Do torque sticks wear out?

They do wear out. If someone used it backwards it’s garbage. Excessive droppage can hurt them too. Not accurate enough to check a torque wrench against.

Can you use torque sticks with a breaker bar?

Step 1: Select A Torque Stick With 20% Lower Torque Than Your Final Wheel Torque. Start by using a breaker bar (not a torque wrench) to break loose the wheel nuts. Torque sticks are used as extensions on air impact wrenches to stop applying torque when they reach a specified flex point.

Can you use a torque stick with a ratchet?

In these applications, a torque wrench is the proper tool to use instead of a plain ratchet. Fortunately, in all but the tightest or most specialized of applications, ratchet torque wrenches can be used.

Why should you never use a torque stick to remove a lug nut?

You are applying shock and inertia to the lug to get it to come off. Do not use the impact to tighten the lug nuts, though. It is very easy to over torque them.

Are torque sticks any good?

Now, we aren’t saying torque sticks are as accurate as torque wrenches, but they are accurate enough to be used for some less critical applications such as tightening wheel nuts. Of course, you should never use torque sticks to torque engine head bolts or pretty much anything else than lug nuts.

Are torque sticks worth it?

Torque sticks are useful, but they are no substitute for final torquing using a calibrated torque wrench. The proper procedure for using a torque stick begins with hand-tightening the fasteners. Then drop the vehicle to prevent the wheel from turning and use a torque wrench to do the final torquing.

Can I use an impact to tighten lug nuts?

Once you have tightened the lug nuts to the point that they can’t be tightened anymore by a human hand, you can use the impact wrench. The impact wrench produces a hammering motion to tighten the nuts.

What is the correct torque for lug nuts?

Use torque sticks with an air gun or a torque wrench to get the correct torque. If your studs or lug nuts are sized between 12 X 1.25mm to 1.5mm or are 7/16-inch, torque the nuts to 70 to 80 foot-lbs; 14 X 1.25mm to 1.5mm, to 85 or 90; 1/2=inch 75 to 85; and 9/16-inch 135 to 145.

Do you need torque sticks?

It’s important to note that while torque sticks can be a time-saver, they are not exact by nature. Most experts recommend using a torque stick to get to about 70% of the way there, then switching to a manual method to finish. The final torque specified value is best reached by using a calibrated torque wrench.

Do torque sticks need to be calibrated?

Torque wrenches need to be taken care of properly and periodically calibrated. We will also cover the adjustments you can make if the calibration shows that it is not giving accurate readings for the specified torque setting.

How much torque do you need for wheels?

New wheels should be re-torqued after the first 50 to 100 driving miles.

Hardware Bolt or Stud Size	Typical Torque Range in Ft/Lbs	Minimum Number of Turns of Hardware Engagement
12 x 1.5 mm	70 – 80	6.5
12 x 1.25 mm	70 – 80	8
14 x 1.5 mm	85 – 90	7.5
14 x 1.25 mm	85 – 90	9

How do torque limiting sticks work?

Torque sticks, also referred to as a “torque limiting extension bar,” are an extension for your impact wrench, and they basically act like a shock absorber. They work on a torsion theory, which is just a fancy way of saying they flex at a certain rate, then stop applying torque when they reach a specified flex point.

Do torque sticks work?

Torque sticks work only on impact guns. They do not work if you use a socket wrench or breaker bar. An impact tool works by rotating a part (called a gubbins, I think) against the tension of a spring. As it rotates, power builds up and then releases (the impact) and this drives the tool around.

What is a torque limiting extension?

long torque limiting extensions are made of flexible spring steel that stops turning when the required torque has been reached. Set contains most popular sizes and torque ratings in the automotive service industry. Torque limiting extensions often extend the life of thin wall impact sockets by limiting torque to the required rating.

Do torque sticks wear out? They do wear out. If someone used it backwards it’s garbage. Excessive droppage can hurt them too. Not accurate enough to check a torque wrench against. Can you use torque sticks with a breaker bar? Step 1: Select A Torque Stick With 20% Lower Torque Than Your Final Wheel Torque.…