Quality Torque Sticks in 2025

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

Who currently makes decent torque sticks? I did a search of past threads but a lot seem to be 10 - 15 years ago.

Back story: I am sick of torquing the lug nuts on my F250 when I rotate the tires. Spec is 160 ft-lbs. Mechanical advantage provided by my torque wrench comes to right at 100 lbs. 8 nuts per wheel, 32 nuts total, torque them each twice, and I am essentially lifting 100 lbs at least 64 times. I'm not getting any younger and it wears me out.

Plan is to buy a 150 ft-lbs stick and a 160 ft-lbs stick. Maybe a 170 also. Maybe a smaller air impact also since most sticks seems to be calibrated for 250 or 450 ft-lbs.
Torque with the 150. Test with the torque wrench. Did it rotate before the click? Torque with the 160 and try again. Juggle the impact used and amount of time to find the sweet spot and make a note of it.

Yes, I know:

• Torque sticks are inaccurate.
• Torque wrenches are inaccurate unless used in a smooth, continuous motion.
• Air pressure needs to be consistent.

I am a recovering perfectionist and am willing to settle for "good enough". If I can consistently get ±10% I will be happy.

 

[472scout]

Most of the kits I've seen only go to 140 or 150 ft lbs.

 

[MOS3522]

Well you are onto one of the key points, torque sticks can only be used with an air wrench. Make sure you manually check whatever set you buy with a torque meter.

 

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

Most of the kits I've seen only go to 140 or 150 ft lbs.

That is true. However, American Forge & Foundry has singles in 160 and 170. LTI has singles in 160.

 

[signcrafter]

Get one rated lower then your final torque. Zip them all on and then use torque wrench to set to final torque.

 

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

Get one rated lower then your final torque. Zip them all on and then use torque wrench to set to final torque.

If I was going to do that, I would just give each a quick brrrrap with my M18 impact and finish with the wrench. That is what I did yesterday. But that doesn't help my aging bag of bones much as I still have to apply 100 lbs of force at least 64 times.