Jlbc212
Well-known member
Is there any device and/or method that can be used to determine how much torque had been applied to a bolt or nut, such as a lug nut on a wheel stud?
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
applied torque
- Thread starter Jlbc212
- Start date
jkwilson
Well-known member
You can't measure it directly, but it can be calculated if you know the material characteristics, the original length and the length after tightening. Even that doesn't tell you the torque that was applied exactly without knowing if the bolt was tightened more than once or if any kind of lubricant was used.
jallyn
Well-known member
No. But if the bolt or stud is stretched in any way then obviously it was over-torqued and needs to be replaced. This is called plastic deformation. Correct torque puts the bolt/stud in proper tension to hold the joint together, but is less than the tension that would permanently stretch it (plastic deformation).
Breaking torque can give an indication of how much torque was applied to tighten it, but won't be perfect because rust, dirt, lubricants, etc. have an effect on breaking torque that can be different from when the fastener torque was applied.
Breaking torque can give an indication of how much torque was applied to tighten it, but won't be perfect because rust, dirt, lubricants, etc. have an effect on breaking torque that can be different from when the fastener torque was applied.
Your best bet is to use a dial type torque wrench. You could see how much torque registered right before the nut started to move.
Something like this but with a higher torque range
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EB9O9S/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Something like this but with a higher torque range
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EB9O9S/?tag=atomicindus08-20
kelpaso1
MEMBER EMERITUS
^^^^
From what I understand, this is not a good way to measure an already torqued bolt or nut. Breakaway torque can be as much as 3-4 times that it was originally torqued to.
From what I understand, this is not a good way to measure an already torqued bolt or nut. Breakaway torque can be as much as 3-4 times that it was originally torqued to.
sberry
Banned
What is it you are trying to do,,,or what is the point?
justanengineer
Well-known member
What is it you are trying to do,,,or what is the point?
+1 to the second part especially. If its a critical fastener then toss it, replace it, and torque properly. If its not, then loosen and retorque.
What is it you are trying to do,,,or what is the point?
I'm guessing that the OP is trying to prove that some tire store over torqued his lug nuts.
The answer is your not going to prove it.
lg
no neat sigline
Ramblin Man
Well-known member
OP, if you are trying to prove lug nut torque value, the best advice I can give you is, and this is not scientific:
Mark your lug nuts to the wheel.
Loosen them.
Re tighten them to the correct torque and see if your marks are off or not.
Lots of variables here, but thats the best I can think of.
Mark your lug nuts to the wheel.
Loosen them.
Re tighten them to the correct torque and see if your marks are off or not.
Lots of variables here, but thats the best I can think of.