to calibrate a torque wrench. Yes, the same as a Quinn.
Last edited by kodpkd; May 23, 2026 at 12:57 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 911
From: near philly
so how exactly would one know that the measuring device used to calibrate the measuring device is accurate and not in need of calibration?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 742
I agree that's the "official" way to do it, and that's the way I treat my two wrenches.
But there is a long history of of gun magazines being fully loaded for years or decades without problems, and spring engineers tell us that it's cycling (repeated loading and unloading) of springs that degrades them, not constant compression.
I'm trying to understand the difference.
But there is a long history of of gun magazines being fully loaded for years or decades without problems, and spring engineers tell us that it's cycling (repeated loading and unloading) of springs that degrades them, not constant compression.
I'm trying to understand the difference.
I have a medium size torque wrench for lug nuts and a small one for oil drain plugs. I never thought about recalibration until now. I always turn the dials back to 0 and keep them in my house rather than my shop, which is not climate controlled.
When I add air to tires in the fall and let some air out in the summer, I use three gauges while the vehicle has been parked overnight. Two are mechanical. The readings vary by 3-4 pounds. I pump up with a nice portable air compressor with a digital read out.
I wonder how often the Chevy dealership tech guys recalibrate their torque wrenches or if they skip the torque wrench whenever possible because they have turned wrenches so long and know what feels right. I observed my own independent auto repair shop employee sitting on the fender of a high pickup truck and using an impact wrench to install spark plugs. That was cringe worthy.
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Team Owner
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
I cannot get the last rounded loaded in some of my Glock magazines. I also keep them loaded for years. The AR-15 and AK-47 mags are fully loaded and have been for years.
I have a medium size torque wrench for lug nuts and a small one for oil drain plugs. I never thought about recalibration until now. I always turn the dials back to 0 and keep them in my house rather than my shop, which is not climate controlled.
When I add air to tires in the fall and let some air out in the summer, I use three gauges while the vehicle has been parked overnight. Two are mechanical. The readings vary by 3-4 pounds. I pump up with a nice portable air compressor with a digital read out.
I wonder how often the Chevy dealership tech guys recalibrate their torque wrenches or if they skip the torque wrench whenever possible because they have turned wrenches so long and know what feels right. I observed my own independent auto repair shop employee sitting on the fender of a high pickup truck and using an impact wrench to install spark plugs. That was cringe worthy.
I have a medium size torque wrench for lug nuts and a small one for oil drain plugs. I never thought about recalibration until now. I always turn the dials back to 0 and keep them in my house rather than my shop, which is not climate controlled.
When I add air to tires in the fall and let some air out in the summer, I use three gauges while the vehicle has been parked overnight. Two are mechanical. The readings vary by 3-4 pounds. I pump up with a nice portable air compressor with a digital read out.
I wonder how often the Chevy dealership tech guys recalibrate their torque wrenches or if they skip the torque wrench whenever possible because they have turned wrenches so long and know what feels right. I observed my own independent auto repair shop employee sitting on the fender of a high pickup truck and using an impact wrench to install spark plugs. That was cringe worthy.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,443
Likes: 2,166
From: Loveland
I use the torque wrench when it's really required. I really don't use a torque wrench on lug nuts or oil drain plugs. I have tested the lug nuts for correct torque, it never seems to be an issue getting them correct without the torque wrench. I think, many times the torque value for lug nuts, is more about the company covering their asses.