YesItDoesCare Wrote:
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> PnpFN Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > a tech Wrote:
> >
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>
> > -----
> > > Even using torque sticks is a bad idea. A
> good
> > > tech always uses a digital torque wrench.
> Most
> > > jiffy lubes use sticks.
> >
> > That is dumb. Torque doesn't care if it is
> > measured with a digital or analog wrench. All
> > torque wrenches should be properly cared for
> and
> > calibrated periodically.
>
> There are torque wrenches and there are torque
> wrenches...
>
> You are correct that a digital torque wrench is no
> more or less accurate than an analog
> one...assuming both are properly calibrated. And
> yes...torque wrenches need to be calibrated every
> now and then based on use.
>
> But, a torque stick-style torque wrench is simply
> not as accurate nor as easy to use as a
> traditional analog or digital torque wrench. A
> torque stick has a thin bar that runs parallel to
> the wrench's arm. At the end of the bar is an
> indicator which is then fed underneath a marked
> scale on a perpendicular path to the wrench. As
> you apply torque, the bar flexes and the indicator
> moves up the scale. The problem is, in order for
> this type of torque wrench to provide an accurate
> reading of the torque, a steady, even amount of
> pressure must be applied. If not then the wrench
> won't read accurately.
>
> SAE, the Society of Automotive Engineers, has not
> approved any torque stick style torque wrench for
> use by professional mechanics nor has any U.S.
> dealership servicing cars sold in America
> certified their use. A torque stick is an
> inexpensive alternative to a traditional or
> digital torque wrench which is meant for the
> casual mechanic.
>
> I would never have a vehicle serviced by someone
> using a torque stick...and as an aside, despite
> the length of its arm...do not ever use a torque
> wrench to loosen a stuck fastener of any kind. A
> torque wrench is not a breaker bar.
If you've not seen anyone using torque sticks for tire applications, then you've just not been paying attention. Sounds like you just Googled all of that up and don't really know what you're talking about. Your description doesn't even appear to be of a torque stick but of a beam-type torque wrench. Which also are fine and in fact can have some benefits, but that's another matter.
This is a torque stick:
Torque sticks are very commonly used for tire service. You're right in that they aren't precision tools but they don't really need to be for that application. Your wheels don't need to be torqued to .003 precision. The specs typically are given as +/- 10% or %20. As long as you're in the general ballpark you'll be fine. Assuming that you know how to use them, the sticks are simple and relatively accurate and repeatable.
Other than maybe in some unusual circumstances, warping rotors by torquing wheels too tightly largely is an Interweb myth that has been passed on and on and on. In this case even with a completely contrary incorrect myth where, because of a single short article written long ago by Shelby, people will say that rotors NEVER warp and it's all caused by deposition. Much more likely is that someone who is sloppy enough in doing the install to wrench down wheel lugs/nuts to 5X spec will have messed up something else along the way. You might if you really try be able to warp a soft cast aluminum wheel or otherwise get things on there off a little or cause other problems by torquing things unevenly with the wheels in the air or something along those lines before you'll ever warp a heavy carbon steel rotor. Yes, it's better to use a torque wrench. Practically, it's not an application where things really need to be all that precise.