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.
Can you use a torque stick with a torque wrench?
After that, an impact wrench fitted with an impact torque stick can speed the wheel-mounting process. 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.Oct 1, 2020
Can you over torque with a torque stick?
Torque sticks are used as extensions on air impact wrenches to stop applying torque when they reach a specified flex point. By choosing a torque stick with a lower torque than the wheel torque of your vehicle, you'll avoid over-torquing the wheel nuts and potentially damaging your wheel.Jul 9, 2020
How do torque limiting sticks work?
What about torque sticks? A torque stick is used with an air impact wrench to avoid over-tightening fasteners when installing wheels. Torque sticks work by flexing (like a torsion bar) when a torque limit is reached. When the stick flexes, it resists further tightening of the fastener.
Can I use a torque wrench to tighten lug nuts?
While many people get away with using a spider wrench, breaker bar or impact gun (which could be disastrous), the best way to tighten lug nuts is with a torque wrench.Mar 3, 2020
How do lug nut torque sticks work?
Torque sticks work by flexing (like a torsion bar) when a torque limit is reached. When the stick flexes, it resists further tightening of the fastener. The thicker the torque sticks, the higher the torque to the fastener.
Are torque sticks safe?
Many techs don't realize that torque sticks are designed for a limited range of torque input. They must be used with an impact wrench, and if an impact tool with too high, or too low, of a setting is used, the torque stick will still over-torque the fasteners and may cause damage.
What is the purpose of a torque stick?
The amount of force on the bolt is managed by its design. The torque stick will twist, flex or bend at a certain torque foot/pound threshold. This prevents the nut to be tightened past the intended torque.Oct 1, 2020