your main bolts are going to be ft lbs anyway. you will def need a ft lbs tq wrench, and the in lb also. You can also convert the low ft lb tqs to in lbs for the tighter spots.

 

You don't have to compensate if you are merely using a socket extension or adaptor like a 1/4" to 3/8". You need to compensate if you are using an adaptor like a crow's foot or something that offsets the applied torque from the drive point of the wrench.

Here is a calculator:
http://*******.com/ye9wjt

 

I disagree...
The adapters and extensions would require a simple addition equation to compensate for loss in torque through an added length of material.

The crow's foot actually offsets the pivot point from the center, which would require a completely different equation to acquire an accurate application of torque. If an extension or adapter is used in conjunction with the crow's foot, then both equations would be necessary, for a more precise measurement of torque being applied.

But to be honest with you, I've never bothered with either. I was simply making a point because everyone was discussing the accuracy of the different brands of torque wrenches.


EDIT: I just did a quick search to verify what I stated above. Seems nothing I find agrees with the way I was taught. So, I stand corrected...

Although I still have to believe there is some loss of torque through an extension applied vertically, evidently it is so minimal to not have as great an impact as I originally thought. Or perhaps, once the extra material has been twisted, the same torque is available at either end. A very strange concept, to me. But then, it also took a while for the 'a boat with a hole in it can still float' concept to 'sink' in also...

Another thing I found which was interesting to me.. using a crow's foot type adapter, if the adapter is at a 90° angle to the torque wrench no additional amount of torque is required. I would have thought since the torque is still offset from the center pivot of the torque wrench, it would have a lengthening affect no matter what the angle is. And although it wouldn't seem likely in the real world, this makes me wonder about a crow's foot set in reverse of extending the torque wrench... Would that call for subtraction of torque value? As in the 90° offset crow's foot, seemingly it is still adding an additional length to the torque wrench, no matter what the angle is. No answer needed, (just as leverage force differs with fulcrum position, torque changes with distance), I just find some things very curious and this is one of those...

 

I have a very good conversion calculator. The zip file is too large to be loaded. If you would like it send me a pm and I will email it to you.

 

In case anyone is interested, HF has a sale on their 1/2"-drive wrench for $10. It's guaranteed accurate within ą4% (SAE) and has a lifetime warranty. Don't be fooled by the price, as in my experience these are accurate and durable TQ wrenches. Anyway, if it breaks in 10 years, take it back and they'll replace it. I posted the test results of my two HF wrenches earlier.

 

anyone make a torque wrench that does both?

 

and it will not be right when you use it next time if you don't