Torque wrenches are the one that helps you to measure the tiny equipment gracefully. This tool is essential for every car owner due to metering vehicle wheels, tightening bolts and nuts, setting up engine interstate, and many more. But, regrettably, only a few among them know how to set torque wrench inch pounds and read them.
There are multiple types of torque inch-pound available. Each of their measurements is almost similar. Reading the torque wrench number requires two to four steps. But a user must concentrate on adjusting the scales. It shows the value of applied torque forces at the top along with a smaller scale.
Practically, measuring any metal equipment’s exact torque power through this is simple. Practicing and being patient is all you need. First, however, read the entire article to know more about this. I also added some twists here as a bonus.
4 Steps to Set Torque Wrench Inch Pounds: A Quick Guide
Setting up the torque wrench inch pound requires only five easy steps. It varies on the types of torque wrench you use. Multiple torque wrenches available on the market include digital, mechanical, dial, slipper, no hub, etc. The methods of setting the inch pounds for mechanical, dial, and slipper wrench torque are the same.
Step 1: Pick The Suitable Torque Wrench
Torque wrenches are of two types-foot inch and inch pounds. As mentioned before, inch-pound wrenches are much better than foot inches. This is because it provides you with accurate measurements. However, understanding certain torque wrench spans is also crucial for better results.
In general, wheel tightening is recommended with torque ranges between 50 and 250 pounds for buses, trucks, and SUVs. Now, let us learn about the setup process of this tool.
Step 2: Adjust The Handle & Turn It Back To 0
For handle adjustment, look at the end part of the wrench. You will find a cap made from plastic or metal stuck into the end of the wrench. Once you get it, twist it counterclockwise using your hand. Try to lose that piece of metal for changing the wrench settings.
There are dot lines/ hash marks closely attached to the cap for the settings. Torque has two types of scaling systems. One of them is engraved at the top part of the handle (inch-pound), and the second is attached to it. It can be considered a large and small scale, respectively. Check out some of the best torque wrenches, which are better than digital wrenches.
Step 3: Understand The Measurement
After setting the handle to 0, I pulled it back. Rotate the smaller scale to achieve the number 10. When you reach 10, the larger scale number is 12 units. That means the bolt handle is closely matched to the 144-inch pound.
Torque inch pounds usually count down with a minimum range of 20 in-lb, and its maximum torque power is 150 in-lb. If you understand this measurement, you can easily multiply foot-pound torque numbers by inch-pound. Use this scale inch-pound to foot-pound to convert them easily.
Note: I don’t mention the digital torque wrench process here since it is straightforward, easy-to-understand. You need to turn on the machine and set it on the vehicle nuts. And then It will show the number on itself.
Step 4: Converting Foot-Pounds To inch-Pounds
Foot pounds can be converted into inch pounds. One can convert the foot-pound wrench torque to inch pounds by multiplying it by 12. For example, measure a car wheel’s torque with your wrench. It shows you the torque range of 100 foot pounds. Multiply this number by 12; then the total torque is 100×12=1200 in-lb.
Meanwhile, it is proven that an average person cannot adapt to more than 100 pounds of force while pulling any equipment. Therefore, pulling or applying 100 lbs-ft force on the wrench will generate 500 lbs-ft extensionally. So, also, keep these things in your mind.
5 Reasons Why Setting The Torque Wrench Are Accurately Necessary:
There are many essential purposes to using torque wrenches accurately and converting them into inch pounds. However, the top reasons why users love them are that they are simple to use, easy to set up, maintain working versatility, and less effort is required. Below I collaborate on each of the points with more clarity.
1.Know The Close Points Of Received Force:
When you measure any car vehicle parts, they may be tiny. Small parts like car wheel bearings, faucets, etc., cannot be measured through traditional tape meters. Besides this, it is crucial to know the close points of received force before installing those parts into the vehicle. A torque wrench is a top-notch tool that is useful in this regard.
2.To Set the Required Measurements:
Torque wrench inch pounds let it be used to set up the required measurements. Nothing could be handier than this. This one must attach accurately to the equipment, and you can measure the exact number. For example, your car wheel needs a minimum torque power of 144-inch pounds. With this tool’s help, such exact measurements can be determined within a second.
3.Easy To Understand & Operation:
Another reason for using a torque wrench is its easy operation, durability, and less time-consuming multiplication. Especially the inch-pound torque (Beam style wrench) comes with an adaptor that accepts ⅜”, ¼” torque. So again, the Gunsmith torque wrench is another glorious example of a fast operation that accurately predicts torque.
Digital torque wrenches can be a good option, too, since those are a priority for many professionals. In addition, they can give you multiple options and different sizes for reliable measurements.
4.Tightened Bolts & Nuts Properly:
What if the bolts or nuts on your car wheel are not appropriately attached? Meanwhile, did you notice that the car engine came apart from the interstate? Those incidents could happen when any parts of this equipment are overtightened or not appropriately fastened. Take an idea from the below list of the bolt’s torque conversions.
| Bolt Types | Bolt Size | TPI | Tightening Torque Galv+Waxed (ft-lbs) |
| ASTM A307 | 9/16″ inch | 12 | 21 |
| ASTM A307 | 3-½” inch | 4 | 6,035 |
| SAE Grade 2 | 5/16″ inch | 18 | 6 |
| SAE Grade 2 | 7/16″ inch | 14 | 16 |
| ASTM A325 | ⅝” inch | 11 | 99-120 |
| ASTM A325 | 1- ½” inch | 6 | 1475-1788 |
| ASTM A449/SAE Grade 5 | 9/16″ inch | 12 | 54 |
| ASTM A490 | 1-⅜” inch | 6 | 2773-3,323 |
Overtightened lug nuts and bolts of a car or any vehicle can lead the car wheel to premature brake wear, unexpected stuck lugs, and many crucial inconveniences, fastener damage. So, you must pay attention to the wheel’s proper rotation before tightening its bolts and nuts.
Furthermore, proper torque power is the only fixer that helps one to assemble those parts accurately. Also, it prevented the tendency of closeness and over-tightening of these nuts and bolts.
A torque wrench is a magical tool to implement exact rotational energy occupied by an axis or pivot point. Meanwhile, if anyone fails to apply proper torque, those parts wear out quickly, which also can cause failure.
5.To Work On Major Powertrain Components:
Whether you plan to work on major powertrain components, you must have a suitable torque wrench. It’s because most of the engine cylinder-head bolts become overtightened. This could leave the bolt expensive and damaged. As well as sometimes, it is the main culprit of catastrophic coolant issues.
The torque wrenches can relieve these inconveniences since they provide real force. Wrenches come with ¼, ⅜, ½, ¾, and 1 inch in size to give a dedicated atmosphere to install them correctly.
Mistakes You Should Avoid While Setting Torque Wrench Inch Pounds
There is an old saying that mistakes make man perfect. But if you make mistakes while setting the torque wrench inch pound, it could cost you a lot. So be aware of these mistakes before setting up torque wrench inch pounds.
.Taking Measurements Less Than 3 Times:
The most common mistake one makes is avoiding taking measurements less than 3. Torque wrenches sometimes fail to produce accurate measurements. To achieve the right torque power:
- Install the wrench on the bolt.
- Keep a note for the first one, then take another stroke.
- Gather the three measurements.
- Take the average number of them to attain the right number.
.Clicking Twice Instead Of One:
When clicking the torque wrench button, avoid tapping or revolving the scale more than once. Users often allow the torque wrench to click or rotate multiple times without being aware of the other number.
For this, you can mistakenly pressurize the bolts, which may destroy them forever. Always remember that one click is enough to operate this torque wrench smoothly and steadily.
.Add Crows Foot Type Fittings On It:
Adding crowd-foot fittings on the torque wrench could damage or alter the tool. Therefore, the user must choose a suitable offset to set the torque inch-pound. For more inquiries, download Nor bar’s torque extension app. It is available to download on both Android and iOS.
.Rotate Torque Wrench Clockwise:
It is the most important norm of using a torque wrench. Whenever you use the wrench, ensure to rotate the thread anti-clockwise. Rotating the lever thread of the wrench clockwise may cause it to lose control. In that case, you must have this to prevent loss of torque controls.
.Not Adjusting Torque Wrench:
Try to adjust the torque wrench provided by the equipment manufacturer. It plays a vital role and ensures that the levers are met altogether. Therefore, adjust the wrench to the scale for the required torque figure. Also, check that the measurements are the same on both sides.
Related Questions:
Can Torque Be Measured In Inch Pounds?
An inch-pound of force can measure the torque applied too. It varies and relates to the two factors, including forced application and distance from the point of application. The applied force is also measured from a one-inch distance from the pivot. Therefore, the measurement of the force that you apply on any object can count down through pounds.
For more clarity, I can reveal the ultimate calculation of the torque force. Applying one pound of force on any object equals ½ lb. ft and 0.1129848 N.m. This means both of the forces are the same, but they vary for their units.
How Do You Read An Inch-Pound Torque Wrench?
There is a hash mark or a meter at the bottom of the wrench. It is usually divided into four-six numbers and a little arrow. Before reading about an inch-pound torque wrench, you must have understood the process of how to measure the torque in the wrench. In a wrench border, two different numbers represent different meanings.
The wrench numbers are designated for notifying you of the total amount of torque force in either foot pounds or inch pounds. For one pound, you have to multiply with the formula of force×length= torque. Each of the pieces of torque has a jagged line next to it. To correctly measure the one-inch pound, set the jigged line on pounds.
How Do You Set a Torque Wrench To 120 Lbs?
To set a torque wrench to 120 lbs, first, take the tool in your hand. Next, loosen the tightener of the wrench. As we need to set up the 120 lbs, we need to set up smaller digits areas on 8 along with the 112 digits of larger scales.
This means the edge handle of the torque (larger one) is already on the hash mark for 100. Raise it to 112 ft-lb. Again, the smaller number on the handle itself can turn to 5. So, when you turned the smaller handle to 8 and the larger one to 112. The total measurement of the wrench is 120 ft-lb.
How Do You Set The Torque Wrench to 89-inch Pounds?
To set the 89-inch pounds on your torque wrench, ensure what types of wrench you have. If it is a digital wrench, then the measurement is quite easy. But if it is a mechanical torque wrench, consider picking a wrench range of 50-150 ft-lbs. Now, pick it up and rotate the larger scale to zero.
Next, set the larger scale to 100-120 to reach 80. And then, raise the smaller scale to 8-10 to reach the number 9. By this, the total torque is 80+9=89 ft-lb.
Conclusion:
Hope so; now you must have learned how to set the torque wrench inch pound and do that properly. Setting up the torque wrench is an easy-going process. The more effort you give to finding out its accurate scaling, the more you become proficient. Prepare a test area inside your house to become more excels in it.
Take some loose nuts and bolts on your commercial garages, and give some trial. In the end, it is better to be safe than sorry. Make sure the torque wrench is kept in a dry, safe place. Keep all the tips and information described above in mind to nail any task on the first attempt.
References
Best torque wrenches for cars. (2022, April 13). Forbes. Retrieved December 18, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/wheels/accessories/best-torque-wrenches/
Keebler, J. (2019, April 2nd April). Why You Need a Torque Wrench. UK.News.Yahoo.com. Retrieved 2019, from https://uk.news.yahoo.com/why-torque-wrench-093000450.html
