Torque Wrench Extension compensation...
#1
Bullitt Member
Thread Starter
Torque Wrench Extension compensation...
I'm installing Corsa Axle Backs today, and have a question about using extensions with Torque Wrenches. If It is a straight extension, do I need to adjust the torque settings?
Example if the clamps call for 45 ft lbs, and I'm using an 12" extension, do I need to apply more torque? does this make sense to anyone?
THanks
LJS
Example if the clamps call for 45 ft lbs, and I'm using an 12" extension, do I need to apply more torque? does this make sense to anyone?
THanks
LJS
#2
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
I'm installing Corsa Axle Backs today, and have a question about using extensions with Torque Wrenches. If It is a straight extension, do I need to adjust the torque settings?
Example if the clamps call for 45 ft lbs, and I'm using an 12" extension, do I need to apply more torque? does this make sense to anyone?
THanks
LJS
Example if the clamps call for 45 ft lbs, and I'm using an 12" extension, do I need to apply more torque? does this make sense to anyone?
THanks
LJS
If you are using the extension to a socket type torque wrench and still have the center of the wrench over the center of the bolt, there is no difference.
You should have no problem as long as you stay lined up.
The problem comes if there is a change of angles or other attachments changing the relationship.
With an open end type wrench (which most people don't have), using a different size head (or length) necessitates re-calibration.
#4
Bullitt Member
Thread Starter
I know what you are thinking.
If you are using the extension to a socket type torque wrench and still have the center of the wrench over the center of the bolt, there is no difference.
You should have no problem as long as you stay lined up.
The problem comes if there is a change of angles or other attachments changing the relationship.
With an open end type wrench (which most people don't have), using a different size head (or length) necessitates re-calibration.
If you are using the extension to a socket type torque wrench and still have the center of the wrench over the center of the bolt, there is no difference.
You should have no problem as long as you stay lined up.
The problem comes if there is a change of angles or other attachments changing the relationship.
With an open end type wrench (which most people don't have), using a different size head (or length) necessitates re-calibration.
#5
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the longer the extension the less torque you get i believe. and i believe its done in 12inch incriments.
so i believe for every 12inches you have to add 1 ft lb. your taking torque away by using the extension.
so i believe for every 12inches you have to add 1 ft lb. your taking torque away by using the extension.
#6
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
"From time to time people have asked me if it is OK to use an extension with a torque wrench. The answer is yes. Using an extension or reducer with a torque wrench does not affect the accuracy. Others have asked if it is OK to use a universal joint with a torque wrench. The answer is NO. Universal joints change the torque as the drive angle increases. I checked this out with my torque tester. The results are shown in Figure 8c. Don’t use universal joints with torque wrenches."
Now here are the calculations for the other type of wrench he is not using:
http://www.norbar.com/Calculators/To...0/Default.aspx
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http://home.jtan.com/~joe/KIAT/kiat_3.htm
"From time to time people have asked me if it is OK to use an extension with a torque wrench. The answer is yes. Using an extension or reducer with a torque wrench does not affect the accuracy. Others have asked if it is OK to use a universal joint with a torque wrench. The answer is NO. Universal joints change the torque as the drive angle increases. I checked this out with my torque tester. The results are shown in Figure 8c. Don’t use universal joints with torque wrenches."
Now here are the calculations for the other type of wrench he is not using:
http://www.norbar.com/Calculators/To...0/Default.aspx
"From time to time people have asked me if it is OK to use an extension with a torque wrench. The answer is yes. Using an extension or reducer with a torque wrench does not affect the accuracy. Others have asked if it is OK to use a universal joint with a torque wrench. The answer is NO. Universal joints change the torque as the drive angle increases. I checked this out with my torque tester. The results are shown in Figure 8c. Don’t use universal joints with torque wrenches."
Now here are the calculations for the other type of wrench he is not using:
http://www.norbar.com/Calculators/To...0/Default.aspx
TORQUE WRENCH + UNIVERSAL JOINT=
#8
Team Mustang Source
I do understand being accurate and all maybe it's they backyard mechanic in me
#9
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it kind of depends on your torque wrench. Mine, for example, has exactly one setting....sort of.... turning the handle will make it longer or shorter and therefore change the amount of force that it takes to make it "break" or hear the click. On the other hand, if you have a torque wrench that has a gauge in the head, it probably doesn't matter if you have an extension
#10
If you choose to use an extension (to lenghten the torque wrench), use the following formula to set your correct torque value.
(T x L) / (L + E) = Adjusted torque value (what you set on your torque wrench)
T= target torque value
L= length of torque wrench in inches (end of handle to center of socket)
E= length of extension in inches (center of socket to center of bolt)
Example:
If using a 1" Crow's Foot extension, here's the way the formula works out.
(76 x 12" torque wrench) / (12" torque wrench + 1" extension) = 70.15 lb-in torque. This is what you would set the torque wrench to.
(T x L) / (L + E) = Adjusted torque value (what you set on your torque wrench)
T= target torque value
L= length of torque wrench in inches (end of handle to center of socket)
E= length of extension in inches (center of socket to center of bolt)
Example:
If using a 1" Crow's Foot extension, here's the way the formula works out.
(76 x 12" torque wrench) / (12" torque wrench + 1" extension) = 70.15 lb-in torque. This is what you would set the torque wrench to.
#11
when i torque my wheel nuts I have to use an extension because of the dish....I use a clicker type torque wrench set to 100 ft/lbs, The extension is probably about 6 inches and I also use a 1/2 inch drive to 3/8 drive reducer, then a deep socket. Am I totally screwing up the torque amount?
#12
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
when i torque my wheel nuts I have to use an extension because of the dish....I use a clicker type torque wrench set to 100 ft/lbs, The extension is probably about 6 inches and I also use a 1/2 inch drive to 3/8 drive reducer, then a deep socket. Am I totally screwing up the torque amount?
You may need to support the end of a long extension at the drive to maintain the relationship.
The longer the extension, the more it tends to go askew without support (6" may not be a problem).
#14
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
Of course, lug nuts are not the most critical torque on a car.
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it kind of depends on your torque wrench. Mine, for example, has exactly one setting....sort of.... turning the handle will make it longer or shorter and therefore change the amount of force that it takes to make it "break" or hear the click. On the other hand, if you have a torque wrench that has a gauge in the head, it probably doesn't matter if you have an extension
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#18
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when i torque my wheel nuts I have to use an extension because of the dish....I use a clicker type torque wrench set to 100 ft/lbs, The extension is probably about 6 inches and I also use a 1/2 inch drive to 3/8 drive reducer, then a deep socket. Am I totally screwing up the torque amount?
Taco Bill has the compensation factor correct , but that pre suppose that the crows foot is maintained in exactly opposite direction (180 deg) to the torque wrench handle, if not, all bets are off and the moment relationship changes. At plus or minus 90 degress to the handle, there is no correction.
Length of the extension does not change the torque, but the wrench handle will move further due to the torsional deflection of the extension.
For small angles (5 - 10 degrees) the U-joint does not loose that much torque, and is a life saver when needed. For other than spin in or out, high angles should be avoided (who would try to torque one at 60 degrees?).
Last edited by RadBOSS; 1/3/09 at 07:29 PM.
#20
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category_6970_94+1484+770696?cm_ven=PPC&cm_cat=I-search%20(Google%20Adwords)&cm_pla=handtools&cm_it e=crows%20feet%20wrench
An open end wrench (one that attaches to a socket wrench).
Think about it.
An open end wrench (one that attaches to a socket wrench).
Think about it.
Last edited by karman; 1/3/09 at 08:44 PM.