Preset torque extension for Impact Guns

[Ranger1]

I am not an expert on Impact guns, but I understand there are some extension pieces that are designed with preset torque limiters. The idea being (since you can't really set the torque of the gun precisely by itself) that if you use this "torque extension" with an impact gun to put lug nuts on your car, then you won't accidentally over-tighten the lug nuts. What are these things normally called? Have you used them yourself? Do they actually work well? Also, who makes "good ones", if they exist???

Thank you.

 

[ted s]

MANY PROS use them

 

[The_Eric]

They're commonly called "Torque Sticks" and I use them all the time. They work fine IF your impact is set according to the instructions.

 

[Donald]

MavisTire puts the correct one (they are colored) in the plastic work envelope with the keys and paperwork for the tech.

But you cannot be a moron and set your 1" impact wrench to full power as if you were going to take a 2" bolt out of a bulldozer and then use the same setting on a Camry with a torque stick.

 

[JHZR2]

I have a 75 ft-lb torque stick (black), that I use on my electric gun. Maybe I don't use it right, but I put on the lugs until it looks like they aren't spinning, then stop.

I always follow up with a torque wrench afterwards.

 

[Rand]

the main thing is that 75 ft-lb stick is rated at a specific gun torque

my set is rated at 300 so when I use it with my Ingersoll Rand the 75 is actually about 60-65
Which in my case is perfect as my final torque is 75(that I set with a torque wrench)

 

[Jakegday]

most auto mechanics use these. they save ALOT of time, and when being paid commision, time is money. The instructions with the mac tools set i just bought say the impact gun must be set at 250 ft/lbs for proper operation.

 

[The_Eric]

Originally Posted By: Jakegday
most auto mechanics use these. they save ALOT of time, and when being paid commision, time is money. The instructions with the mac tools set i just bought say the impact gun must be set at 250 ft/lbs for proper operation.


Do they say "Accutorque" and "Made in Sweden"?

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Rand
the main thing is that 75 ft-lb stick is rated at a specific gun torque

my set is rated at 300 so when I use it with my Ingersoll Rand the 75 is actually about 60-65
Which in my case is perfect as my final torque is 75(that I set with a torque wrench)


I don't know that I have a way to set my electric impact to a specific value. I know that running it how I do is less than 85, which is where I torque to with my wrench. The whole key for me is to not over torque, so I can spin them to the right level with my actual wrench.

So how does one actually set an impact gun? I can't set my air pressure since it runs off a battery.

 

[Nyquist]

Depends on the impact you have. Some will have multiple base speed & torque settings that you adjust. The conversions should be in your manual.

I've used Accutorque (sp?) before. They are nice & accurate.

 

[Rand]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2


I don't know that I have a way to set my electric impact to a specific value. I know that running it how I do is less than 85, which is where I torque to with my wrench. The whole key for me is to not over torque, so I can spin them to the right level with my actual wrench.

So how does one actually set an impact gun? I can't set my air pressure since it runs off a battery.


You probably cant set yours (I cant set mine either)

The idea here is its fairly linear.

example.

my electric impact using 100 stick = 80, 75stick = 60-65
125=100 etc

you only get the rated torque from the torque stick if you use it with an impact wrench that is as strong as the one it was designed to be with.

But since I'm not using them for final torque it works great.

 

[stephen9666]

We used them in the tire shops I worked at in college (about 8 years ago). We used the torque stick than followed up with a torque wrench to assure the lug nuts were properly torqued.

 

[Donald]

I am thinking if you are not in the business or the pit crew at Indy, tighten to a reasonable torque and finish with a torque wrench. You have the time, they don't.