Torque wrench setting for storage

[AnthonyA1234]

I have the harbor freight Pittsburgh 1/2 drive torque wrench. The wrenches torque range is 20 to 150ft lbs of torque, however there are numbers on it from 1-150. In the manual, it says “after every use, loosen the lock knob, set to lowest torque setting, then tighten the knob”. Does this mean 20? Or 1? Also, in the pic I sent, that is set to 20 correct, I believe you have to line it up with the bottom horizontal line. I just want to make sure I got it all figured out so I keep it accurate and don’t crack any studs haha.

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[kz]

Just to release tension - whether it's 20 or 1 it really doesn't matter as its accuracy in that range (between 1 and 20 ft-lb) is non existent. That's how I store mine.
Beside with the prices of these (Pittsburgh/Tekton), I buy a new one every year or two.

 

[EFI]

IMO, if the torque range is 20-150 then setting it at the lowest setting would mean 20.

But I've never heard of that rule. I've been leaving my wrenches on all the time and never had any issues.

 

[AnthonyA1234]

Ok sounds good thanks guys. Also the torque setting in the first pic is set to 20 correct?

 

[Dr. Norts]

IMO, if the torque range is 20-150 then setting it at the lowest setting would mean 20.

But I've never heard of that rule. I've been leaving my wrenches on all the time and never had any issues.

That's pretty much the only rule with a torque wrench. Set it back to the lowest setting for storage.

 

[Dr. Norts]

Ok sounds good thanks guys. Also the torque setting in the first pic is set to 20 correct?

Yes you are correct.

 

[bluebeastsrt]

I’ve always left it on the last used setting. Never had any issues. Even had it calibrated once to see if it was off. Of course this was a proto and not a harbor freight wrench.

 

[Norm Peterson]

From Brake and Front End Magazine (the repair industry periodical). Emphasis mine. Note that he's not talking about entry-level torque wrenches either.


Tech Tip: Proper Torque Wrench Use and Maintenance
A torque wrench is a precision instrument designed to apply a specific amount of force to a fastener. Whether tightening head bolts on an automobile engine, lugs for tire and rim installation or inspecting fastener tolerances on high-performance equipment, it is extremely important that proper care is used. Guidelines are typically provided noting acceptable torque ranges, the order in which specific fasteners are tightened and the number of times a fastener must be tightened and loosened to ensure uniform torque application. Failure to properly torque ….

By
Brake and Front End Staff
on
Dec 23, 2008

A torque wrench is a precision instrument designed to apply a specific amount of force to a fastener. Whether tightening head bolts on an automobile engine, lugs for tire and rim installation or inspecting fastener tolerances on high-performance equipment, it is extremely important that proper care is used. Guidelines are typically provided noting acceptable torque ranges, the order in which specific fasteners are tightened and the number of times a fastener must be tightened and loosened to ensure uniform torque application. Failure to properly torque fasteners can lead to equipment damage, personal injury or worse.


It is important to follow acceptable maintenance and use practices, such as:

1. Safety glasses or goggles should be worn at all times when using any hand tool.
2. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding torque direction, proper force, torque pattern/sequence, use or non-use of lubrication on fasteners and torque “tighten/release” cycles.
3. Do not exceed the recommended working range of the torque wrench. Reliable measurements are based on a percentage of the working range. In general, most mechanical wrenches have a useable range from 20% to 100% of full scale. Most electronic wrenches have a useable range from 10% to 100% of full scale.
4. Do not use accessories or handle extensions unless specifically allowed by the torque wrench manufacturer.
5. Take time to inspect the tool and check for worn or cracked sockets. Properly lubricate and replace worn parts.
6. Avoid dropping or sliding a torque wrench. Dropping a torque wrench on a hard surface can cause the instrument to lose reliable calibration. If you suspect that a wrench has been dropped, have the tool inspected by the manufacturer or reputable calibration service.
7. Always store a torque wrench in a protective case and/or location when not in use.
8. Avoid exposure to temperature extremes, high humidity, fluid immersion and corrosive environments.
9. If using a click-type torque wrench, always store it at the lowest level on the scale.
10. Avoid marking, etching or placing labels on torque wrenches.
11. Use a torque wrench to apply a specific torque value during the final assembly process. Do not use a torque wrench as the primary means of tightening or loosening fasteners.
12. As most torque wrenches are length specific, always grasp the torque wrench in the center of the handle. If two hands need to be used, place one hand on top of the other.
13. Apply torque in a slow, methodical manner and avoid sudden, “jerking” movements.
14. When the wrench signals (by clicking, beeping or lights) that a specific torque has been reached, stop pulling immediately.
15. After 5000 cycles or up to one year of use, whichever comes first, have your torque wrench inspected and recalibrated by the manufacturer or reputable calibration service.

With proper care, a high-quality torque wrench should provide accurate measurements for many years.

Tech Tip courtesy of Snap-on.



Norm

 

[TexasMetallic5.0]

Mine at home is similar to the one above. I back it all the way off. Seems to be ok in the 25+ years I’ve had it. The ones at work get turned in about every 6 months for calibration.

 

[ice445]

Dial it back until you feel the wrench release tension. I store all of mine that way with no issues. With that said, I'm not sure why storing them at a loaded setting is problematic, typically springs don't wear from being compressed, they have to go through a full cycle. But idk how the mechanism works.

Main thing that kills torque wrenches is people using them to untighten stuff.

 

[DougS550]

IMO, if the torque range is 20-150 then setting it at the lowest setting would mean 20.

But I've never heard of that rule. I've been leaving my wrenches on all the time and never had any issues.

In the Air Force the manual always stated to return the torque wrench to it's "Lowest Usable Setting" for storage. You can contact the manufacture and ask them. OEM always has the final say on a product they engineer, design manufacture.

 

[Veteran]

I have the harbor freight Pittsburgh 1/2 drive torque wrench. The wrenches torque range is 20 to 150ft lbs of torque, however there are numbers on it from 1-150. In the manual, it says “after every use, loosen the lock knob, set to lowest torque setting, then tighten the knob”. Does this mean 20? Or 1? Also, in the pic I sent, that is set to 20 correct, I believe you have to line it up with the bottom horizontal line. I just want to make sure I got it all figured out so I keep it accurate and don’t crack any studs haha.

Tighten the knob, refers to lock nut.

 

[Arknsawchuck]

Ok sounds good thanks guys. Also the torque setting in the first pic is set to 20 correct?

In the military we were taught to always set the torque wrench to its lowest setting when storing it.

 

[TexasMetallic5.0]

The military supplies us with only digital torque wrenches now. No need to back anything off anymore.

 

[Vlad Soare]

1. Safety glasses or goggles should be worn at all times when using any hand tool.

Huh?!?!?
For a torque wrench?!?
Soon we'll be wearing safety goggles when eating, for fear of stabbing ourselves in the eye with the fork...

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