Back down a torque wrench that is in constant use ?

[fastfredracing]

Just wondering. I know you are supposed to wind down a torque wrench for storage , down to its lowest setting .
I of course have good wrenches for motor work etc, but also have wrenches that I basically only use to torque wheels, and maybe steering knuckles .
I use it constantly, it probably torques 100 fasteners a day . I find my self constantly winding it up and down.
Most everything I torque is right in the range of 85-110. My older one just failed, not the head, but the mechanism that sets the torque . I think it just wore out, from being turned up and down 10 times a day , 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year etc....
I think I am just going to leave my new one set at 100.
The longest it ever sits , is overnight .

[KFC911]

I'm a novice, and my POS Craftsman is toast...'cause of that...

Leave it alone...yep.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by fastfredracing

I use it constantly, it probably torques 100 fasteners a day . I find my self constantly winding it up and down.

Maybe look into getting a few pre-set torque wrenches for your most commonly-used values.

[asphaltgambler]

If you use it frequently during the day, leave it where it is until the next job - I would set it to MIN when putting it to bed overnight. Yes even good torque wrenches lose their range. I have mine calibrated / adjusted once a year.

[908/930]

In your case probably better to leave it set, it should take a long time for the spring to loose its set tension. You can always check it after some time against another calibrated torque wrench to verify.

[JackDidley]

I back the down because I do not use them every day. Harbor Freight one just does wheel and Snap On for real work. Thought about getting one of these, Just turn a ratchet into an instant touque wrench.
https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Tool-M206-Digital-Adapter/dp/B00EDEDKHE/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3FFBF0GEYO1Z3&keywords=torque+calibrator+tool&qid=1565306948&s=gateway&sprefix=torque+ca%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-2

[cabmandone]

When I get my torque wrench out it normally stays at the torque setting until the end of the day. I back it down when I put my tools away at the end of the day.

[Rusty Heap]

I back down my T wrench every use.



and don't slam Craftsman, at least MY wrench.


I worked at Boeing Cal Cert Tooling dept.


it was withing 5-10 pound of spec control compared to snap-on.



Note. Boeing has 6 FOOT long torque wrenches for tightening the 3 NUTS that hold the engine onto the pylon.

[RANDY P]

Certain ones don't need to be backed down- Precision instruments / Snappy with the little knob on the side used by tire shops comes to mind.

If it's one that has the old handle you turn (HF has 'em everywhere) then ya, undo it.

[RANDY P]

This lil monster is what the Snappy is at about 1/2 the cost (Precision makes Snappy). I have the snappy version, best tool I own. I treat it like it's royalty.

https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Instruments-PREC3FR250F-Silver-Torque/dp/B002XMSFIM/ref=pd_sbs_328_2/137-2326478-3912301?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B002XMSFIM&pd_rd_r=61ef3011-242f-4d72-8c31-d684eaef26b3&pd_rd_w=HU6la&pd_rd_wg=Hw6Gw&pf_rd_p=43281256-7633-49c8-b909-7ffd7d8cb21e&pf_rd_r=VCY9ENNM6TWNVXY00979&psc=1&refRID=VCY9ENNM6TWNVXY00979

[RWebb]

only spring types need to be "backed down" as leaving them tight puts a "set" on the spring (alters k, the spring constant)

the digital types use a load cell and do not need this (generally more accurate too) - I bought some used Snap-Off ones on evilbay

the beam type ones 'back off' on their own

[RANDY P]

Problem solved

[rusnak]

Why would you not use a digital one?

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Rusty Heap

I back down my T wrench every use.



and don't slam Craftsman, at least MY wrench.


....

I will trade you . Purchased after I acquired my 911 years ago, and backed down after each use. The cheap plastic locking thingy is frozen, and of course Craftsman quit "standing behind" their products by then/now. That's the one I used the most....but not even broken in before it broke really .

[fastfredracing]

Originally Posted by rusnak

Why would you not use a digital one?

Just bought one almost $800.00. I keep that in its case, in my safe deposit box at the bank next to my last will and testament .
Cant bring myself to use an expensive one to beat around the shop all day torquing pick up truck wheels , and I guarantee that a cheapo digital will be broken in 6 months.

[pete3799]

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/TLS788/10-piece-torque-limiting-extension-set/

[Zeke]

A beam TW was mentioned. Why not that for lug nuts, etc.? Close enough.

[911boost]

Do any of you have good ones for inch-pounds?

[devodave]

We only used Sanp-On dial torque wrenches when I worked at the shipyard (Norfolk Naval Shipyard), mainly torqueing fasteners for pipe flanges as a pipefitter (both non-nuc and nuc systems). These, like beam types, do not have to be relaxed after use and give you an idea where you are at in the torqueing process. Always use at 1/4 to 7/8 of the scale. A 0-175 ft-lb is currently listed on e-bay for $125. I much prefer the dial type to the clicker type myself, but that's was I basically cut my teeth on.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by 911boost

Do any of you have good ones for inch-pounds?

Park Tool USA - From a bicycle shop etc. Beam type