Basic question about torque

[LostHSV]

Do you lose torque foot pounds (+/-) if you use an extension on a torque wrench? For example, doing spark plugs with a 1/2 torque wrench (with a 3/8 adapter) or anything that is hard to reach and should be torqued. Not all of us have multiple torque wrenches to choose from. Thoughts?

 

[Stephenw]

No, unless you change the axis of ratation such as when using a crowfoot or torque adapter.

 

[PorscheTech]

You will only change torque by adding extensions on air or electric tools. A common torque wrench with extension will not be effected. If the head of the wrench is not straight on as in tweaked a little that will effect it also. Just make sure heads on good and flat, and torque all day with extensions.

 

[LostHSV]

Thanks guys for the help. You answered my question.

 

[Wakefield]

I worry about torque going through universals and swivels. I think the more bend at the joint the less torque gets through. But an engineer said it could be more! Maybe the double swivel spark plug getter acts like a double cardan u-joint and works better? I can't get a straight line to my under the cowl spark plugs-maybe there is such a thing as a stubby 3/8's drive Torque Wrench?

 

[Danglerb]

You can get torque limited sockets just for sparkplugs, then use any drive you want with them.