Really dumb torque wrench question

[vjd3]

Just picked up a like-new Craftsman torque wrench at a yard sale ... which is good, because I need to put the snows on the Saab soon ... but I've never used a torque wrench before and it didn't come with a manual. The Saab owner's manual specs 130 nM for the lug nuts; how do I set the wrench for that torque? (it has engraved values on the shaft, and a plastic handle that turns).

TIA
Vic

[pjv911]

You will need a metric conversion table to cross it over to foot pounds. I think a normal torque setting for aluminum wheels is about 75 ft lbs.

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69` RS carrera clone
2.7 CIS

[Rufblackbird]

I'm sure the Craftsman works like my Husky one..

On the top of the plastic handle where it meets the metal shaft, there should be a "ring" where you can pull down. This locks the handle. Pull it down to unlock it, and turn the handle until you reach the amount of torque you need. Clockwise to increase, counterclockwise to decrease. It'll say what amount you're at on the shaft. My "ring" also has numbers on it, that's for if you need some odd torque like 88 ft-lbs or something like that.

EDIT: The Craftsman should have both metric and standard values on it.
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Jeff
1976 911S Coupe



[This message has been edited by Rufblackbird (edited 10-21-2001).]

[beepbeep]

You turn the shaft untill it's end reaches line with wanted engraved value, and then just turn it.

It's very wise of you to use torque wrench on your SAAB. Countless people have warped their rotors by overtorqueing lug nuts. Use copper-grease and cross-torque nuts.

Cheers!

[Joeaksa]

vjd3,

Pls remember that the torque wrenches do not stay accurate forever! You might want to spend a few bux and get it recalibrated or at least checked. I know that Snap On and other tool trucks have a calibration tool with them and someone should be able to at least test yours and see how close it is. Its also not a good idea to use any torque wrench in the extreme lower or upper range as they are not very accurate there.

Also, pls remember to always take the tension off of the spring when you are finished working with it by taking it to the lowest setting and do not use it as a "ratchet"... the accuracy goes downhill.

I have used them for years on airplanes and you would not believe how often you find one out of whack. Not worth it to break a bolt or stud when the wrench is not within limits.

JoeA

[vjd3]

Okay ... thanks for the replies, but I'm still a little mystified. This is how the wrench is set up:

On the shaft, there are two columns of numbers, vertically, for foot-pounds. By rotating the handle clockwise, the handle rises to the appropriate setting. What's confusing to me is there are numbers on the handle as well; 0 .5 1 1.5 2 2.5 etc. up to 4.5.

So, if I want 75 foot pounds, I would assume I would rotate that handle until it's flush on the 75 mark, but what should the numbers on the handle be? 0? Or 1?

Vic

[Rufblackbird]

The handle should read '0', as if it read '1' you would be at 76ft-lbs. If you need odd numbers like 76.5 turn it 'till it meets 75, then turn it again until you reach 1.5.


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Jeff
1976 911S Coupe

[vjd3]

Got it ... thanks all!

Vic