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torque wrench extender questions

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Old May 5, 2016 | 11:32 AM
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Default torque wrench extender questions

so I have a torque wrench that only goes to 150 ft pounds so will need to use an extension to install the SE compensator (bolt requires 175 ft lbs am reading)

Anyone else run into this? just looking for some tips to avoid pitfalls.

I am hoping to use an extension bar on the handle side of the torque wrench versus on the wratchet side (as most pictures show), does that matter?

requires a calculation to do....wondering how successful folks have been w/ this.



torque wrench extension calculation
 
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Old May 5, 2016 | 11:42 AM
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Go to an Auto Zone and use their loaner, It's free and is heavy duty. While your there pick up a #70 Torx (star) bit.
 
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Old May 5, 2016 | 01:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Smokey Stover
Go to an Auto Zone and use their loaner, It's free and is heavy duty. While your there pick up a #70 Torx (star) bit.
ordered a #70 torx already...

I have checked out tools from Autozone before, but never a torque wrench. Was it 3/4 drive out of curiosity? or 1/2 drive? will give them a call, good tip, thanks.
 

Last edited by F150HD; May 5, 2016 at 01:18 PM. Reason: put in #70
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Old May 6, 2016 | 06:35 AM
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Your extension theory won't work. The torque applied at the end of the tool will be the same as at the end of the extension. You need a torque wrench with the appropriate capacity, we can't cheat with mathematics!
 
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Old May 6, 2016 | 06:40 AM
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Originally Posted by grbrown
,,,,,, we can't cheat with mathematics!
You're not an accountant are you !
 
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Old May 6, 2016 | 07:34 AM
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No, an engineer!
 
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Old May 6, 2016 | 08:43 AM
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Originally Posted by grbrown
Your extension theory won't work. The torque applied at the end of the tool will be the same as at the end of the extension. You need a torque wrench with the appropriate capacity, we can't cheat with mathematics!
Hmmm...If I double the handle length, can't I just set the torque wrench at half the value to obtain the same torque?

Example:

100 ft/lbs with 1 foot handle = 50 ft/lbs with 2 foot handle = 25 ft/lbs with 4 foot handle etc.

More then wiling to stand corrected.

Edit: premise being, my torque wrench only goes up to 150, so, if I double the handle length (via an extender pipe on handle) and set the torque value to 87.5, it'll yield the 175 I want?

Not talking a vertical extension outward from the bolt, that won't increase the torque, talking about extending the handle on the wrench so a longer lever (guessing you knew what I meant but....)
 

Last edited by F150HD; May 6, 2016 at 08:58 AM.
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Old May 6, 2016 | 08:54 AM
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Nope! The torque your wrench applies is dependent on the internal mechanism inside it. Nothing you do will change the torque applied at the point of twisting, where the square drive is. An extension to the handle will reduce the effort you have to apply, at the end of the handle, but the torque at the square is unchanged. Sorry, but you need a torque wrench with a higher torque range!
 
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Old May 6, 2016 | 11:02 AM
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Originally Posted by grbrown
Nope! The torque your wrench applies is dependent on the internal mechanism inside it. Nothing you do will change the torque applied at the point of twisting, where the square drive is. An extension to the handle will reduce the effort you have to apply, at the end of the handle, but the torque at the square is unchanged. Sorry, but you need a torque wrench with a higher torque range!
So, the 5-6 minute mark in this video is wrong?


Have read conflicting everywhere online, from physics forums to elsewhere!

Thanks.
 
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Old May 6, 2016 | 11:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Renny
So, the 5-6 minute mark in this video is wrong?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz1xl2U-hNM

Have read conflicting everywhere online, from physics forums to elsewhere!

Thanks.
Technically...the final formulae is correct. But, it's not clear to me how you determine the value of "L". It can't simply be the length of the handle. Because that has no impact on what torque the trigger mechanism sees.

You could experiment with lower values within the range of your wrench. Set the wrench torque per the formulae with the extension. Then tighten the nut until you reach the set torque, Then remove the extension, and set the wrench to the desired actual torque...then turn with the torque wrench, and see what happens. If it clicks..,you know the previously set torque was AT LEAST the desired setting...but could be more. So, now remove the nut, and torque it without the extension. Then redo the setting via the formulae and torque with the extension. If itbimmedistel clicks...you are good...

Recommendation: go rent, or borrow one.
 
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