Torque Sticks?
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 303
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Torque Sticks?
I was wondering if anyone has used torque sticks on their lug nuts. I saw them at a big rig shop the other day and the guy at the counter said the mechanics swear by them. I searched the forum, but I didn't find much info. Torqueing down the lugs is one of those activities that wreaks havoc on my back.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
I've seen them used at tire shops and think they're a tool I'd LOVE to have in my toolbox! It would certainly make using the two-step torque method I employ a LOT easier!
Stewart
Stewart
Butt-Head
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,406
Likes: 2,895
From: Reed Point, MT
We have them at our shop. I don't use them but the other guy loves them. They are a time saver for sure, but they are totally useless. Their effectiveness depends 100% on the gun and available air pressure/volume.
Example:
His impact on max with a 140 ft. lb. "tork stik" will run the lug nuts down to around 135-150 ft. lbs. depending on how much pressure our compressor tank has at the moment.
My old gun would barely hit 140 on a good day.
My latest gun will run them down to 160+ ft. lbs.
I use a torque wrench each time, every time. It's the only accurate way.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Cody, they're THAT unreliable? Wow, the guys I'd talked to said they were really precise.
Ugh, oh well. I'll stick with the torque wrench.
Stewart
Ugh, oh well. I'll stick with the torque wrench.
Stewart
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,365
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From: IOWA
We have a set here on the farm. They work well. I use them on most of my vehicles, but my truck is one of those vehicles that I still use a torque wrench. With all the towing and use it gets, I just feel more comfortable knowing they are torqued to specs.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
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From: Texas
Somebody rep Cody for me. I had no idea what everyone was talking about until he posted the picture.
The theory behind those is good, but the reality in application leaves something to be desired. Do you really believe a strong impact with plenty of high pressure air won't over torque things just a little? How much over is too much? Or worse, what if your impact gets an internal leak on a seal and you only end up torquing the lug nut to half of what's recommended (or even less
) because that's all the gun will provide?
But most important, take this post with a grain of salt because I tighten my lug nuts by feel and don't use any type of torque measuring device other than the ole "that feels about right".
The theory behind those is good, but the reality in application leaves something to be desired. Do you really believe a strong impact with plenty of high pressure air won't over torque things just a little? How much over is too much? Or worse, what if your impact gets an internal leak on a seal and you only end up torquing the lug nut to half of what's recommended (or even less
) because that's all the gun will provide?But most important, take this post with a grain of salt because I tighten my lug nuts by feel and don't use any type of torque measuring device other than the ole "that feels about right".
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 459
Likes: 0
From: Show Low, AZ
Somebody rep Cody for me. I had no idea what everyone was talking about until he posted the picture.
The theory behind those is good, but the reality in application leaves something to be desired. Do you really believe a strong impact with plenty of high pressure air won't over torque things just a little? How much over is too much? Or worse, what if your impact gets an internal leak on a seal and you only end up torquing the lug nut to half of what's recommended (or even less) because that's all the gun will provide?
But most important, take this post with a grain of salt because I tighten my lug nuts by feel and don't use any type of torque measuring device other than the ole "that feels about right".
The theory behind those is good, but the reality in application leaves something to be desired. Do you really believe a strong impact with plenty of high pressure air won't over torque things just a little? How much over is too much? Or worse, what if your impact gets an internal leak on a seal and you only end up torquing the lug nut to half of what's recommended (or even less
) because that's all the gun will provide?But most important, take this post with a grain of salt because I tighten my lug nuts by feel and don't use any type of torque measuring device other than the ole "that feels about right".
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 2
From: Monroe Michigan
We have them at our shop. I don't use them but the other guy loves them. They are a time saver for sure, but they are totally useless. Their effectiveness depends 100% on the gun and available air pressure/volume.
Example:
His impact on max with a 140 ft. lb. "tork stik" will run the lug nuts down to around 135-150 ft. lbs. depending on how much pressure our compressor tank has at the moment.
My old gun would barely hit 140 on a good day.
My latest gun will run them down to 160+ ft. lbs.
I use a torque wrench each time, every time. It's the only accurate way.
Use a torque wrench and get it right 32 times.
Reps to Cody.
Butt-Head
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,406
Likes: 2,895
From: Reed Point, MT
The ONLY 1/2" gun out there made by IR, sold by Matco.
Part#: MT1769A
1/2 COMPOSITE IMPACT WRENCH
* 1,100 ft. lbs. of Breakaway Torque
* 780 ft. lbs. of Max Torque, 1,100 ft. lbs. of Breakaway Torque
* 2-year Warranty
* Lightweight Composite body - total weight only 4.0 lbs.
* Custom grip with through handle exhaust
* Twin hammer mechanism with four position power regulator
Torque Wrench is a Snap-On Stock#: BRUTUS3R250D
Torque Wrench, Adj. Click Type, U.S., Fixed Ratchet, 50-250 ft. lb., 1/2" drive
Of course, most other brands of tools work just fine.
Part#: MT1769A
1/2 COMPOSITE IMPACT WRENCH
* 1,100 ft. lbs. of Breakaway Torque
* 780 ft. lbs. of Max Torque, 1,100 ft. lbs. of Breakaway Torque
* 2-year Warranty
* Lightweight Composite body - total weight only 4.0 lbs.
* Custom grip with through handle exhaust
* Twin hammer mechanism with four position power regulator
Torque Wrench is a Snap-On Stock#: BRUTUS3R250D
Torque Wrench, Adj. Click Type, U.S., Fixed Ratchet, 50-250 ft. lb., 1/2" drive
Of course, most other brands of tools work just fine.
