Torque Sticks (Torque Limiters)

Discussion in 'Wrenchin' Secrets' started by 12lives, Apr 4, 2022.

  1. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    What's the thoughts on the torque limiting extensions, or torque sticks? The reviews look like they allow a higher than rated torque. Using an impact on wheel nuts (which I don't do) seems like a good application and I know many tire shops use them.
    Also, do they wear out(would you buy used ones)? Is there a decent "value" brand?
     
  2. dan zepnick

    dan zepnick Well-Known Member

    I use them all the time. Buy a good brand and they are under warranty. Snapon,Matco,Mac, tools all have them. I've had mine for years. If you buy some,buy the 1/2 square end drive so you can use whatever socket size you need.
     
  3. Jim Weise

    Jim Weise EFI/DIS 482

    Yup, I used mine every day for 14 years, when I was working in that part of the industry.. Never had an issue, and as Dan said, buy a good set from one of the tool trucks.

    JW
     
  4. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    These do wear out and under torque. Its good practice to check them periodically.
    I sold hundreds of them and i would warranty one or two a month.

    Never hold your hand around them as you're running the impact. One of the most gruesome injuries I saw was a fellow who had one snap while he was holding it. It went most of the way through his palm in about 2 seconds flat. Since then I never hold onto anything on the end of an impact or air hammer.
     
  5. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Thanks!
     
  6. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    Few weeks ago I was doing something on a f150 don't remember what exactly buy I was laying under it with the cordless 1/2in impact,..two 6in extensions and two wiggles,.....I was dodging **** from 7 different angles under there haha
     
  7. bobc455

    bobc455 Well-Known Member

    Personally I hand-torque everything. I've seen reviews that indicate the actual torquing values are all over the place (inconsistent between brands, inconsistent within the own brand, and even inconsistent by the same torque stick depending on which impact gun you use).

    I will "snug" lug nuts with an impact gun for speed, but after the car is on the ground I give everything a final torque by hand. Also don't forget that torquing is based on dynamic friction and not static friction of an un-lubricated thread.

    But also I tend to be overly "particular" since for me it's just a hobby and I do it for the satisfaction, I get more satisfaction out of a job done well. If you are in a shop where speed is most important because it affects your wallet, they'll probably be okay (as long as you get a decent set).

    -Bob C.
     
    12lives likes this.
  8. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Interesting story, if you don't know it, Costco requires hand torquing each wheel on cars they change tires on. And only the manager/foreman is allowed to do it. They also ask you to come back later so they can re-torque each wheel.
     

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