snap on

[bayoutoolguy]

I currently own a few torque wrenches, one snap on 1/2 drive, a snap on 5-75 foot lbs 3/8 drive, and a snap on 40-200 in lbs 3/8 drive. While I use them for multiple things, I use them most often for engine work and oil changes. Yes, I'm one of those guys who torques drain plugs just to be safe. I do alot of GM vehicles, and while theyre all not the same, alot of them have plugs that require 18 lb ft, which I do with my 5-75 lb wrench with no problem. My question is, being theyre accurate from 20 to 100% which would be 15 to 75 lb ft, and I always hear that a torque wrench is most accurate in the middle of its range, is it ok to keep using it to torque plugs at 18 lb ft even though its on the lower end of the scale? The torque on my Ford Ranger plug is 10 ft lbs, I just use my in lbs torque wrench and do it at 120 in lbs with no problems. All my wrenches get sent to Angle Repair once a year for calibration and certification no matter how much or little they are used. So, can I keep using them in this manner, or should I get a few different wrenches to better suit the task at hand?

 

[stikman56]

Why would you need more? I have never once used a torque wrench on a drain plug and never had any issue as well, and have been doing so this way for 39 years. It's not rocket science, tight enough to stay in, loose enough not to strip the threads.

 

[woody 73]

Just throwing this idea out there for you to look at but I am guessing by the time you get done paying for the torque testing service, which I gather is expensive could you not buy something along the lines of the following product and test them whenever you feel the need arises?

http://www.thecarycompany.com/0-to-...tm_term=1100316459062&utm_content=Ad group #1

I would think with all the testing you need done something like that or any other product would pay for itself in no time at all.