All about torque wrenches | Hagerty DIY

There are a lot of bolts and fasteners on your car! And almost every single one of them has a specific torque specification for tightening it down. But what is torque and how can you be sure you're putting everything together correctly during your next repair? Hagerty's resident car guru, Davin Reckow, is here to help answer that question.
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[@tracerloenan8020]

For me, this was a great refresher course that anyone should be able to understand. As always, Exceptional Job and Thank You.

[@MrPawanlalwani]

the best informative DIY video i have seen in a while. thanks alot do more of these

[@MrEyad1990]

I love this . Do more of this .

[@reinouddelporte911]

Great video. I've been using torque wrenches in all shapes and sizes for the last 18 years at a big truck factory. This is the first time I had a decent explanation on how they work. I do know our torque wrenches are calibrated every six months, but I don't know if they go far of during this period. We use the "Nm" values over here in Europe (Newton per meter) and some off our digital wrenches give the option to use other values. We have them as low as 4Nm and the biggest are over 1000Nm, just picking these up is already back breaking... Keep these videos coming, they are all so helpful and interesting, even for professional mechanics.

[@micharoman9188]

And that is what i called "a proffesional explaination of the subject ".

[@jimclarke1108]

Yes very professional

[@FarmAlarm]

*Bonus footage:* a 24 inch pipe, slipped on the handle of a China made 3/8 ratchet with a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter is *Not a torque wrench.* LOL Great video!

[@scottfirman]

THAT my friend is a home made breaker bar AKA knuckle buster.

[@FarmAlarm]

@@scottfirman ouch!

[@Fernie0069]

Cheater bar

[@bootslangley4875]

hey Bud, great informative video. I've turned a wrench for 50 + years, on cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATV and now eBikes. Note; Did I mention Outboard Boat Motors. Well, since (as a kid), I had a GIANT FAIL concerning a certain boat motor and a Brass "Speed" Prop (that I saved for months to buy) I SWEAR I "tightened" ( really, it was Real TIGHT) let's "SOB", move on. BTW, since when is a cotter pin all that important. Don't ask!!!!!!!!!! That was a very informative video and it had many bits of info I already know. BUT, you also added info I didn't know. That was refreshing, and just shows that no matter your experience (BOAT = Break Out Another Thousand), there's always something you can still learn. Now finally, and most important, WHERE DID YOU GET THAT T-SHIRT!!!!!!!!! :-) I Need one. Thanks in advance. Ride/drive/build safe and have fun. cheers Boots (don't call me Ringo) Langley La Mesa, ca

[@p.a.f.mitasol8071]

Always producing quality info about quality products with quality pictures, that's why I keep coming back, your all about the quality .

[@MrJacksjb]

I'm a structural engineer mainly in the aerospace field. One of the things I've done is calculate required torque to ensure that joints don't gap, leak, etc. Once while working on a rocket program we were using 1" shank diameter 200ksi bolts (Grade 8 are 150ksi) and calculated a required torque of 300 ft-lbs. When the tech asked me how much torque I told him "small block Chevy". Luckily there are hydraulic powered torque wrenches available.

[@Gary.7920]

Often in assembling aircraft engines, you will actually measure the stretch of a bolt with a micrometer to determine how tight to tighten it. Nice nob on the video Gary 76-Year-Old A&P and IA in Northwest Arkansas

[@muthu341]

Sir you belong to the era of quality engineers ever produced

[@Hipsters_N_Hippies]

Also a good idea to do the same on engine assembly. I actually have a tendency of using plasti gauges and bolt stretch to tell me what to tighten everything to and which bearings to use where.

[@davidmohr4004]

Best t wrench tutorial out there...this is the one I sent to my boys. Better than I could have ever done, and they trust You Tube more than me. Thanks for the content.

[@johnaceto7126]

I appreciate this video; I knew the general purpose of torque wrenches. I recently acquired a dirt bike that needs a decent amount of work and I have no experience with mechanics, I see this as a perfect reason to learn.

[@SMOBY44]

Davin is a smart mechanic. I understand the mechanical world in the same way he does and it's great to see another in this lonely world.

[@substandardabuse6028]

There you go.. I can do most repairs and have decent tools to do so but the knowledge like using extensions reduces the torque value was something I did not know. Learn something new everyday.. Thanks Hagerty

[@powjieDunhiLL7]

Yes

[@rickbaker4571]

Torque defined. When you wake up in the morning and go in to the bathroom to take a leak, still have that "morning wood" and as you press it down to hit the bowl, you come up on your toes. That, my friend, is torque! Defined!

[@redpillpirate111]

Damn... I thought that was hydraulic pressure...

[@kjcsomerville]

@@redpillpirate111 Love it !!!

[@kjcsomerville]

@@redpillpirate111 😂

[@garywinkworth3380]

excellent video i knew nothing about torque wrenches before this. Also the over tightening of bolts and what it does to the bolt. very very good thanks mate.

[@oelizzz]

Very good and informative video Davin! I for sure hope you guys are going to make more videos like these. I dont think im alone when i say that they are quite entertaining and fun to watch, and it also always fun to know how different kinds of tools work, and how theye are built.

[@perotekku]

I've been shopping around for Torque Wrenches for the past year. Harbor Freight, used Snap-On, CDI, Tekton, etc. Finally settled on Husky, from Home Depot, for the price, warranty, and reviews. Happy to see they're good enough for David and the guys at Redline Rebuilds as well!

[@uglymechanics6599]

The husky line is really growing on me. Cant beat the tool chest prices anywhere

[@aaronduranceau3083]

Ty best video of them all tytyty so many miss all these details and first time user questions watched 5 others and none answered all my questions I had and you did and did so clearly and intelligently

[@olivedrabgarage6243]

Awesome....this is what newbies like me need to get that little bit of unspoken knowledge to get over the line from confused to pretty much going..."aahhhh, now I get it". Thanks Damon.

[@thyjuls]

Now that is is clear explanation very professional. Thumbs up for you sir!

[@Shane-Singleton]

Excellent instructional! I never knew how the clicker style torque wrench actually worked.

[@HoodsGlobal]

***Great presentation. I wish I saw your video before ruining my water pump bolts.

[@MarzNet256]

I use a 1" extension on a proto 6016 wrench. Works great.

[@cattacustoms]

great))) make a video about TTY bolts, I think many would be interested in this

[@dawidpatrzalek]

So it happens that recently I wrote a bolt calculator and two days ago I gave a lecture in a research facility where I work about the bolt calculator and torquing methods (I am a mechanical engineer). Must say that the content of this video is really great! Very well explained. I would only add one point: you must keep in mind that static coefficient of friction is higher than dynamic one. It means that while torquing, you should apply torque with one, non-stop continuous movement until the final torque is reached

[@uglymechanics6599]

Whats your opinion on fast jerking motions or "aggresive" torqueing of bolts and hardware? I see this EVERYWHERE in both professional shops aswell as the oilfield industry and I do not approve at all.

[@dawidpatrzalek]

@@uglymechanics6599 I would not approve it either. It is all about accuracy - torque based method can provide accuracy of around +/- 10% if calculated and executed correctly. Short bolts are more sensitive than longer bolts, because if you apply that same axial force on long and short bolt, the longer bolt will elongate more than the shorter one (and by elongating bolts we want to achieve some certain stress inside them). If you take this fact into account, you will find out that while torquing a long bolt, you need to rotate the torque wrench more degrees in comparison to a short bolt. And the difference can be really significant. That is why slow and continuous movement is required if you want to do it right.

[@seniorrider9337]

@@dawidpatrzalek Could you speak as to when a bolt or fastener being torqued should be lubricated by some type of lubricant. I took a course while in the Navy and the instructor made it perfectly clear that a failing score would be assigned to anyone torquing a "dry" fastener or bolt. Fast forward to today and I see so many mechanics torquing bolts that are "dry". What should the standard be?

[@dawidpatrzalek]

@@seniorrider9337 as always, it depends. It is an excellent habit to lubricate bolts, but this shall not be done if lubrication was not considered while calculating torque values. A good example might be lug bolts, which must not be lubricated, otherwise there is a risk of plastic deformation what is not acceptable in the case of lug bolts. Some manaulas even state that lubrication of them is simply forbidden. The rule of thumb is to assume that lubrication shall not be used if not stated otherwise. I always try to use a lubricant if possible, especially when snug-tighting without using torque wrenches. Some might be surprised that I refer to the term of snug-tighting in this discussion, but this metod is an official method for bolting non-preloaded assemblies according to the EN 1090-3 standard: "The term “snug-tight” can generally be identified as that achievable by effort of one person using a normal sized spanner without any extension arm, and can be set as the point at which a percussion wrench starts hammering."

[@seniorrider9337]

@@dawidpatrzalek Thank you sir for your answer. I have wondered for years about the torque values listed in repair manuals that did not indicate if the fastener listed at a certain torque value was using lubrication or not. I have finally come to feel that unless a fastener lists lubrication, the the torque value is dry. Again, thanks for your answer, and happy holidays. Tom

[@raynic1173]

Nice vid. All clamp load is accomplished via bolt tension or 'stretching'. Torqueing is just a neccessary evil to get there. As mentioned the importance of lubrication or freedom of movement of the parts. I found lub was most important for stainless on stainless as it's promotes galling under high torque settings.

[@Malokgashvog]

Whoop!! I'm curious to know how much linking extensions would effect the actual torque value. Maybe I'll try that myself. Torque a lug nut to 80 lbs with extensions on, then again with them removed.

[@heavenstomurgatroyd7033]

Malok Gashvog - torque is force x distance so any difference in the length of the wrench will change the torque. (I was a manuf. engineer...). Good luck!

[@anthonywannup]

Just made my day ! Thks !! Regards from France !!

[@7iben]

How often you need to calibrate the torque wrench?

[@Malokgashvog]

Good question that I have never thought to ask until now.

[@vedaautomundomotor3399]

I encourage you to continue uploading video like this, as you enlighten many of us. Cool!!!

[@bryanwarm2471]

While I do agree it is good form to wind a micrometer style torque wrench back down after use, all may not be lost if it is occasionally left in a wound up state. I had a Mac torque wrench of this style which I purchased in the mid 1970's and on too many occasions when I went to use it, I found it in a wound up state much to my chagrin. Sometimes it nad been that way for all too long. So in 2018 I took this and another much newer wrench to a calibration service to be adjusted because surely they would need a good adjusting after all the neglect I had put them through. After more than forty years of use the Mac tested well within accuracy at all tested measurements, low, medium and high. And the other Armstrong wrench did not need adjusting either although it wasn't nearly as punished as the Mac.

[@davidbaldwin2729]

can you please comment on those different colored torque sticks to use with an impact wrench. thanks

[@Pfirtzer]

Those torquesticks as you call them are just sockets that have a plastic colored protection so you don't get scratches on your alloy wheels.

[@mohabens5469]

Awesome video sir as always. Do you have any ideas on how to calibrate these wrenches using basic tools we have in a garage.

[@803mastiff9]

That last contraption was the Rube Goldberg Extension.

[@thomasvasquez7015]

Just the explanations I was searching for. Thank you!

[@joracaza6613]

Wow thanks l got a good lesson from you, very well said.

[@raibdty-ro8sw]

Thank you from iraq

[@billmurray3019]

Good exclamation I like it

[@averageguy371]

Good basic vid but no one seems to discuss how length changes affect the torque setting. If you use an adapter that extends the working length of the torque wrench, such as a torque adapter, the extension will give more leverage & the torque wrench will need to be set lower or the torque on the fastener will be much higher than you want. The opposite applies if your adapter shortens the working length of the torque wrench. You will need a higher setting. You can search for the formula. Yes, you need to set the torque wrench on its lowest indicated setting, not turn it all the way down until it stops.

[@canadianloon6433]

Excellent video

[@angelgarza9523]

Woooow great video great explanation for every single one of those torque wrench in this true a lot of people use those wrenches for it's a breaker bar

[@scottfirman]

DO NOT trust a torque wrench on a crush washer. I put one on my Subaru oil drain bolt and the specification given in the book is for a SOLID washer, not a crush washer. Also, I have seen different values given from manufacturer to shop. I haven't used a beam style torque wrench in years. You can convert inch pounds to foot pounds. I have done it on snowmobiles many times. Nice video! Some old school stuff covered but yeah. Now days, a snap on torque wrench with degree computer is a MUST for any new car.

[@inafusabi]

Very well done. I use this knowledge you've shared on professional racing machines/ Thank you

[@kimchee94112]

I've destroyed so many clickers following instruction but not knowing what I was doing. That is leaving it at the lowest unsprung setting (and then some) for storage per instruction. This setting will jam the adjustment nut in the handle thus lose the clicking ability and function as a torque wrench next time you get it out to use. YMMV. Plus those clickers will require constant recalibration as the compression spring became "tired" and none of those springs are linear which will require a fudge adjustment from time to time. Ever wonder warranties on most clickers are one year or less?

[@janakaweerasekara1151]

thanks

[@muhammadamrin8455]

thanks for the info bro

[@manuelmartin5844]

Drive and enjoy. All cars, bikes and truck was made to be drive and enjoy and I see so many people buying absolutely insane expensive classics a new cars to exhibit. For this are paints and sculpture, not cars

[@timbrown2633]

GOOD! AWESOME! I LIKED IT. 👍

[@mongalrai1860]

Hi, your video about torquing method is awesome. I’m kind of new to use them. But at the same time I do want to learn how to set and what pound is required for my 2012 camry. In other words where can I find as to what pound is required to set it up while torquing?

[@theAussieG]

Very educational. Great video.Thanks

[@tfl2155]

I love your engine rebuilds. But that was awesome. You should be a teacher

[@TheDutyPaid]

I remember my father working on cars and other stuff when I was a kid. He had a basic tool kit at best. "That will do it" he always say. Who knows if he was on the money or wild from the mark. I still think of that as I use the fancy digital gear.

[@RSRevivals]

Thank you.

[@pablorikemberg2285]

Gracias. Abrazo grande desde Argentina

[@luis_monici]

Very informative video! Thanks for share with us

[@brucebello9892]

Well explained and demonstrated, another great video, cheers!

[@jimclarke1108]

Talk the torque, the real deal

[@Formulabruce]

Excellent Davin !

[@captaincavern200]

Thank you , it's very clear and understandable .

[@gbs7144]

Great video BUT you didn't include calibration. Do digital torque wrenches have a way I can calibrate it at home like many clicker wrenches do?

[@heavylead1961]

i wish you'd do a video on getting rust out of the water passage on a intake/head! or if you have one, where would i find it!

[@1970chevy07]

Good video thanks for teaching us something today

[@KubotaManDan]

Torque wrenches that cost an arm & a leg vs harbor freight or amazon, are there brands in between these two extremes ? Pros & cons? I see many cons on amazon. Like to find a decent quality metric Nm clicker for my bike, most of what I've seen is in the $100 plus range...seems a lil' extreme for some small hardware. Any suggestions, anyone?

[@garthhowe297]

Fantastic video ... thanks!

[@johnschutt9187]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@rustlebruxz0013]

You didn't mention digital torque adapters like this one from Amazon "ACDelco ARM602-3 3/8” Digital Torque Adapter (3-59 ft-lbs) with Audible Alert". Its size and beeps also allow putting it at the socket end of a long extension so you'll measure true torque and not a value affected by the twisting extensions.

[@peteralexander7524]

Very clear & concise presentation of this subject mater . . . . . found this very informative . . . . . Thank you very much for taking the time to produce & share this content . . . . . ps : Have subscribed and await future postings . . . . . Regards

[@sonyhk3824]

Give Grease A Change. Cheers Davin

[@2trkpony471]

Give Grease a Chance - John Lennon :)

[@sonyhk3824]

Yes it is. Cool 😎

[@2trkpony471]

@@sonyhk3824 i put my craftsman click TR set at about 20# - probably read not too much for long periods . Peace!

[@charlespayne1909]

Well done👍✌💪👏

[@bumpty9830]

You won't lose torque through a stack of socket extensions. Simply draw a free body diagram to confirm. You will lose angle, though, and possibly cause other problems.

[@joymulund1860]

Great job Brother

[@scottrasmussen8258]

Great video! Very informative!!

[@tomasciangherotti1021]

super useful! thanks!

[@alkatraznomadov9409]

nice

[@lightningsmokerXx]

Perhaps i missed it , When you put the Torque wrench away after using it and back the pressure off, the little lock knob at the bottom, should that be locked on or off?

[@lichking3711]

I notice that Davin never defined torque so I'll put a definition I use - it's the ability of a force to rotate an object about an axis. The definition is a combination of definitions from several textbooks and professors. I also want to expand on the TTY aspect - all bolts stretch somewhat during tightening but they have a yield strength and an ultimate strength (as do all materials). The number you see listed as the bolt strength is the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and iirc it's about 120 kpsi for a grade 5 bolt and 150 kpsi for a grade 8. Now, the yield strength is much lower and it is the point past which the deformation in the material is permanent but you can get higher clamping force at the expense of needing new bolts each time the machine is disassembled - the spring comparison is accurate. Specs that do not use angles and only use fixed numbers calculate those numbers to be about 3/4 of the yield strength. This assures reusability. For a grade 8 bolt with the UTS at 150 kpsi and yield strength of 130 kpsi, that would mean that when torqued it will only use about 90-100 kpsi of its overall strength and will spring back into normal shape once removed, assuming it hasn't been thinned by rust or its mechanical properties altered by heat treatment.

[@alirazmjou2149]

Thank you so much for this video متشکرم

[@gregschultz2029]

Good Job ,Thanks !!!

[@michaelgeale9345]

Great video!! What about dial indicator to measure stretch?

[@tkskagen]

I'll be honest, I have ALWAYS wanted to see the INTERNALS of a "Click Style" Torque Wrench. How could the standard "Shadetree Mechanic" VERIFY/CALIBRATE their Click Type Torque Wrench? I'm NOT looking to spend $25+ to have a Tool Truck do this for me... Many THANKS for sharing this video! Take care, 🤓 -Thomas Western Washington State Seattle,Washington Area

[@Soni-sGarage]

Hey from Soni’s Garage 😉😉😉😉

[@Hagerty]

Hi from Hagerty!

[@Soni-sGarage]

Hagerty 🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻☺️☺️☺️

[@flypawels]

Smart man.

[@rsharedmx]

Exelente, y muy chidos los vídeos de armando de motores.

[@alkatraznomadov9409]

please, could you provide with that type of the precentation with example of how tools at practice

[@ericrosales6293]

When buying second hand torque wrenches, particularly the clicker types, what should I look for to make sure it's not a busted one? (Aside from actually testing it)

[@christopherscustoms3722]

Fantastic!

[@41plymouthnut87]

I increment 3 times up to 5 pounds, then go to spec and go through them twice in case of unforeseen change. Maybe overkill, but I don't like to have to do things over.

[@OKBAOK]

Every time i torque my Astrovan of 100 ft lbs i need to use six inches extension i set my torque wrench to 102 ft lbs. Thanks for the video :)

[@jaydegelder2964]

I was taught if I used a swivel on the end of my torque wrench the calibration would be off. Is there any way I can still use a swivel and be accurate? Can I up the calibration to compensate?

[@alberthodge631]

No mention of routine calibration requirements ?????

[@thebncustom]

Fan From Saudi Pakistan

[@deerespetes8849]

Does storing a micrometer style torque wrench in a unheated shop affect it

[@marcoortiz4891]

Soy de México y no entiendo el inglés , podrás poner en español , saludos

[@danielc5205]

I would like to add that torque wrenches should be recalibrated periodically.

[@LILLJE]

Daniel C If you do customer work, yes. Otherwise...no, I would not care. Not that I would hurt but who normally has access to that. You could at least make sure it’s similar to a calibrated wrench if you know anyone that has it, then you know it’s good enough

[@danielc5205]

@@LILLJE When you're dealing with torque-to-yield bolts, similar isn't good enough, even for a homegamer.

[@LILLJE]

​@@danielc5205 I seen so many idiots doing cars and yet rarely see failures. I mean think about it, probably 90% of all wheel lugs are over torqued and 5% are under torqued. Yet I never see wheels flying off randomly. I just assembled my front harmonic damper by feel and it's supposed to be torqued to 200+nm and 60°. Haven't come off yet. Now, if it was a racing engine, something critical or customer engine I'd make sure it was done right. Heck, I'd replace the bolt for starters. I'm just saying it doesn't matter for the average person.

[@OrlandoPaco]

My torque wrench has a Nm from 28/210 scale, and a Kms from 2.9/21.4 scale. But the handle has a scale from 0/12! How do i use the handle scale on the Nm or Kms, and do I just add the handle scale to no matter what torque scale I use?

[@jagadeeshjagan2617]

How to check coils

[@MrEyad1990]

Can you talk more about those streched bolts . Where can we find them placed in an engine ?

[@uglymechanics6599]

Almost always head studs, crankshaft main cap bolts, rod bolts, crank shaft pulley bolts, and fly wheel bolts. They aren't super common but in the rotating assembly for sure

[@Bohdan1001]

hi from Ukraine, thank you for this very informative video about torque wrenches.