Torque Wrench Question

[jakeru]

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).

[arthrodriver]

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.