Torque wrench question

[OldTee]

Does the cold affect the value and if so, by how much. My torque wrench has been in the garage at 16F for a week or so. If I were to use it without warming it up would it be a problem? Anybody know for real?

Just a question. Not a problem now that I thought about it.

[cgarr]

Beam or clicker type? Clicker will have grease in it and could be a problem in the cold.

[304065]

Lab instruments are usually calibrated at 20C. Being colder will definitely affect everything-- the wrench operation, the friction values (the fit between the parts is different). Plus most torque wrenches are considered accurate if they are within 4%.

Here is a good article on how to make your own calibrator. You don't need a load cell, just the ability to measure precisely and a basic understanding of the physics involved.

http://www.stockcarracing.com/howto/scrp_0803_calibrating_a_torque_wrench/index.html