Retorquing the Lugnuts

Correction, we're now on page 11.

 

I'll continue talking to myself when I get the wrench, thanks.

Looks kinda like a microphone...

 

Well, since I was looking around at more specialized sockets, I'll also mention that some or all of the impact ones are set up with a hole on each end for a retaining pin, and a groove around them for an o-ring that goes over the pin (or it's a one piece o-ring with a pin attached). Not all sockets use the friction ball on one side, and notches where it slips in and out of. The other way would keep it from slipping off if you got parts specific for that (the extensions just have a hole through the end for it). I may go with this if it needs to stay on better.

Looks like some of the one-sided pins are a little longer than a ball bearing too, so I guess it depends on how often you want to change out sockets, which type would be most convenient. Or that socket has sort of a divot on the inside for the longer retractable pin, my impact socket doesn't (it could have been filed there). I'd go with the retaining pin though, and maybe tape the o-ring on. I'll also have to try taping a ball bearing type extension to the socket first, if I'm leaving them attached (might work well enough, and the torque multiplier I ordered comes with an extra socket that would be useful for front wheels without the extension).

Looks like I'll need at least a 12" extension after all, since 3.5" is about as long as 3/4 drive deep sockets get (the one I ordered said it was 6", but they tend to include packaging in their measurement). Together they're about 14.5" in length.

 

I checked with that yesterday (and before I was thinking at least 14 total, glancing at the measuring tape), had about 3.5" beyond the tire with a 12" extension on the 3.5" socket. Now I'd say a 10 would clear the tire by enough, but then the trailer was out a couple inches past the tire, and the other inch & a half would leave room for my arm on the wrench (so the 14.5 is good). Could use the 10 on a tractor with the same margin (12.5 total there).

 

Yeah, maintenance is an ongoing discussion for me, as it should be.

 

Thanks, an article on Torque Wrench Myths says that too.

"In order to be most accurate, a torque wrench needs a slow, steady pull up to the desired torque. Some bolts, like those securing the main caps, require a lot of torque. Make sure you have the block secured and you’re in a position to apply the final torque in a steady pull without jerking or tugging the wrench."

In that case I'd think it could be more accurate sometimes to use a torque multiplier and tighten more easily and slowly, just depending on how well a torque wrench fit the task (although it may be necessary to confirm a torque mulitipler is set up correctly with a torque wrench too, as they can be off by just as much otherwise).

The article also confirms that backing off nuts before torquing in order to overcome breaking torque may not be necessary within 50 ft-lb in my case, or beyond 15 their example. They say within 5 ft-lbs it's especially questionable.

"The lesson here is that although your torque wrench is perfectly capable of reading the difference between 65 and 70 ft-lbs, if you ever need to change the torque on an already tightened bolt by less than 15 ft-lbs, first loosen the bolt so that it’s in a relaxed state and start over."

 

Those seem to have lower torque ranges, often an in-lb measurement. I'm looking at them for use with a multiplier though (something to compare). Some even have an in-oz scale.

 

I also ordered an extended depth socket, it's 5 lbs and 10.5 inches long with a stud sized hollow shaft running its length. Whether or not I need one deeper than the 3.5 inch long socket for bolt clearance, I think it may be advantageous to use in general, as it is bigger around than an extension to hold while positioning, and the short extension I add to its end for extra torque wrench clearance would not detach as a result, because I'll be holding the actual socket to move it around.

Could also use it to thump tires.