![]() |
Aren't these considered more reliable than the click types?
|
Quote:
|
To prove the 19 ft lbs try it with a new copper washer. Then undo it and see if the washer has deformed itself (expected). The next try with the same washer will take a little more. I don't think 19 foot lbs is excessive and may even be a little light. This situation is somewhat like a spark plug torque. These typically take 15-20 ft lbs in an aluminum head, and also rely upon a crush washer. IMO
Jay, Please know I am an old seasoned home hobbyist and some things I do may not be to the letter. For instance, yes, I confess to reusing the same sump plug gasket on my cars for years. I use the drip test. If no drip it's ok. When first starting out it is probably good to heed the warnings in factory manuals about "discard and use only new parts" until you get some wrench time. As noted, however, you will work harden the copper washer each time you reuse it and chase slightly the torque you sense you need (or measure). Without too much cynicism some of guidelines are really ridiculous IMO. Case in point. A tapered steel diff or trans plug (like a pipe thread) will go on indefinitely. Just keep everything clean and do use a torque wrench on these. The friendly Mercedes dealer wants $7 a pop for such a rugged, reusuable plug. |
I have both beam and "clicker" type torque wrenches (several clickers in 1/2"-3/8" drive, and one beam in 1/2" drive). I tend to use the beam on any application where torque accuracy is extremely important. As stated here, the clickers have moving parts which can fail or get out of whack and this affects accuracy. (Good practice to store clicker wrench laying flat on the back side, with the torque setting untwisted to relieve spring tension).
I've been able to make the torque setting scale of the beam wrench readable in some "off viewing angle" applications by marking with a sharpie a reference line on the back side. For speed, the clicker the wrench can be desirable. For example, quick tire change. Another way to speed things up, of course, is to not use a torque wrench. Be mindful that lubricants on the threads can dramatically affect things. If you are not using a torque wrench, you will be more likely to notice when plastic deformation starts. (Which is for many not frequently replaced fasteners, where the torque setting is optimized anyway). |
Perhaps we should demystify "deformation" and the effects of lubrication on torque for those who are new to the game. Fasteners are supposed to stretch in order to exert holding power. The tensile strength and diameter of the fastener play into the proper torque. Fasteners which do not have girlie configuration , know as "waisted" can be torqued to the universal tables, SAE and metric. The TTY fasters (waisted, not wasted) typically take torque plus additional rotation. Lubrication of fasteners is tricky. Spark plugs, for instance, in galvanize are already lubricated via the coating in dry state. Many still put a thin "dry"oil film on plugs (I wipe the threads after a tiny drop of oil). Lubrication can cause excess torque to be applied. There are guides to how much apparent torque should be reduced when using a specific lubricant. I hope this is well received and does not irritate experienced folk. Just tell me to STFU if so.
|
All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:11 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2025 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Pelican Parts Website