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.

 

What are torque sticks?

 

the basically give when the torque they are rated for is reached, no longer torqueing any farther

i know some people that swear by them for lugs as well

 

I think that Dan had used them.

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

The sticks are good, it's the gun/air compressor that can vary. If you have a small compressor/tank and it's running low on air and trying to catch up, the torque will vary from the gun compared to a larger compressor/tank that can supply the required PSI and CFM to maintain a constant torque at the gun.

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.

 

since we are having a talk about torque wrenches what models do you guys use. Sorry for hijacking the thread for a little bit.

 

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".

 

reps sent for ya. I do the same thing. Feels just about right to me. lol

 

I have experiment with torque stick, but found them not to be very consists.

Use a torque wrench and get it right 32 times. Reps to Cody.

 

I think I may order a single stick just for the truck and compare and check back in.

 

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.

 

Thats called German-torque. Guten-tight