I picked up a used torque wrench a couple years ago that I'd like one of you
smart engineers to learn me about, if you can.  It's rather small as these
things go, maybe 16", reads in Nm's(up to 70) and inch-pounds(up to 600) only.
Has a circular scale that swivels to read either of the above.  It was
manufactured by Consolidated Devices, Inc. (City of Industry, Ca). The model #
is 6002 DI.  There is what appears to be a military stock # (if you know what
that is) of 5120-00-288-8865, and it and the date of manufacture are stamped
one above the other on it towards the end where the socket fits on.  Now, my
????'s are these:

Is there a way to find out if it's accurate, without paying through the nose?
(it only cost me $10)

Can foot-lbs be converted to inch lbs, and vice-versa, by simply
multiplying/dividing by 12?  I don't think they can, but I'm not sure.  Can
you splain this in moron terms so I can understand it?

If I can have it calibrated, will it stay that way for a considerable amount
of time, or will I have to have it done on a regular basis?

I know a torque wrench is important, as are properly torqued nuts and bolts,
but I'm too cheap to sink big bucks into a good, full-sized one if I don't
have to.

Thanks,
Jason Beighley
'84 GL