This might help when torquing lug nuts.

[frioman]

I don't have a 450 pound torque wrench, but if I use the formula Distance = Torque/Force, I should be able to stand on a cheater pipe 2.43 feet from the lug wrench with my 185 pounds of weight and create 450 foot pounds of torque.
450 torque divided by 185 pounds (my weight) = 2.43 feet.

This web site has a torque distance calculator with the answer in Meters -- http://www.calculatoredge.com/new/torque.htm#distance
This web site converts meters to feet -- http://www.metric-conversions.org/length/meters-to-feet.htm


I hope this helps.

 

[marchplumber]

I might be silly, but doesn't the extension you use on socket eat up some of that "torque"?? Isn't that part of the theory behind "torque" sticks? Sure those MUCH more knowledgeable will chime in.

 

[frioman]

I'm no mathematician. I hope someone with more brain cells than me can either substantiate or add to this.

 

[marchplumber]

Always good to have a "field expedient" measure that will get you close. How many have that large of a torque wrench with 'em when they are driving and have a flat? I too am curious as to what the more knowledgeable will say. They've "been there and done that". This is such a great place to learn. www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?122678...Lug-Nut-Torque a thread I found doin a quick search,,,,,,

 

[Scar59]

I'm no mathematician. I hope someone with more brain cells than me can either substantiate or add to this.

The 450 lbs/ft torque is for the nuts that attach the outer wheel halves to the inner wheel half studs. The lug nuts that hold the wheel on are torqued to about 225lbs/ft, change a tire in the field requires German torque; goodintight to get home.

 

[doghead]

Your idea and use of that technique is just fine.

 

[Swamp Donkey]

I might be silly, but doesn't the extension you use on socket eat up some of that "torque"?? Isn't that part of the theory behind "torque" sticks? Sure those MUCH more knowledgeable will chime in.

Torque sticks work by absorbing impact torque, not the constant torque that would be applied by a breaker bar or torque wrench. They each flex to a different extent but once that extent is reached, they are capable of over torquing. A torque stick on a breaker bar will just be a springy extension. They only work in impacts.

 

[jonesal]

The OP's method is sound - the OP never mentioned torque sticks. A normal extension does not reduce torque delivered to the nut. If you use your whole self weight, you might over torque the nuts when you "climb up" on the lever arm due to inertia. Keep an eye on the auction sites. I picked up this torque wrench two years ago (Snap On with NSN) good to 800 ft-lbs with a fresh calibration and case for $75. Sure, the dial is harder to read when torquing, but it works either direction (on both sides) and it was inexpensive.



Al Jones
The Torque Master