Torque wrench users……. Do you/how often do you calibrate?

Wife and daughter were complaining the wheels were falling off. They thought I was going senile. I thought they were nuts. I’ve always used a torque wrench.

I had a Princess auto micrometer type since 2004. It’s been dropped, and left “in torque”. I didn’t know.

so I checked and yup it was way out of whack. I was unable to calibrate it. So, I ordered a new split beam type.

the thing cost me 150 bucks so I’m wondering if I should bother calibrating (50 bucks a pop) or just buy a new wrench every few years?

or I’m thinking of buying a torque adaptor to check each year if the wrench is still good. Then either calibrate, or replace if it goes out of whack.

what style wrench do you guys have? How often do you check the calibration? Do you use an electric adaptor, or do you do the “hang a weight on a string” thing?

 

I have a Husky that I've never calibrated. I just make sure it's stored at Zero.

I really don't use it often.

 

Can't beat a split beam for accuracy compared to click type. Click type is more convenient and OK for a lot of applications. Split beam can be awkward in tight spots but superior to click. Calibration intervals for both depend on use. Split beam generally has a longer calibration interval compared to a click under same use. Your split beam with occasional use to tighten lug nuts could easily be good to go on a 2 year calibration. Heavy use, 1 year. Click with occasional use, check annually. Heavy use, 6 months. FYI>> Split beams new out of the box rarely fail calibration. We get a lot of cheaper click types that fail calibration right out of the box. This is how I know.....our torque and pressure cal lab.

 

nice setup! What do,you guys charge to calibrate? My splitbeam has a calibration “port”

is diy ok? I use mine for winter tire swaps, twice a year, 4 vehicles. I’m not building a space shuttle, but wheels falling off are no good.

my wrench is 10 years old so it owes me nothing. My split beam was 150 bucks. Depending on cost, and my time it may be easier to just replace my wrench every few years.

 

Our torque calibration pricing varies upon type and range. Your split beam is good to go for some time and quite durable. Rarely ever wears out, although calibration can change a bit with prolonged use. Toss that other in the trash. I don't normally recommend dyi when it comes to torque wrenches or force gauges. There are several calibration labs in Canuck land. Mostly in your souheast. We have 4. One like yours shouldn't cost more than $50. You don't need an accredited cal with uncertainties which costs more. You're not wrenching on a aircraft. When you are ready, call one of our Transcat calibration labs in the Great White. Or Transcat.com

 

I’ll have to see if there’s someone local.

if splitbeams are almost always good to go out of the box, I break even if I replace every 3 years. 2 years if I have to pay shipping each time.

have you ever tested the electronic torque adaptor things? If I can reasonably test my torque wrench with it I may only need to recalibrate every 5 years (based on 1000 “clicks”).

I really like the splitbeam style. Way easier to adjust, and I can set it and forget it. The micrometer click ones I have a hard time reading the numbers on the dial.

 

Would love a nice made in USA one that didn’t break the bank

not into China tools

 

We calibrate torque testers. Some are quite reasonable in cost and not much to calibrate. As you mentioned you could conveniently check your own wrenches with one before "each" use in a couple minutes. Lots of folks do it that way. I definitely recommend that!

 

i tend to have my important ones checked every 6 months or so. but i rebuild a fair bit of engines at work. dont want any comebacks now

 

We get in quite expensive USA, Swiss, and German made torque wrenches that fail calibration and need repair. A lot. It's all about use.

 

cool, i still don’t want China tools

Got a recommendation for a good one that’s not stupid expensive for around the house use?

 

If you have calipers and or micrometers, you can check them yourself too by getting a small ceramic gage block set.

 

precision instruments have been good for alot of DIY stuff i've had for years. accurate enough for what you'd be doing at home and they've been reliable at keeping accurate. not the cheapest though

 

work pays for it since im the only one that asks. so i just roll with it LOL

in 10 years ive had zero engine/transmission failures. soo im doing alot better than my coworkers, they like to keep it that way

 

There are tons of torque wrench suppliers. Torque wrenches come in various ranges. Lbs-in, Lbs-ft? Lots of possibilities. All-around use...CDI or USA made Snap On

 

Swiss Precision Instruments are very good wrenches. A bit pricier, but worth it.

 

my PI's are old stuff. stuff at work is mostly snap on. i cant complain with either for their use cases

 

Yep, most mechanics and builders know what's good. At least they should. Ha!

 

you'd think.

but i've ran across alot of rebuilds from other places... that didnt know what a torque wrench was i think, LOL

most typical issue i see is wheel bearings... people dont like torquing wheel bearings.. and we all know what happens when bearings have too little or too much preload from improper torque..

engines? ive seen a fair few rod bolts left loose and blow an engine

 

The thing is, you care about your work!

 

never

 

I torque on chang overs on wife/kids cars. No idea where I bought it, never calibrated it, never had a wheel fly off

 

I have been using the PI split beams, work well. They need a fine tooth ratchet action. Not a concern when engine is on stand, gets cumbersome wrenching in the engine bay.

How do the electronic strain gauges hold up? Need frequent calibration?

 

I use torque sticks on my lug bolts. So far so good!

 

When it comes to strain gauges it depends type and use of course. Wireless strain gauge sensors are usually on a one year interval.

 

There's always that first time.

 

PFFFTTTT..... spoken like a dooms dayer

 

Not at all actually. In my 44+ years in calibration, I've seen many worst case scenarios when tools weren't properly maintained. Why brush off sound advice?

 

IF I do lose a tire, I hope it hits your car LOL