Reducer for Torque Wrench

[SAA44-40]

Howdy- i have a 1/2” drive torque wrench. Unfortunately my sockets are all 3/8.” Would there be an issue using a 1/2” to 3/8” reducer to utilize my existing sockets. My torque range would not exceed 100ft/lbs. thank you

 

[cvairwerks]

Not a problem.

 

[WWheeler]

No, there should be no issue with using an adapter as far as a proper torque reading goes.
It's really no different than adding an extension which is necessary in instances like torquing lug nuts.

I feel compelled to give you the obligatory GJ advice that you really should start saving/shopping for some 1/2"dr sockets though.

 

[SAA44-40]

yeah I know Wheeler- for once I’m trying to be prudent….which is unusual for me

 

[Tools4Me]

It will work from a functional perspective, but make sure to look at the accuracy specs for your torque wrench before using it much. Many/most torque wrenches only verify the accuracy for 20-100% of the full torque adjustment range. The accuracy of the bottom 20% of the adjustment range is often hit or miss and can't be trusted even if the torque wrench still has a valid calibration certificate. As an example, if you want to use 3/8" drive sockets and your current 1/2" drive torque wrench adjustment setting tops out at 150ftlbs, make sure you are only using it to torque things that require at least 30ftlbs of torque. Anything lower can't be trusted. If you need to torque things to lower torque levels reliably, you should look into buying a 3/8" drive torque wrench that tops out at around 50-75 ftlbs. That will you give accurate readings for bolt torque levels above 10-15ftlbs.

There are many fasteners on vehicles and small engines that have 10-30ftlb torque specs, so a 3/8" drive torque wrench would be a worthwhile investment for most people.

 

[Xcursion88]

As long as you're using a straight on approach you're ok.
An extension...a reducer...and extension....etc...no issues.

Problems arise when you try to implement a swivel socket or swivel adapter. In other words swivel anything or wobble and torque wrenches are a bad idea.

Straight on extensions, reducers, uppers, no problem.

That said the best way is always just the socket on the torque wrench but you can get accurate results with your request.

Good luck

 

[dnschmidt]

Makes no difference because it's in line. Torque is a measurement of force at a distance. If the distance is zero, as it is in this case, it's irrelevant.

 

[joe_padavano]

The accuracy of the bottom 20% of the adjustment range is often hit or miss and can't be trusted even if the torque wrench still has a valid calibration certificate.

^^^THIS! Most people do not appreciate this issue, which applies to any measuring device. A similar issue is using a 0-10,000 RPM tach to break in a new engine at 2,500 RPM. A measuring device does not have the same accuracy over the entire range. If you plan to torque a lot of smaller fasteners at lower torque levels, get a smaller torque wrench. If you plan to torque at the high end of the torque wrench range, get 1/2-drive sockets.

 

[dnschmidt]

^^^THIS! Most people do not appreciate this issue, which applies to any measuring device. A similar issue is using a 0-10,000 RPM tach to break in a new engine at 2,500 RPM. A measuring device does not have the same accuracy over the entire range. If you plan to torque a lot of smaller fasteners at lower torque levels, get a smaller torque wrench. If you plan to torque at the high end of the torque wrench range, get 1/2-drive sockets.

This is true but not as much for digital torque wrenches which are based on strain gauges which are much more linear over a greater range than any spring.

 

[bbrins]

I feel compelled to give you the obligatory GJ advice that you really should start saving/shopping for some 1/2"dr sockets though.

I'm pretty sure the memo I got said that every home socket set should go through at least 3/4 drive, and absolutely no skips.

 

[WAS Jr]

My dad worked on drilling rigs his whole life, and he truly did think half inch drive and below was for homeowners. I remember him pulling out half inch drive stuff to work on a Weedeater. I said not a word.
Bill S

 

[joe_padavano]

This is true but not as much for digital torque wrenches which are based on strain gauges which are much more linear over a greater range than any spring.

Actually it's true for any measuring system. I use strain gauges for structural testing on aerospace structures, so I'm well aware of how they work. The issue is measuring at a small percentage of full scale - it doesn't matter what method you use to measure. On a 0-100 scale, if you're measuring at 10 on the scale then +/- 1 error in reading is a 10% error. At full scale (100) on the same device, +/-1 is a 1% error.