expirediconian | Staff posted Apr 02, 2024 04:47 PM
Item 1 of 4
Item 1 of 4
expirediconian | Staff posted Apr 02, 2024 04:47 PM
Lexivon Torque Wrenches: 1/2" Drive Click Torque Wrench
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It's also ridiculously easy to over torque and stretch/snap smaller bolts, which is where the inch lb and 5-70 ft lb torque wrenches really shine.
I'm glad you feel confident in what you think is tight, but that is also the mindset that keeps me working on my own equipment with my torque wrenches.
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Second what most people are saying; if you need one for doing work on your car, just get it from HF so you can return it for another if needed, even if it is somehow a little more expensive (it won't be).
I'm also not a mechanic, but I wouldn't be doing what other "mechanics" are saying and forgo a torque wrench and go with feeling. I'm only just starting to do my own work on cars, but after working on other projects, over and under-torquing on even small things can screw things up big time. Said projects aren't in constant use that includes high speeds, high vibration, and varying weather conditions. If it can screw up something small, it can screw up something big. I think there's a reason your manufacturer has torque specs in the owner's manual.
It's also ridiculously easy to over torque and stretch/snap smaller bolts, which is where the inch lb and 5-70 ft lb torque wrenches really shine.
I'm glad you feel confident in what you think is tight, but that is also the mindset that keeps me working on my own equipment with my torque wrenches.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
Second what most people are saying; if you need one for doing work on your car, just get it from HF so you can return it for another if needed, even if it is somehow a little more expensive (it won't be).
I'm also not a mechanic, but I wouldn't be doing what other "mechanics" are saying and forgo a torque wrench and go with feeling. I'm only just starting to do my own work on cars, but after working on other projects, over and under-torquing on even small things can screw things up big time. Said projects aren't in constant use that includes high speeds, high vibration, and varying weather conditions. If it can screw up something small, it can screw up something big. I think there's a reason your manufacturer has torque specs in the owner's manual.
For seized hardware, here's an overview of the most common tools and correct methods to loosen the same.
Do not use a torque wrench to loosen anything!!! A torque wrench is designed for tightening things to a specific and precise torque, not breaking them loose.
Here are some suggestions of tools to add to your toolbox for tackling frozen nuts and bolts.
Breaker bars: Breaker bars are built for high leverage and are your go-to for generating the muscle needed to loosen seized parts. Breaker bars are fairly inexpensive and simple to use.
Penetrating oil: Use penetrating oil like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench on rust and corrosion. Spray the rusted, corroded, and seized hardware generously. Don't be shy, spray it down. Then, let it sit and the magic will happen. Penetrating oil can work wonders, but be patient. Usually ten to fifteen minutes will be enough wait time to get the job done. If ten to fifteen minutes is not long enough, spray it again and if possible, leave it over night. When I know I will be working on rusted or corroded hardware, I will proactively spray the hardware with penetrating oil a day or two before I start working. It takes seconds to spray and it just gives me a better chance of having a trouble free day when I start the job.
Impact wrench: A high torque impact wrench will get you through most tough situations. Its hammering action loosens even the most stubborn fasteners. Impact wrenches are great to use on larger nuts and bolts. Good impact wrenches are more expensive than breaker bars and penetrating oils, but are an essential addition to your toolbox if you will routinely be working on vehicles, heavy equipment, large structures, etc.
Heat (use with caution): If space allows, apply heat with a torch (safely!) to expand the nut and break the bond. For a safer option, consider a magnetic-induction coil nut/bolt buster tool.
If working on a nut and bolt configuration, and it's still stuck after trying everything else, you can also cut it off. If it's a nut welded to a bolt, consider sacrificing the nut with a nut splitter, cut-off wheel, hacksaw, or reciprocating saw. Remember, you can always replace the hardware. And as far as that goes, for any seized hardware that requires significant intervention to loosen, you should replace it. Odds are, it has been stressed or corroded beyond its engineered standards.
Hardware that secures critical assemblies and equipment should definitely be replaced in these situations.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. A breaker bar and penetrating oil will handle most DIY situations. But for truly stubborn cases, the additional tools and methods mentioned will help you get the job done.
Again, torque wrenches tighten and breaker bars loosen. Don't use the wrong tool for the job. It's cheaper in the long and short term to use the right tools.
Ignoring this advice will cost you dearly.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
For seized hardware, here's an overview of the most common tools and correct methods to loosen the same.
Do not use a torque wrench to loosen anything!!! A torque wrench is designed for tightening things to a specific and precise torque, not breaking them loose.
Here are some suggestions of tools to add to your toolbox for tackling frozen nuts and bolts.
Breaker bars: Breaker bars are built for high leverage, these are your go-to for generating the muscle needed to loosen seized parts. Breaker bars are fairly inexpensive and simple to use.
Penetrating oil: Use penetrating oil like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench on rust and corrosion. Spray the rusted, corroded, and seized hardware generously. Don't be shy, spray it down. Then, let it sit and the magic will happen. Penetrating oil can work wonders, but be patient. Usually ten to fifteen minutes will be enough wait time to get the job done. If ten to fifteen minutes is not long enough, spray it again and if possible, leave it over night. When I know I will be working on rusted or corroded hardware, I will proactively spray the hardware with penetrating oil a day or two before I start working. It takes seconds to spray and it just gives me a better chance of having a trouble free day when I start the job.
Impact wrench: A high torque impact wrench will get you through most tough situations. Its hammering action loosens even the most stubborn fasteners. Impact wrenches are great to use on larger nuts and bolts. Good impact wrenches are more expensive than breaker bars and penetrating oils, but are an essential addition to your toolbox if you will routinely be working on vehicles, heavy equipment, large structures, etc.
Heat (use with caution): If space allows, apply heat with a torch (safely!) to expand the nut and break the bond. For a safer option, consider a magnetic-induction coil nut/bolt buster tool.
If working on a nut and bolt configuration, and it's still stuck after trying everything else, you can also cut it off. If it's a nut welded to a bolt, consider sacrificing the nut with a nut splitter, cut-off wheel, hacksaw, or reciprocating saw. Remember, you can always replace the hardware. And as far as that goes, for any seized hardware that requires significant intervention to loosen, you should replace the it. Odds are, it has been stressed or corroded beyond its engineered standards. Hardware that secures critical assemblies and equipment should definitely be replaced in these situations.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. A breaker bar and penetrating oil will handle most DIY situations. But for truly stubborn cases, the additional tools and methods mentioned will help you get the job done.
Again, torque wrenches tighten and breaker bars loosen. Don't use the wrong tool for the job. It's cheaper in the long and short term to use the right tools. Ignoring this advice will cost you dearly.
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