Torque Wrench Question for the Pros

[TallCoolOne58]

Reviewing my Cub service manual, I noticed torque specs of 16 ft lbs for rod caps, 55 ft lbs for mains, and 45 ft lbs for head bolts.

I am curious to know what torque wrench(es) used by some, especially to achieve the itty bitty 16 ft lbs for the rod caps, since you need to start at 1/4-1/3 that spec and work up to torque evenly to final spec. Did you do the math and use an inch lb torque wrench on these, then a different wrench for the mains and head bolts?

I only have my old 0-250 ft lb 1/2" drive torque wrench from my wrench-turning days, and that obviously ain't gonna cut the mustard.

Input appreciated.

[Barnyard]

If your wrench is 0-250 then it should do 4 lbs. That is I/4 of 16.

[ricky racer]

You can stop at any chain auto parts store like Autozone and borrow an inch pound torque wrench for free. That would be my choice.

[TallCoolOne58]

True, but I prefer to buy most tools I want or need on some type of regular basis, unless it's pretty much a specialty tool for a one-shot deal.

[TallCoolOne58]

Thinking it over, think what I'll do is buy a 0-200 inch lb torque wrench, for the rod caps (and for other small engine work), and a 0-100 ft lb wrench as well.

[Barnyard]

Thinking it over, think what I'll do is buy a 0-200 inch lb torque wrench, for the rod caps (and for other small engine work), and a 0-100 ft lb wrench as well.

I'm still not understanding why an inch pound wrench is needed.

[Mrblanche]

True, but I prefer to buy most tools I want or need on some type of regular basis, unless it's pretty much a specialty tool for a one-shot deal.

Live by the Hot Rodder's Maxim: "No job is so small or insignificant that it can't justify the purchase and mastering of a new tool."

[ricky racer]

Thinking it over, think what I'll do is buy a 0-200 inch lb torque wrench, for the rod caps (and for other small engine work), and a 0-100 ft lb wrench as well.

I'm still not understanding why an inch pound wrench is needed.

I know that my clicker gets less and less distinguishable on my 0-200 ft/lb. clicker torque wrench. I don't really know how accurate it is at lower settings. I also have an old torsion bar torque wrench which I would probably use at lower settings over my clicker wrench but there is little doubt in my mind that a nice clicker inch pound wrench would give more consistent and accurate readings. At least that's my 2 cents.

[jsfarmall]

I use a torsion bar torque wrench on everything. 1/2 inch drive. No trouble. These are the most of basic 4cyl engines. Yes torque needs to be right but if your off a pound or 2 nothing will be hurt. They were built to be fixed in the field with the most basic of tools.

[MiCarl]

I'm still not understanding why an inch pound wrench is needed.

Ideally you use the tool near the center of its range. Most ft-lb wrenches I've seen start at 10 or 20 and go up. Also, the click type wrenches don't click much at the low end of the range either, easy to miss.

16 foot-lbs. is 192 inch-lbs. Well within the range of common 3/8 drive inch-lb. torque wrenches.

[TallCoolOne58]

Thinking it over, think what I'll do is buy a 0-200 inch lb torque wrench, for the rod caps (and for other small engine work), and a 0-100 ft lb wrench as well.

I'm still not understanding why an inch pound wrench is needed.

I know that my clicker gets less and less distinguishable on my 0-200 ft/lb. clicker torque wrench. I don't really know how accurate it is at lower settings. I also have an old torsion bar torque wrench which I would probably use at lower settings over my clicker wrench but there is little doubt in my mind that a nice clicker inch pound wrench would give more consistent and accurate readings. At least that's my 2 cents.

Bingo!

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

I have a set I got from NAPA. They regularly run tools on sale, and they probably are now. I yhave 1 each, 1/2 inch drive ft/lb. and 3/8 drive inch /lb. clickers. I also have a torsion bar I compare them to occasioanlly.

[bubbaearl]

I just did my first rebuild on a cub this summer and did not have a torque wrench and went to Harbor Freight and they had the 3/8 and 1/2 on sale for 9.99 each and I bought both and I guess they were close enough it is running fine. By the way I did go to 20lb on the rod caps.

[MiCarl]

I've also got the HF 1/2 and 3/8. I only use them to check my good wrenches.

They seem to work fine, but the adjusters turn darn rough.