Contents
Does torque wrench size matter?
You do need to decide what kind of work you need it for, but in general, a ½-inch wrench will do most of what you need. That’s the size we use in the Car and Driver garage to torque the wheels on our test cars and wreak all sorts of other mechanical mayhem.
Can you use impact sockets with a torque wrench?
Re: Impact sockets with torque wrench? It doesn’t matter at all. Torque is torque, as long as the bolt is reaching the spec the material doesn’t matter. You could use a plastic socket if you wanted, but obviously it would break.
What are smaller torque wrenches used for?
A torque wrench is a tool used to control and apply a specific torque to a fastener such as a bolt or a nut. It is a fundamental element in general mechanics, tire changing operations and industrial maintenance & repair industries, to ensure customers’ safety.
What torque wrench size should I get?
The bigger the drive and the longer the handle, the more torque they can deliver. Most home mechanics will find that a torque wrench with a 1/2-inch drive and at least an 18-inch handle is the best choice for lug nuts, cylinder heads, suspension bushings, and other likely uses.
What kind of socket do you use for a torque wrench?
Your torque wrench is a precision tool and should be stored in it’s molded case, it will arrive with full instructions, but it isn’t difficult to master. You can use regular 1/2 sockets, however you’ll find deep sockets work best on lug nuts.
When to use a 1 / 4 inch drive wrench?
The 1/4 and some 3/8 inch drive wrenches will be measured in inch lbs., not ft. lbs., they’re designed for lighter fasteners requiring less torque. (12 inch lbs. is equal to 1 foot lb.) The 1/4 inch drive torque wrench is used for very light fasteners, like interior trim, control module covers etc.
How big of a torque wrench do I need for lug nuts?
A 1/2 inch torque wrench with a working range of 30 to 160 ft. lbs. is the correct size tool for lug nuts and other heavy fasteners. Torque wrench’s are not just for the Pro’s, the days of tightening a nut or bolt by feel or guessing is over.
How much torque can break a 1 / 2 drive?
I tested this out accidentally while doing an axle nut. 150 ft-lbs will break a 3/8″ drive usually and about 300 ft-lbs will break a 1/2″ drive. These are on regular breaker bars that are partially hollow and have the little ball in the space of the head to hold the socket.