I'll second the Harbor Freight 1/2" Clicker torque wrench...but only on sale for $9.99! (Save the money for stuff that matters...like tires!) I've used mine quite a bit, and it even comes with a case. Like they've all stated, the most important thing about the "clicker" or dial torque wrenches is to set the dial/clicker back down to the lowest setting (not below) when you are done. This will keep the proper tension internally to assure consistent readings. (And they are just soo much cooler then the old beam style torque bars!)

-Justin

 

Just as important is if you are mounting new wheels for the first time....to recheck the torque setting the day after or after a drive to ensure that lugs have not backed off from settling.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Road Rage
thongfoto:

Even if you asked "How do I reset the CEL?" I would answer, because you always have provocative avatars".

 

You know, I don't mean to bring this thread up again, but I have a question.

Usually people recommend retorqueing the lugnuts after 30 miles give or take. I have a clicker Craftsman torque wrench and I can't really "re-torque" the lugnuts because it is not a torque limiting tool. I would actually be adding another 80lbs-ft of torque when retightening. The manual suggests to loosen the bolt and re-torque it. Does this not defeat the purpose of re-torqueing lugnuts that might come a little loose after driving? I'm stumped and i'm not even stoned.

 

This is incorrect. It clicks at total torque, not incrementally.

Loosening is to insure that nuts are tightened in correct sequence. Also avoids having a nut in effect overtorqued by tighening the opposite side (this is really a subset of the first reason). Loosening also allows you to notice any nut that has become stuck and needs to be cleaned and lubricated. Stuck nut obviously yields incorrect reading.

And always use antisieze compound on the threads and never overtorque. Overtorque does nothing but encourage material failure.


Gregg

 

Gregg, when I torqued the lugnuts 80lbs, it clicked once and for shits and giggles, I actually tried spinning the ratched head again, in essence "re-torqueing" the lugnut and the lugnut moved more. Does this mean that the lugnut wasn't torqued all the way to 80 lbs in the first place? I tried it 3 times after the initial torque click of 80 lbs and all 3 times, the lugnut spun around more.

If you are correct, then I must have a faulty torque wrench. If you are incorrect, that means that re-torqueing the lugnuts after driving around a little bit isn't a possibility with my tool? I assume the beam style torque wrenches are the ones that show how much total torque is being measured, therefore being the best candidate for my problem.

Pictured below is the exact same model torque wrench as mine with the digital readout.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TokeMadBowls420
Gregg, when I torqued the lugnuts 80lbs, it clicked once and for shits and giggles, I actually tried spinning the ratched head again, in essence "re-torqueing" the lugnut and the lugnut moved more. Does this mean that the lugnut wasn't torqued all the way to 80 lbs in the first place? I tried it 3 times after the initial torque click of 80 lbs and all 3 times, the lugnut spun around more.

 

What method decouples the torque wrench? Would rotating it counter clockwise? If it does, that might be the solution because I was actually turning immediately after the click to see if it would decouple and click without spinning the bolts.

By the way, thanks for your replies. They have provided valuable information for me to explore.

 

When does this "recheck torque" on lugnuts rule apply? Only when mounting new wheels for the first time, or new tyres as well?

I just had a set of tyres mounted on by my $tealer on my stock rims. Guess I'll check them anyway to make sure they didn't screw up!

///Robin

 

It's usually recommended to retorque the wheels periodically. I usually loosen the bolts if a retailer mounts tires on and puts the wheels back on my car because they usually use an air ratchet to just put the lugs on the studs.