Torque - VS - Torque Loss (Impact Wrenches)

[woodstockva]

Hey everybody -

I put together a video proving that extensions, adapters, and universal joints do in fact cause the torque being applied to a fastener to drop....and sometimes very significantly.

Many people think that just because their impact wrench is rated at 1,000 ft-lbs, then it always is applying that much power to a fastener. In this video I go through a series of tests & will show you first hand how much torque loss is experienced when using anything other than just a plain impact socket with an impact wrench.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4hdNk5XBqLs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Karl_B]

I've actually had people argue with me over this very point, Now I can at least point them to your video. Good job.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Do swivel plus socket vs. swivel socket. This is a great demo of why "one impact fits all" idea is not always the optimum way to go...money wise it is, but not power wise.

 

[sberry]

I use an adapter as a problem solver. 99% of the time I am on it with the most basic set up that is humanly possible. Having both depth sockets is important followed with selection of a couple short as possible extensions only to be used when a socket alone cant be. which is about 10%.
I have seen dipsticks using swivel with extension for wheel work.

 

[larry_g]

Very good showing. I would love to see two additional vids. One showing the comparative loss of different length extensions. Also a comparison of of the impact vs the regular torque wrench with different extensions. To many out there think that adding an extension to a regular torque wrench will loose torque in the application. Prove the point that it does not.

I would also suggest that when using that tester to prove items like you did in this vid that you do a 'blind' test. Cover the gauge when applying torque and only after you stop applying torque uncover the gauge to see the results. It is just human nature to measure till the reading is what you want to see. Very common with people using a caliper or micrometer to force it a bit to get a reading within spec.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[sberry]

This is educational and tends to confirm what most experienced mechanics tend to know. Its a faster way to learn, it should be required viewing for mechanics.
I watched it due to the fact it was brought up here. I am trying to decide if it is helpful reviewing a tool? Nothing about wanting a new tool drives me to watch the video.

 

[sberry]

The torque wrench is the same with the extension. I would go for the length of the extension test as well as the angle of the ujoint test.

 

[Barrymaxx]

You also have movement between the fastener and the socket that robs torque.

I have been in situations where "pre-loading" the socket with my hand in the direction it needs to go makes it work. Sounds dumb but your hand eats up a lot of the free play so less is wasted on each hit.

 

[kxlexus]

Very informative and surprising test results.
You do excellent work and I really appreciate it.

 

[redwrench60]

This confirms what all experienced Mechanics already know. Neat to see it with some actual numbers though.

 

[WVBrady]

Great video!
In addition to measuring the torque loss for an angle adapter at different angles, I would like to see a comparison of the BLUEPOINT counter-weighted crank bolt sockets with a regular socket.

I would also like to see how accurate the torque sticks are when the power dials of impact wrenches are changed.

 

[ADSR]

great test!

 

[pozidriv]

Another great test! Maybe you could also show the difference between the heavy, meaty impact sockets vs the regulars. For instance for a honda crankshaft:
http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemD...OdAPAW-MQzUD48TSCJjfQtqRaXUuMLJgOoaAnG_8P8HAQ

 

[Adam.C]

Its not the number of connections, tho that can play a role. Its simply a matter of the STIFFNESS of the tools you attach to the nose of the impact gun. Every tool you put on the end of your gun will absorb some of the energy that gun is putting out like a torque stick does.

What I wanted to know was:
How much do I lose with a 6" extension versus a 3" extension. Is it negligible?
What about truck tools vs HF? Sometimes the truck extensions are slimmer than the imports. Is there any stiffness difference? If I can fit the fat extensions, am I better off with those?
What's the difference in stiffness between a swivel socket and a shallow impact and a universal?

 

[sberry]

All the math would be rather fine at that level. As was mentioned it really confirms what most experienced wrench hands know, especially guys that have had rebuilding where there is a lot of comparison with torque wrenches.
I do agree the test with sticks would be worth seeing. The differences in the rest of it would be rather minor, as it showed the ujoint was the super huge culprit, 10% or so loss for most of the rest of it, the variations would likely be within a point or 2.
While this is useful knowledge when things are on the edge most of the time its irrelevant, the tool is adequate, doesn't always need to be as strong as it can be but to get the job done.
If it needed to be strong as possible one would always get the largest drive on they can.

 

[Adam.C]

I guess where a comparative analysis would be helpful is for cordless impact users. In that example, tools that essentially waste torque also reduce battery power. So maybe cordless gun users should be sure to upgrade their extensions, swivels etc to the best available (whatevr that is) to preserve their batteries and deliver higher torque to the fastener.

 

[Finky198]

I use an adapter as a problem solver. 99% of the time I am on it with the most basic set up that is humanly possible. Having both depth sockets is important followed with selection of a couple short as possible extensions only to be used when a socket alone cant be. which is about 10%.
I have seen dipsticks using swivel with extension for wheel work.

THIS

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Glad to see the Skidmore in your video, and I hope to see it in more videos for comparisons. We've been using these for years and it would be nice to have an end user peel the curtain back and make manufacturers be more honest or at least bring them all on the same level.

When I do testing I've always sprayed WD40 or PD blaster on the bolt stud between each test - but I'm not sure if this is just a carry-over old school step or not. For pneumatic tools, a couple drops of oil in the tool before testing is considered standard as well.

__________
Chris
Product Manager