It really depends on what you’re using them for. Impact wrenches are better for lighter tasks such as removing and replacing lug nuts, while breaker bars are usually better for heavier tasks such as loosening really tough nuts and bolts.
Impact wrenches usually can produce more torque in shorter bursts than a breaker bar, allowing you to work quickly and effectively. Impact wrenches are also easier to use for applications that require repeated rotation or movement of the same fastener, or a specific torque.
Breaker bars, on the other hand, have superior access to tight places due to their length and can provide more torque in general than an impact wrench. When deciding which tool is better for your job, consider the type of nuts and bolts, the size of them, the space you have to work in, and the level of torque needed.
What should you not do with a torque wrench?
Using a torque wrench for any job that requires accuracy is important, however there are certain tasks that you should not use it for. Firstly, torque wrenches should not be used as a conventional ‘spanner’ – that is to say, they should not be used to simply ‘loosen’ or ‘tighten’ a nut or bolt.
If used as such, it can either break the internal mechanism or ruin the accuracy of the wrench.
Moreover, torque wrenches should not be used with air driven tools, such as impact drivers or air ratchets – though they can be used with battery powered tools. Furthermore, you should avoid using the wrench with cheater bars or pipe wrenches attached, as it can cause the torque to go far beyond the intended levels and potentially cause serious damage.
When calibrating the torque wrench, only use certified calibration bars as described in the manual – otherwise you may inaccurately adjust the torque setting, leading to problems during use.
Finally, after use, never disassemble the wrench to clean it. Instead, use a damp cloth to remove any dirt and grime from the outside of the wrench, and keep the wrench in a safe place away from any other tools or extreme temperatures.
How do you make a breaker bar?
Making a breaker bar requires a few simple tools and supplies.
To begin, you’ll need an appropriately sized pipe and the necessary valves and connections. For the pipe, choose an appropriate gauge: one with a heavy wall should suffice. The length of the pipe should be determined by the size of the breaker bar you wish to make.
Next, attach the valves to the pipe. The valves should be 3/4” female NPT to male NPT. The number of valves depends on the size of your breaker bar as well as the type of breaking jobs you intend to do.
The next step is to add a collar to the pipe. This will prevent the valves from slipping off. The collar is a small, internal piece of the pipe that stops the valves from being pulled out by hand.
Once everything is secured, add the handle to the pipe. Since the handle will be attached to the pipe, it needs to be durable and lightweight. Select a material that is corrosion resistant and designed to withstand the torque of the breaker bar.
Finally, attach the appropriate sockets to the breaker bar. Sockets can be used to loosen and loosen nuts and bolts to break them. When you’re done, double-check that all the connections are secure and the breaker bar is ready to use.
Making a breaker bar is a relatively straightforward project. With the right tools and supplies, you can easily create a high-quality, custom breaker bar.
Is it OK to use a torque wrench to loosen?
Yes, it is okay to use a torque wrench to loosen a bolt or nut. It’s important to be aware of the torque setting, as underestimating the setting can potentially cause damage to the fastener. When using a torque wrench for loosening, set the torque limit to no more than 75% of the tightening torque specification and then turn the wrench back to the recommended setting for removal.
Additionally, use a lubricant to ensure easy removal of the fastener. To decrease the risk of damage to other components, the use of a transmission jack is also recommended to assist in loosening the bolt or nut.
Can you use a torque wrench to break torque?
No, torque wrenches are not designed to be used in reverse. A torque wrench is designed to apply a specific amount of torque and there is no easy way to break this, as it requires torque to be applied in the opposite direction.
Rather than using a torque wrench, it is best to use an impact wrench or ratchet for breaking torque. An impact wrench uses a combination of force and torque to provide a quick, forceful burst of energy, that is better suited for breaking torque.
A ratchet is a tool used to quickly increase or decrease tension and torque, making it a better tool for breaking torque than a torque wrench. When breaking torque it is important to use the right tool for the job to ensure that it is done safely and with minimal effort.
Can you use a torque multiplier to loosen bolts?
Yes, you can use a torque multiplier to loosen bolts. A torque multiplier is a tool with a lever or a ratchet that multiplies the torque applied to a fastener (bolt or nut) to aid in loosening or tightening.
It works by multiplying the torque applied by the operator through the tool, increasing the torque applied without needing to increase the amount of force used by the operator. This can be useful in situations where the bolt is rusted or very tight, as it is not always possible to achieve the desired torque when using manual tools.
It can also be beneficial to reduce the risk of injury due to overexertion or using unsuitable tools such as hammers and other tools that are prone to slipping or misaligning.
When should a torque wrench be used?
A torque wrench should be used when a specific amount of torque needs to be applied to a nut or bolt for a specific application. Torque wrenches are especially important when working with critical components where a precise amount of torque is required.
Examples of critical applications include engine components, drivetrain components, suspension components, hydraulic fittings, and parts in medical and aerospace applications. The use of torque wrenches assures that nuts and bolts on critical components are not over or under tightened, improving the performance of the machine and performance in general.
Additionally, over-tightening nuts and bolts can strip threads, crack components, and damage other parts, so using a torque wrench eliminates the risk of these issues. Finally, torque wrenches give an audible “click” when the desired torque has been reached, meaning that even a novice mechanic can easily apply the correct amount of torque in any application.
Can you use a cheater pipe on a torque wrench?
No, you should not use a cheater pipe on a torque wrench. A torque wrench is a precision instrument designed to apply a specific amount of torque to a component or fastener, and a torque wrench does not have enough power to break an axle or stud when a cheater pipe is applied to it.
Cheater pipes are usually made of steel and have leverage multipliers attached to them, which increase the force of the tool handle. This increase in force can lead to the component being overstressed and can cause damage to the component, which can lead to failure while in use.
Additionally, if the component is overstressed, the torque wrench can over-torque the component and can cause the component to break and cause injury.
Does OSHA allow cheater bars?
No, OSHA does not allow the use of cheater bars. A cheater bar is a tool that is made out of a long metal bar, usually a pipe or a steel rod, and is used to increase the leverage of a worker when attempting to loosen a nut or bolt that is stuck or rusted.
While this might seem like a good idea to help make the job easier, it is not an approved or safe method according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Instead of using a cheater bar, they recommend using the proper tools and equipment.
For example, they suggest using an air impact wrench to loosen stuck bolts, or a 4ft or 8ft long breaker bar instead. They also recommend that when attempting to loosen a bolt, the user should make sure that they stand as far away from the tool as possible.
This will decrease the potential of injury if the tool breaks or slips. Attempting to use a cheater bar is not only dangerous, it can result in costly OSHA fines.
What are three rules of torque wrenches?
The three rules of torque wrenches are:
1. Always remove the socket and/or adaptor between uses and never use an extension with a torque wrench.
2. Always check the torque wrench in order to ensure its accuracy before and after each use.
3. Never exceed the torque setting being used. If a higher setting is needed, increase the range on the torque wrench and use the appropriate setting. This is to ensure accuracy and avoid potential damage to the item being fastened.
In addition to these rules, it is important to follow all safety procedures when using a torque wrench, such as wearing appropriate eye protection, using the wrench in a comfortable, supportive position and using only approved torque wrenches for the job.
Finally, make sure to use only the recommended torque setting for the specific job and always store the torque wrench an in appropriate place when not in use, such as in a tool box.
What is a good practice to follow when tightening bolts with a torque wrench?
When using a torque wrench it is important to follow good practices in order to ensure the accuracy and quality of the results. One of the most important things to keep in mind is to make sure that the bolt is clean before attempting to torque it down.
Dirt and debris can cause additional friction and this could result in an inaccurate or unpredictable output. Additionally, make sure to apply a light lubricating oil to further reduce friction.
It is also important to ensure that the correct settings are used when tightening a bolt. Be sure to check the manual to confirm the desired torque rating as this will vary depending on the application.
Before beginning, always pre-load the wrench as this will provide an indication of the accuracy of the desired setting. In addition, make sure that the proper direction of turning is being used (typically clockwise).
If possible, it is beneficial to use a torque angle gauge to further ensure the accuracy of the settings.
Finally, always follow up with a visual inspection at the end to make sure that the bolts are tightened correctly. If there are any doubts about the accuracy of the torque, it is best to consult with a professional to ensure that it is properly done.
Following these practices will help ensure the accuracy and quality of the application when using a torque wrench.
How do you maintain a torque wrench?
Maintaining a torque wrench is very important for its accuracy and durability. Regular maintenance will ensure that your torque wrench is working properly and providing an accurate measurement. The following are some tips on how to maintain a torque wrench:
1. After each use, oil or lubricate your torque wrench according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Not only will oiling a wrench help keep moisture out, but it will also reduce wear and tear, increase accuracy and extend the tool’s life.
2. Clean the torque wrench using a soft cloth and mild soap. Be sure to remove any dirt and debris that may have accumulated during use.
3. Periodically check the accuracy of the torque wrench by repeating a calibration exercise. This should be done at least every few months or when the wrench is being used for critical operations.
4. Store the torque wrench in a cool, dry place when not in use. This will help protect the wrench from dirt and dust, and reducing wear from exposure to extreme temperatures.
5. Discard damaged or worn-out torque wrenches. Even if the tool is still working, using an old or worn part can lead to deadly mistakes.
By following these tips, you can extend the life of your torque wrench and ensure it is providing accurate and reliable measurements.
Is multiple clicks of a torque wrench acceptable?
No, multiple clicks of a torque wrench are not acceptable. For accurate and proper fastener installation, it is necessary to adhere to the manufacturer’s torque recommendation. Using multiple clicks of a torque wrench can result in over-torquing of a fastener due to the cumulative effect of each click of the wrench.
Over-torquing can result in damage to the fastener, the component it is being installed into, or other parts of the assembly. Similarly, under-torquing can also lead to improper assembly, component damage, and loss of clamp load.
This is why it is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s torque recommendations and to not rely on multiple clicks of a torque wrench. While a torque wrench is the most reliable and accurate method of achieving proper torque specifications, alternate methods such as applying a flat-head screwdriver until a specified level of resistance is reached can also be an acceptable method.
Can you overtighten lug nuts by hand?
Yes, it is possible to overtighten lug nuts by hand. The correct torque for lug nuts depends on the type of vehicle, size of the lug nuts, and the specifications in your vehicle’s manual. It is best to use a socket set and torque wrench when tightening lug nuts, as it is easy to exceed the proper torque level when tightening them by hand.
When lug nuts are too tight, the studs can become cracked, fatigued, and weakened, making them more susceptible to snapping off. It is also possible to damage brake drums and rotors if the lug nuts are over-tightened.
In order to prevent this, it is important to make sure that the lug nuts are tightened to the proper torque level and not beyond it.
What happens if lug nuts are under torqued?
If lug nuts are under torqued, it can lead to a variety of problems that can have serious consequences. Under torqued lug nuts put stress on the wheel studs, causing them to stretch over time. As they stretch, the nuts will become looser and may eventually back off the wheel completely.
This can cause severe damage to the wheel, the brake components, and the other parts of the car, as well as to whoever may be in the car if it is happening while the car is in motion. It can also make steering difficult, as the wheel may become unbalanced.
Under torquing can also cause uneven braking, as the brakes might not contact the braking surface in the same way across the wheel. Lastly, it can increase tire wear as the tire is held to the wheel unevenly, creating uneven pressure and friction on the tire as it rolls.
Because of these issues, it is important to regularly check and retorque your lug nuts to the appropriate torque specification.