Torque Wrench: Ideal use?

[shellback]

Hi folks,
Did a quick search and seems like its for precision type work. Could someone please chime in what type of precision work I would run into at home or general car DIY projects?
Its been laying around and don't know if I have the need for this.
Thanks for the help.

 

[87FoRunner]

Transmission and differential work.

Small engine assembly.

 

[Skyline]

There's lots of things on modern cars require inch/lb torque wrenches; some more sensitive than this.

 

[6-Speed]

Bicycle repair and maintenance.

 

[NiteWolf]

Spark plugs do have a torque spec.

 

[fivespdcat]

Everything has a torque spec....

 

[Skin]

Fairly certain spark plugs are around 200-250 inch pounds, same for small engine head bolts. Below that is fairly useless honestly.

 

[NiteWolf]

A 2003 Dodge Neon spark plug spec is 156 in-lbs and 2000 Ford Focus is 108 in-lbs; just saying.

But in all truth I have never used a torque wrench on a spark plug.

 

[mypov]

wheel lug nuts - unfortunately not enough techs use these, I just do not trust those damn torque sticks.

 

[Skin]

A 2003 Dodge Neon spark plug spec is 156 in-lbs and 2000 Ford Focus is 108 in-lbs; just saying.

But in all truth I have never used a torque wrench on a spark plug.

I have, found most (modern crush washer type) are pretty dead on at about 180 degrees from the stop point of hand threading so I don't bother anymore either.

wheel lug nuts - unfortunately not enough techs use these, I just do not trust those damn torque sticks.

OPs torque wrench is up to 150 INCH pounds, not foot pounds. Definitely don't want to use that on lug nuts .

Torque sticks do have their places for areas other than wheels too. For example a crank bolt if you don't have the special tool to hold the pulley in place for a torque wrench. Something is better than nothing whether you trust them or not. Good tool to have in the box.

 

[dsmnickk90]

Valve covers. Some cars have brittle cast aluminum valve cover that are to be torqued to 4-5ft/lbs and any more than that they will crack.
TPS sensors are another place.

 

[General Geoff]

Yeah, the torque spec for my old BMW's valve cover nuts is 8 ft-lbs, or 96 inch-pounds. The torque spec for the oil pan, timing chain cover and distributor block are similar.

 

[64Trvlr]

It would be handy for ring and pinion work.

 

[tsonka]

When I was a tech I used my inch /lb wrench all the time. Repair that took any amount of disassembly to access the part, only takes a moment to look up the torque spec.

 

[Steinmetz]

I use smaller torque wrenches all the time for a variety of tasks.
I recently used a torque screwdriver to reassemble a carb on one of my vintage cars after a rebuild.

 

[Steinmetz]

Hi folks,
Did a quick search and seems like its for precision type work. Could someone please chime in what type of precision work I would run into at home or general car DIY projects?
Its been laying around and don't know if I have the need for this.
Thanks for the help.

Seekonk is a good brand, BTW. Hold onto it.

 

[djkeev]

Dang! Why do people end up with tools when they haven't a clue of its purpose?
Put it in a box, mail it to me, I'll give it a good productive life!

Dave

 

[bob15]

I have lots of uses for it: chainsaws, snowmobiles, antique farm tractors, etc

If you don't need/want it, drop me a line......


bob

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Seekonk makes excellent torque wrenches and other torque measuring devices. Not heard of much, I suspect mostly industrial and government contracts.

Charles

 

[ToocoolZ28]

I needed one of those for a job I was in the middle of and had trouble finding one. I now use it about 2-3 times a month setting up rear ends.

 

[CWP1616L]

Seekonk makes excellent torque wrenches and other torque measuring devices. Not heard of much, I suspect mostly industrial and government contracts.

Charles

Are they still in business? That looks like a sweet torque wrench.

 

[jebutler]

Those type are great for ****** valve bodies and under pan components having slightly different torque values. No re-adjusting setting just pull to correct torque.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Are they still in business? That looks like a sweet torque wrench.

http://www.seekonk.com/

 

[CWP1616L]

http://www.seekonk.com/

Thank you Charles.

 

[reptilezs]

Bicycle repair and maintenance.

yup a little one like that is good for bicycle work

 

[P_I_Torque]

Nice looking torque wrench there. Dial type... my personal favorite style. Enjoy

 

[BobKovacs]

The newer GM engines have several bolts that have torque specs in inch-pounds, including two long, spindly bolts at the back of the oil pan that have been know to snap rather easily when the assembler applies the same 18 ft-lbs of torque to them that the rest of the oil pan bolts get torqued to.