Torque wrench settings : Forgot to reset to 0 before storage ...
- Thread starter odie
- Start date
How long was it stored?
You don't have to reset it to zero. Set it to the lowest setting in the range it's rated for 
How long was the torque wrench stored, in its plastic case, inside the house, with the preset torque settings.
Is it 1/2" wrench?
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What brand? Has it ever been calibrated? How critical are the applications it is used for?
It may be off, but it may not matter...
It may be off, but it may not matter...
gathermewool
Site Donor 2023
What does that mean?You don't have to reset it to zero. Set it to the lowest setting in the range it's rated for
I set mine to as close to zero as possible, which is where it fits into the case in the fully-extended detent for the head.
If the lowest that you can go is 5ft/lbs on the torque wrench, then you set it to that for storage. The spring inside needs to have some tension on it.
For example, if the range listed is 20-150, then set it at 20
Is it this one?
That HF 3/8 says 5-80, so in that case, you should set it to 5 when not in use
I wouldn't worry about it.
You can always test it by connecting a linear scale and pulling on it, see if it clicks at the right tension. You can also calibrate it that way. If it clicks at the right tension at a point near the top, and at a point near the bottom, of its scale, or if it doesn't but you can calibrate it so that it does, then it is OK.
I calibrate mine every year or two. I find they do occasionally drift and need adjusting.
I calibrate mine every year or two. I find they do occasionally drift and need adjusting.
You can use a simple baggage scale and a little math for the handle length and check the calibration.
"Warm" it up before use again. Put a bolt in a vise, set to different torque value's and "warm" it up. Old mechanic told me that.
75 out of 80 is close to full scale, and a year is a long time. And a harbor freight is just about the cheapest lowest quality you can find. Time to have it checked either by rigging some kind test rig, or get it checked such as asking a mobile tool tool truck if they can check it. With the setting being close to full scale, and about a year, and a low quality to start with, it is not now reliable.
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Never heard that.
Probabta even puts a sticker on your wrenches reminding you to store them at their lowest setting.
If you don't have a vise or other setup to test the accuracy, just buy a new 3/8 when they are on sale for $10 and chuck the old one. Or just buy a 1/2" wrench (for $10 on sale) and check your wrench's setting against it. Just couple them together with a socket, set both to 60 lb ft, and turn against each other. Both should click at the same point. If not, adjust the one you are questioning. Then you will have 3/8 and 1/2 wrenches which cover 99% of automotive applications.
