torque wrench correct use and maybe calibration

[Kaizen]

I have 2 torque wrenches. Both Kobalt variety but both have been dead on for years. One 3/8 has a 20-80 range and the other is 1/2" with 30-150.
Both were set to zero when i took them out of their cases yesterday in the garage to simply torque a rear end bolts to 20 and then 40 pounds. Started with the small one and at 20 just was not getting the click i normally do. Thought maybe something wrong so i get the big boy and start at 30 and again no click. i'm guessing i was way over the settings as i am a big guy using a 3 foot torque wrench. While these are not high end i consider them nice for what i need. Does cold affect these as it was 32 degrees? How do i go about verifying if they are broken or i'm just getting weak? Is there a test set up i can do or do they need to be sent some place? I've maybe used these 30 times over the last few years so not what i would call a noob or experienced.

 

[tarmy]

Good torque wrenches come with the paperwork that shows they are set to spec…some folks send them back in to re-calibrate every so often. Not sure what your problem is…but there are places that can set them for you. The pic below shows the calibration cert sheets…

 

[Ingram306]

On the low end of the range on micrometer wrenches the “click” seems to be a lot less noticeable in my experience. I believe it’s because the spring isn’t pulled as tight. Especially with a long handle you could blow right past 20lbs and not even notice it.

 

[toolenthusiast]

just was not getting the click i normally do

That is pretty normal when you are at the very bottom of the torque range - the click can be almost imperceptible. You really need to have several torque wrenches with overlapping ranges, or buy high-end wrenches that are less susceptible to the soft clicking.

 

[VolvoRyan]

You need a good clicker torque wrench to actually click at 20 ft-lbs. If it really matters, the cheapest option would be to get one of the bendy torque wrenches.

Definitely get those Kobalts checked out if you have your doubts. I had one in 2011 that went wildly out of calibration after I used it near the top of its scale.

-Ryan

 

[Kaizen]

are the wrenches with the needle and scale better? If i'm at 80 on the bolt and the wrench is set for say 40 i should feel that right? Or does it only click if its within say ten pounds of the set?
These both had calibration sheets when i got them. Knowing me they are in the trash.

 

[visionguru]

A torque adapter like

Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!

www.harborfreight.com

allows you to check the accuracy of your wrenches, and can turn all your ratchets into torque wrenches.

Click type torque wrench is basically an adjustable spring. At low settings, the "click" is less noticeable than at high settings, because of spring tension (this applies to to cheap or expensive torque wrenches). If you missed the click, you are over torquing. Go slow before reaching the specified torque value, otherwise, you can easily over torque too. For example, I once tested torquing 80ft-lb lug nuts. The torque value can be 100 ft-lb if I go very quick.

After holding my breath, and stopped in the middle a few times for fear of over torquing spark plugs, I decided to go digital. So much better: There is a light that tells me I need to keep pulling or stop (together with beep and vibration).

 

[Kaizen]

A torque adapter like

Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!

www.harborfreight.com

allows you to check the accuracy of your wrenches, and can turn all your ratchets into torque wrenches.

Click type torque wrench is basically an adjustable spring. At low settings, the "click" is less noticeable than at high settings, because of spring tension (this applies to to cheap or expensive torque wrenches). If you missed the click, you are over torquing. Go slow before reaching the specified torque value, otherwise, you can easily over torque too. For example, I once tested torquing 80ft-lb lug nuts. The torque value can be 100 ft-lb if I go very quick.

After holding my breath, and stopped in the middle a few times for fear of over torquing spark plugs, I decided to go digital. So much better: There is a light that tells me I need to keep pulling or stop (together with beep and vibration).

Thanks i'll take a look at that

 

[FMB4]

Cold weather can effect clickers imo. I have 4 clickers (1/4, 3/8, and two 1/2") and 2 beams (3/8 and 1/2"). I prefer to use the beams whenever possible.