Came across these 1/2 torque sticks allegedly for controlling the amount of torque applied to a bolt with an impact wrench. About $60 US equivalent. Does anyone use something like these?
Torque Sticks
- Thread starter Snagglefoot
- Start date
I've got one for lug nuts (80#, I think) but it's possible to overload them and exceed the rated torque limit. I use it as a safety feature, to keep me from going way over. I follow up with a torque wrench on lugs, and I know I've done it right if I get a bit of turn and then the click on the manual torque. If it clicks right away, I'll loosen by hand and tighten to specification.
I wouldn't use them on anything torque critical, because they're imprecise and can be inaccurate. So, perhaps, for a lug nut/bolt, they're OK to keep you from grossly overtightening.
I wouldn't use them on anything torque critical, because they're imprecise and can be inaccurate. So, perhaps, for a lug nut/bolt, they're OK to keep you from grossly overtightening.
I see Mavis Tire service writer give the proper one with each work order so the tech knows how much to torque the lug nuts.
But you cannot blindly blast away with a impact wrench assuming the torque sticks will limit the torque.
But you cannot blindly blast away with a impact wrench assuming the torque sticks will limit the torque.
My Walmart uses them when they rotate my tires. Ed
Can you elaborate? I thought that was the whole point of them. I was tempted to get a set at Harbor Freight.
https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-torque-limiting-extension-bar-set-10-pc-69870.html
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2026
We used them at school and when I worked I would use my coworkers that’s one thing I need to get. I have been looking to get some when I do I will probably go with the Harbor Freight ones. But any brand would work fine I am sure. I know some guys who definitely needed to use them that’s for sure lol. Most of the time they are very accurate but I would always double check with the torque wrench.
you need to use an impact that puts out aprox the torque they were calibrated against..
usually around 350ft-lb
also once it stops moving dont just keep hammering
I have a set of those torque sticks and figured out if I was using the 110ft-lb bar with my dewalt electric plug in impact (years ago) it would tighten to around 90 consistantly.
usually around 350ft-lb
also once it stops moving dont just keep hammering
I have a set of those torque sticks and figured out if I was using the 110ft-lb bar with my dewalt electric plug in impact (years ago) it would tighten to around 90 consistantly.
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.
I have some from Harbor Freight, they work well and I periodically check their correctness with a torque wrench. Don't use an extension or any type of adapter on the stik. I find that my 1/2" battery powered Milwaukee impact driver gets closer and more repeatable results than my air impacts.
Yeah ( unfortunately) and have to deal with them all the tie ( and test, compare, calibrate, throw at people , etc.)
For the most part, they start off about 90% of rated torque ( which is acceptable as torque itself is not a rating of tension but that's another discussion)
The theory is metal fatigue over a span tensioning at a given torque making a gun ratchet ( which is why they say only use them with impact guns)
However, the more they are used, the square end wallows and torqueing over times changes torsional properties of the metal so they lose accuracy over time. ( so does a torque wrench too) Nothing abnormal there.
What throws them off is improper usage.
You should run them up manually ( by hand)- even running them free puts a slight preload so if you run them up stop then go to torque ( give it a full second to relax)
Other thing, don't honk down- the second the gun hammers, stop.
Observe those few things like others have posted and you will get satisfactory service out of a quality set until they run their course and get out of spec.
For this reason, I assume the ones with a built-in socket are more accurate and durable?
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2026
The ones like that usually from the vehicles I have worked on are too thick to fit most cars for the ones that have the sockets made on to them. That’s why I like the extension like ones that you put your own socket on.
I only have a 65ft lb one. Tight enough to get the lugnuts centered but not fully torqued. Followed up with a TQ wrench.
Yes, with all other variables equal ( and assuming the socket fits the bore and isn't too thick), you have increased accuracy and reliability by removing a failure point ( the male extension end with its fit and geometry).
"Durable' will depend on the metallurgy and heat/cold treatment selection.
Eddie- perhaps a false sense of security- don't believe you will get properly torqued lugs just because they use those sticks. Very easy to greatly over torque because most of them do not know how to properly use them or care. The Walmart I went to used those sticks, but I had to use a 2 foot long breaker bar and all my arm and leg strength to break them loose. Some lugs were rounded too, making it even harder. Walmart gave me new replacement lugs. No more Walmart for me except to buy oil. Costco, on the other hand does not use sticks. All done with a torque wrench. Just my experience. YMMV as they say
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Very true
Unless you work at a tire store tightening lug nuts day in and day out, what is the point? I can use an impact to set the lug nuts to an initial torque, then finish with a torque wrench.
