

| Subject: | Re: Torque wrench; click style, calibration; or how to waste half a day. |
| From: | Jim Arnott |
| Date: | Sun, 19 Sep 1999 20:42:41 -0700 |
When I was involved with the calibration department of a major aerospace contractor, it was demonstrated that the 'click' type wrench was completely unreliable. This included the hi dollar ones from Snap-On. If it's accuracy that you're after, you can't beat the old beam type. They're usually within about 3%. A dial type that is not regularly calibrated can be trusted to get you within about 15%. Save the clicker for torquing Chevy/Ford head bolts. We used dial types on a 30 day calibration cycle. I use a clicker for lug nuts and a beam for engine assembly. I've got a couple of in/lb dial types that I use for low torque values. And, before you ask, no, they're not calibrated any longer. Check them against a relatively unused beam is the best I can do. A couple of things that one can do to improve the accuracy are to 1.) ALWAYS set your 'clicker' to 0 when you're done with it. 2.) NEVER use it to remove fasteners. It ain't a breaker bar! and 3.) try to have a selection of different wrenches so that you're using a wrench in the mid-range of its capacity. Jim Arnott WetWesties Union, OR
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