Method for checking torque wrench accuracy?
 

I bought a real nice snap on 1/2" drive torque wrench (30-150lbs), and am thinking of getting a 3/8" (5-75lbs) one as well. I've been told that recalibration runs about $50 ea., but that with careful, casual use, that that won't be neccessary for 4-5 yrs by snap on. You all seem very creative, and I was wondering if anyone has a way of testing a torque wrench for accuracy, or a general idea of how accurate. I hesitate picking up the second one because it seems a little extreme to spend $100 every year or two to calibrate a wrench that sees not a lot of use. What do you guys think?

Thanks,
David

For most of us torque wrench recalibration is as useful as bathroom scale recalibration.
I can't imagine these go significatly out of calibration for what your doing.
But if you want to do it, make a simple 1 ft bar to hang weights from; something like. . .
http://www.pelicanparts.com/ultimate...loads/Wr-2.GIF

. . .the idea being; 60lbs pulling at a right angle (90°) to the 1ft bar will pop the wrench set at 60 ft-lbs. A 2ft bar at 30lbs will also get you 60 ft-lbs.
. . .Get it?

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'81 Platinum Metalic SC Coupe

[This message has been edited by island911 (edited 06-13-2001).]