Tool Hunt - Torque Wrench For Axle Nuts
 

I know... torque wrench thread...

I'm aware of the "geometry" and "math" solution to getting to the rated torque spec of the axle nut, but I'm OCD and that type of person that likes having the right tool.

I see pictures of people torquing axle nuts in DIY guides and stuff, but I'm having trouble finding a wrench that'll do over 250ft/lbs. Prefer click-type as well.

Yes, I know they are expensive, and yes, I know I may use it once in my lifetime, etc... but I'm still curious what wrench you guys are using for those that own the right tool for this.

Best of luck
 

I never found one that was not 10% the value of my Boxster, I used math and a long breaker bar....this was over 2 years ago and all is still fine.

Me too. The math works. And for me it was probably more like 6-7 years ago. :cheers:

Save your cash, weigh yourself and stand on the dang bar!

lol! I guess it's good and reassuring to see people who have actually used the math and breaker bar method with no issues. I'm a skinny guy, so...

Based on my math.. (340ft/lbs / 160lbs) x 12 = 25.5" breaker bar. I'll have to borrow my brother's extra 40lbs to get that down to a shorter bar! :p

I've sheared a couple torque wrenches, and have snapped off one of the "ears" of a shorter breaker bar before, so I guess I'm just leary of snapping another when dealing with that level of torque.

Warming up to the "math" approach - now to find a quality breaker bar!

I got a 1/2" breaker bar at harbor freight. I use it and a pipe to get out to the right length for my svelt 185.

Bought a used CDI 600 lb-ft wrench off fleabay for $100. Rather have a used quality wrench than new chinesium stock.

https://public.snapon.com/R_RRD/Obje...es/QD4R600.jpg

120-600 ft. lb. Snap-On, about 4 1/2 feet in length. Sells for a touch under $1K.

Alternative is a torque stick and powerful impact gun:
https://www.torquestick.com/cart/250FT-LB-TORQUE-EXTENSION-BAR-Yellow-3-4-DRIVE.html

Did you check your local auto parts store like O'Reily.
Many of themn lend tools

you have few options.

1. stand on the bar, and then drive to a truck tire shop and ask one of the guys to torque it for you.
i did that once, and the guy tolds me i was pretty close to spec by standing on the bar.
hi didn't want to charge me, so i tipped him $20.

2. find a used wrench on your local CL for $100-$150. usually those are 3/4" drive, so you will need a 3/4" 32 mm long socket.

3. PM me your adress and i will let you know what is the shipping cost for the wrench i got from option 2.
i will even let you borrow the socket. :D

You can use a regular breaker bar and then slide a metal fence post over it. I just did that for my driver side drive axle CV boot replacement.

Torque is math. Don't waste money on a torque wrench.

Torque Wrench
 

This will get you there:
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-drive-click-type-torque-wrench-808.html

Last time I got my cheap click type torque wrench calibrated it was out 15%

HF does have a very stout 3/4 breaker bar I used to loosen the axle nuts by lifting one end with my floor jack. Used a monster 3/4 torque wrench I borrowed from a friend that has a shop.

THe HF maxed out at 300 ft.#
Need a 600 #er
Proto 6020AB - $1700 on Amazon !

The centerlock guys use one that is around $400, check the centerlock threads on rennlist for details, and son come for sale from time to time.