snap-on torque wrench...help
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Canada
snap-on torque wrench...help
So I let a friend of the family use one of my torque wrenches a while ago. And apparently he didn't put it to 0LBS when he finished, it's been sitting at 140LBS since I let him use it some time ago (months?).
Any idea of how I can check to see if it's damaged the calibration, and if it is any way I can fix it?
Thanks in advance,
Chad
Any idea of how I can check to see if it's damaged the calibration, and if it is any way I can fix it?
Thanks in advance,
Chad
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
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From: The Big, Oregon
It shouldn't do permanent damage, I would set it back to zero and let it set for a few days so the spring relaxes all the way. I don't know of anybody that does calibration, but you can always rent one from auto-bone and check yours against it.
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From: Colorado
It should be fine. You don't say how long it sat at 140lbs, but setting it back to '0' will allow the spring to relax as Ford Six said. I was in calibration for over 20 years if you need to have that info.....
Don't count on comparing your wrench with another as the uncertainty of both can add up to quite a bit of error. Best to find a lab locally to check it out. Cost shouldn't be too bad considering the peace of mind you will then have.
How old is the wrench anyway? Has it ever been dropped or abused? I have never seen a torque wrench that hasn't been dropped at least once!! That will generally cause more damage than leaving it with tension on the spring.
Don't count on comparing your wrench with another as the uncertainty of both can add up to quite a bit of error. Best to find a lab locally to check it out. Cost shouldn't be too bad considering the peace of mind you will then have.
How old is the wrench anyway? Has it ever been dropped or abused? I have never seen a torque wrench that hasn't been dropped at least once!! That will generally cause more damage than leaving it with tension on the spring.
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From: Canada
I'm pretty careful with taking care of my tools...it's never been dropped off a bench, but maybe 'placed down a little harder than it should have been'.
I think it was set at 140 for about a month...I've reset it to 0 (even before writing my first post) and don't expect to need it in the next couple weeks, so I will hope it relaxes. If I'm planning any important projects maybe I'll send it in to Snap-On as someone suggested, I have another wrench to use while this one is away anyway.
Thanks again,
Chad
I think it was set at 140 for about a month...I've reset it to 0 (even before writing my first post) and don't expect to need it in the next couple weeks, so I will hope it relaxes. If I'm planning any important projects maybe I'll send it in to Snap-On as someone suggested, I have another wrench to use while this one is away anyway.
Thanks again,
Chad
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From: Colorado
If it was only a month or so I wouldn't worry. One other thing you can do is to set the wrench to it's highest setting, exercise it about 5 times, then run it back down to about 20lbs, repeat the exercising again. Do this a couple of times then go ahead and set it back to zero. This will help the spring to relax again. I think you'd be surprised at how many people ignore the advice to set their wrenches back to zero. Over the years I have worked as several companies where adjustable wrenches were left at preset levels for months, then specs would change and manufacturing personnel would simply change the setting without a calibration check. Amazingly I found relatively few of them out of spec.
One thing to remember is to exercise your wrench a few times after every change in setting before actually using it. That is as important as any other precaution.
One thing to remember is to exercise your wrench a few times after every change in setting before actually using it. That is as important as any other precaution.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Chino Valley, Arizona
National Calibration in Phoenix, my company sends thousands of tools there every year for annual calibration. in the last 20 years I have never had a problem with them, if a wrench needs minor repair they just do it and don't even bill for it. as for leaving the torque set at 140lbs if it is a good wrench it won't hurt it. I have a proto torque wrench my father gave me, every time it goes in for calibration it is returned as received. no adjustment needed. same with my matco and snap on torque wrenches.
National Calibration Inc. - Your Calibration Source
National Calibration Inc. - Your Calibration Source
