I just purchased a cheap torque wrench ($25), because I wanted to torque my wheels to factory specs, but at 80 ft lbs I thought they would be tighter. Is my torque wrench bad or is 80 ft lbs just not that tight? Any advice is appreciated

 

it's not as tight as you think, but i think it can be a little misleading because most torque wrenches have a lot of length to them, increasing your mechanical advantage, and making them easier to tighten. i torque mine to 80 as well, and it doesn't take all that much effort to get the on. now ... getting them off....

 

Yep... 80 ft-lbs doesn't feel that tight with a long torque wrench. And if you use one of those X-shaped lug wrenches, it won't be too hard to take off, either. But if you try using the factory-provided lug wrench... it'll probably feel tighter.

You know how it goes... "It feels tighter if you have a smaller tool." Just don't go around telling your buddies that, or they'll wonder what the hell your talking about.

 

there's always one jack ass that has to start comparing tool size, isn't there?

 

And "there's always one jack ass" that can't let it go, and ends up calling people names on the internet. I don't think you know me well enough to call me a jack ass jokingly... and if you weren't joking, then there was no point in you making the comment. There's no need for personal attacks on the internet, unless you have some sort of issues.

 

Easy fellas! It all started out innocently enough with you making a joke. You even had a nice little smilie (I even got it):

Then you responded with yet another joke AND with a little smilie (and I got this one too):

I suppose you could see it as "name calling", but I saw it as doing it in an "affectionate" kind of way, at least that's the way I see it. It's like saying, "My dad's gonna KILL me!". Well, I don't think any dad's "KILLED" his kid.
Step back, have a coffee, put a Valium in it and move along.

 

Fair enough. I saw the drunk smilie, but wasn't sure how jokingly it was intended.

I'll let it go at that. No harm, no foul.

 

it's too bad sarcasm and pokingfunedness can't always make it through the net so easily, eh? no offense intended. i have a hug with your name on it the next time you make your way through tucson. [smiley placed for emphasis cuz i really ain't gonna hug ya.]