Torque Sticks

[chainblu]

We used them when I worked at a tire shop years ago. You can't just hold the impact and let it 'ka ka ka ka' for several seconds, it won't be accurate. If you let off as soon the nut bottoms (maybe 1 or 2 ka ka's lol), the accuracy is improved. We then followed with a torque wrench.

 

[Motu]

Fortunately, in most applications, "evenness" of tension is more integral to proper joint service than actual individual tension ( plus tension has to be calculated against the gasket- not the flange or fastener) so using the same 'stick" does routinely give "uniform" consistency.

I'm not too fussed about correct torque - you don't get a torque wrench supplied in your car toolkit, just a lever that's a bit too short. I have torque sticks and use them, but on checking they are always inconsistent. I'd rather have consistent torque on wheel nuts than uneven. I use them so I don't overtighten, then set by hand....with or without torque wrench.

 

[Snagglefoot]

We used them when I worked at a tire shop years ago. You can't just hold the impact and let it 'ka ka ka ka' for several seconds, it won't be accurate. If you let off as soon the nut bottoms (maybe 1 or 2 ka ka's lol), the accuracy is improved. We then followed with a torque wrench.

I have two impact guns, one is an early model NiMH battery and one is a corded 400 ft lb gun. I put on the winter tires on my 3/4 ton and used the weak gun to torque it up. I gave ‘er all the ka ka’s she had and checked with my torque wrench. It was only 70 ft lbs. I then reset the torque wrench to 140 ft lbs and took it up to full torque with about 4 -30 degree turns with the wrench. Good enough for a twice a year endeavour. Still, it’s always nice to buy new tools.

 

[Wolf359]

I have two impact guns, one is an early model NiMH battery and one is a corded 400 ft lb gun. I put on the winter tires on my 3/4 ton and used the weak gun to torque it up. I gave ‘er all the ka ka’s she had and checked with my torque wrench. It was only 70 ft lbs. I then reset the torque wrench to 140 ft lbs and took it up to full torque with about 4 -30 degree turns with the wrench. Good enough for a twice a year endeavour. Still, it’s always nice to buy new tools.

I think the Ridgid at 620 foot pounds of loosening is probably the best deal out there at $150 for the impact, battery and charger and it's a lifetime warranty on the battery.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...tery-18V-Charger-and-Bag-R86011KSBN/314003896

I just have the Ryobi one at 300 foot pounds for $100. I already have the inflator and a bunch of other tools so I don't really care and leave it in the trunk for maybe emergency use. I already have the Milwaukee 2767 but that's super overkill and I don't even keep it in the car.

 

[The Critic]

On my IR 2235timax, these are reasonably accurate if I have the wrench set to setting #2 and I only use the gun to "run down" the lug nuts. If I hammer on the lug nuts at all, they end up over spec. If I have the gun on speed 4, they are guaranteed to be well over spec despite using the torque sticks. And I only run 100 psi with high-flow fittings, most shops run significantly higher pressure.

For reference:

At 140 psi:

IR 2235timax, Milton High-Flow V style fittings, speed 2. 80 ft lb stick.

Tapered Toyota lug nuts are well, well over 80 ft lbs….even with just 2-3 ugga duggas. I was able to crack each lug nut about 1/10th of a turn, and my torque wrench (set to 80) still clicked!