slowride2

When using a torque wrench with a extension, do you compensate for the extension or not.

For example, if the bolt requires 23 ft/lbs and you are using a extension with your torque wrench, what do you do? Do you add, subtract, or leave the same.
Thanks in advance.

rapid_roy

You need to be able to add, divide and multiply.

http://www.specialpatrolgroup.....html

Cheers,
Sean

Padawan

I never use the types of extensions that would requre an adjustment, but if you do, here's a helpful link: http://www.norbar.com/twec/index.html

Keep in mind that the traditional "extensions" that most people are familar with (as shown below) do not affect torque readings (unless you start talking about torsional twist, but that's another story):

torr

extension will not change the torque value, the only thing that will change the torque value is if you shortened the handle of the torque wrench or extended the handle.

Lsos

Yeah, the extension could be a mile long and theoretically it should not affect the torque value. It probably makes it less accurate though...

99blackcivicSi

for every inch add 1 or 2 ft pnds

Kataku2K3

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by torr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">extension will not change the torque value, the only thing that will change the torque value is if you shortened the handle of the torque wrench or extended the handle.</TD></TR></TABLE>
What you said is partly correct and partly not... As everyone has stated the only way an extension over the drive will affect your torque value is if it has torsion... The part that isn't so correct is the fact that even if you add or subtract length to the torque wrenches handle it is still calibrated at 1ft. so if you add on a breaker bar, you gain leverage (making it FEEL easier) but there is no effect on where it breaks (still breaks at the same angle/degree from your starting point, same torque value)... Hope this helps...

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 99blackcivicSi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">for every inch add 1 or 2 ft pnds</TD></TR></TABLE>
How do you figure this?

JimBlake

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 99blackcivicSi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">for every inch add 1 or 2 ft pnds</TD></TR></TABLE>No.

Those extensions (pictured above) don't change the torque. All you have to do is be careful how you hold the wrench so you don't mess up the measurement.

If you're using a crow's foot, you have to be careful. Correct the torque by the ratio of the lever lengths. Or better yet, put the crow's foot so it's 90 degrees to the wrench handle, then you don't have to make a correction.

rapid_roy

Sorry to confuse everyone, I was completely thinking of the wrong type of extension than what slowride2 was talking about. I was thinking of extending the handle. Doh!

Cheers,
Sean

JimBlake

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rapid_roy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">... I was completely thinking of the wrong type of extension than what slowride2 was talking about...</TD></TR></TABLE>Good thing Padawan put up a picture. THOSE extensions don't need any kind of correction.

If slowride2 is actually talking about extending the handle, you have to know what kind of mechanism the torque wrench uses to make it's measurement. Some kinds you don't have to correct, some you do, & sometimes you just aren't allowed to extend the handle. Torque wrenches probably come with instructions...

JonnyCoupe

THe length of the torque wrench handle has ZERO effect on the torque setting at the bolt. Period

HT Chaplain

Good post i always wondered about that

rapid_roy

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JonnyCoupe &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">THe length of the torque wrench handle has ZERO effect on the torque setting at the bolt. Period</TD></TR></TABLE>

Your right, 100lb-ft is 150lb-ft no matter what the length of the lever is.

but....It does if you are trying to calculate a torque setting beyond the range of your current torque wrench than it does.

Cheers,
Sean

JimBlake

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JonnyCoupe &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">THe length of the torque wrench handle has ZERO effect on the torque setting at the bolt. Period</TD></TR></TABLE>The simple beam-bending kind have to have a force applied at the right point. That's why the handle has a pivoting hinge. Extending the handle applies a force and a moment to the end of the handle, changing the bending loads on the measuring beam.

I've seen some spring & gear type torque wrenches, with a little round gauge like a dial indicator, where the handle is made to accept an extension pipe. I'm not really sure about the clicker type...

Wes V

JimBlake's totally correct and the only reason that I'm adding anything is to underline what he said about the "crow's feet" adapters.

What he is talking about is one of those wrench end fittings that would locate the bolt a distance from the torque wrench "centerline".

It sure would be nice if somebody could post a photo.

Wes vann

snoochtodanooch

i didn't even think that their was a need to use crows feet anymore, but you never know what situation you might come across. Good info with use of crows feet, didn't know that.

JimBlake

Here's what a 10mm SnapOn Crows foot for 3/8" drive looks like.

Looks like it would work nice for adjusting valves on a DOHC VTEC head... If there's room down there for a bent wrench, this'll probably fit.

LudeyKrus

No, an extension will not affect the torque output from the torque wrench.

JonnyCoupe

Thanks Ludey

This thread is the definition of Noobs

Just use the torque wrench as is, the lube you use on the bolt will make far more difference to the torque setting than anything discussed here, (other than those crow feet things that i have no idea what there for)

maxpsi

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JonnyCoupe &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks Ludey

This post is the definition of Noobs</TD></TR></TABLE>

how so?

Padawan

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JonnyCoupe &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">(other than those crow feet things that i have no idea what there for)</TD></TR></TABLE>

They are used in situations where a fastener needs to be torqued to a specific value, but there is not enough clearance to allow the use of a torque wrench with a traditional socket. When using them, calculations definitely must be made to achieve the correct torque level.

LudeyKrus

The crow feet things look much bigger than a socket's outer diameter.......

Padawan

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by LudeyKrus &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The crow feet things look much bigger than a socket's outer diameter.......</TD></TR></TABLE>

But its overall height is much less than that of a traditional socket attached to a ratchet.