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Date:         Sat, 5 Oct 2002 11:43:02 -0400
Reply-To:     David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Torque Wrench
Comments: To: Marla Stelk <mjstelk@HOTMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <OE40Ye4nhrKtzcbLDiK00000788@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

At 11:30 AM 10/5/2002, Marla Stelk wrote: >So just how important is it really to use a torque wrench?

Personally I think it's pretty important, especially working in aluminum and particularly if you haven't developed a good feel for what is a reasonable torque to use. For myself I started using a torque wrench when I got tired of putting in Helicoils because I'd pulled the threads out of a hole by overtightening.

For some applications -- tightening the bolts holding on the alternator bracket for example, and the alternator to the bracket (and heads and many other mechanical assemblies) -- it is crucial to use a torque wrench because while overtightening will pull out the threads or break the bolt, *under* tightening will lead to later breakage of the bolt from fatigue. This is less of a factor when the bolt is greatly oversized for the job -- for items like the thermostat cover, the bolt size (6 mm) is probably chosen for standardization and ease of use rather than for the exact strength needed for the job. 4 mm bolts would probably have plenty of strength, but be much more finicky to install, more problem with corrosion and one more item to keep on the shelf.

And then there are places where that torque wrench simply isn't going to fit, even though it's necessary. Best you can do is give it your careful best shot with your calibrated arm, taking into consideration the length of the wrench you're using. Fifteen lb-ft is fifteen pounds at one foot distance, or thirty pounds at six inches, etc.

While you're at it -- my own tendency is to buy a torque wrench that will handle the heaviest job I will do. Unfortunately most of the bolts around the engine are torqued so lightly that it's impossible to read the torque correctly on the big wrench -- so figure on at least two to cover the range of work. Three or even four if you're doing really heavy work. Get the small one now, and a bigger one later if/when you need it.

david

-- David Beierl - Providence, RI http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/ '84 Westy "Dutiful Passage" '85 GL "Poor Relation"


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