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Old 06-17-2016, 09:47 PM   #1
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thoughts on a torque wrench

We have had our 19 since July 2013 and just purchased a torque wrench. I relied on using our 4 way lug wrench and our annual wheel bearing service to keep things in order. I never had a problem and would check the tightness of the lug nuts after a long trip with the wrench.

I just purchased a torque wrench and checked the lug nuts and four lug nuts needed added torque to bring them to 95 ft-lbs (two on the passenger side rear tire). They were not loose but needed 1/8 to 1/4 of added turn or so. Maybe two or three seemed overtightened so I back them all off by 1/2 a turn and retorqued them all to 95 ft-lbs.

Not sure if the torque wrench made any difference as to the chance of loosing a tire or experiencing failure but I now feel more confident when I travel down the road.
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Old 06-17-2016, 09:50 PM   #2
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I always prefer to use a torque wrench to 100 lbs on lug nuts. If you are diligent, and make sure they are good and snug without over tightening, then a breaker bar, or a good tug on a ratchet will do.
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Old 06-17-2016, 10:02 PM   #3
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Eric, look, over there, pigeons. Be at the Mississippi River Rally at Thompson Causeway Corps of Engineers for the first annual Torque yer Nutz North American Championship.
Entry fee. 2 bottles of beer, no cheap stuff. A trophy to the winner. And yes ladies, it's co-ed
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Old 06-17-2016, 10:04 PM   #4
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Entry fee. 2 bottles of beer, no cheap stuff.
You aren't referring to Eric's home brew now, are you.
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Old 06-17-2016, 10:19 PM   #5
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Harbor Freight is known for really cheap tools.. and you get what you pay for! But, their torgue wrench gets high reviews... how often do you need to use it?! I bought one for Ten Forward Car Craft Reviews Harbor Freight 1/2-Inch Torque Wrench
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Old 06-17-2016, 10:21 PM   #6
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Jim, I'm sure Eric's stuff would be an acceptable elixir. Cheap Stuff to me is what is usually found in big displays in convenience stores near college campuses and at concession stands at stock car racing tracks. I know, I've frequented both.
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Old 06-18-2016, 01:09 AM   #7
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thoughts on a torque wrench

It's funny you mentioned that Donna. I've only ever bought one tool from Harbor Freight, and it was that Torque Wrench. It's a permanent resident of my trailer's storage box.


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Old 06-18-2016, 03:18 AM   #8
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So I should by the half inch one correct?
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Old 06-18-2016, 06:11 AM   #9
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So I should by the half inch one correct?
Yes, that is correct.
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Old 06-18-2016, 07:24 AM   #10
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You aren't referring to Eric's home brew now, are you.
Bring that lovely 5th wheel you're currently pulling on down and find out.
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Old 06-18-2016, 08:18 AM   #11
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Bring that lovely 5th wheel you're currently pulling on down and find out.
You know I would love to, but by the time I get around to your place, it will be with my even lovelier 5th wheel.
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Old 06-19-2016, 01:10 AM   #12
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Quote:
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It's funny you mentioned that Donna. I've only ever bought one tool from Harbor Freight, and it was that Torque Wrench. It's a permanent resident of my trailer's storage box.


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Try their chop saws. About 1/3 the price of a doctor's bill. Bring the rest of the finger.
Not for me.
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Old 06-19-2016, 08:48 AM   #13
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Breaking News: torque wrench on sale at Harbor Freight. Nine bucks with a coupon!
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Old 07-05-2016, 07:42 PM   #14
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Just an FYI on the larger Harbor Freight Torque Wrench with 1/2" drive - on sale for $11.99 right now with coupon code 35255660.

1/2" Torque Wrench
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Old 07-06-2016, 12:02 AM   #15
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Breaking News: torque wrench on sale at Harbor Freight. Nine bucks with a coupon!
Yup, it's not a bad wrench either. Breakover style, easy to use.
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Old 07-06-2016, 07:46 AM   #16
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While you're at Harbor Freight buying a torque wrench, look for their heavy rubber wheel chocks. Better than lightweight plastic wheel chocks for our lightweight trailers.
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Old 07-06-2016, 06:20 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rbryan4 View Post
Just an FYI on the larger Harbor Freight Torque Wrench with 1/2" drive - on sale for $11.99 right now with coupon code 35255660.

1/2" Torque Wrench
thanks for the heads up....bought one...good thing I checked it after leaving store as it was cross-threaded...took it back to the store and clerk seemed to be aware of the issue..suggested opening boxes till I find one that was ok which I did.
the good news it was cheap and won't feel bad if somebody steals it versus a more expensive one.
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Old 07-06-2016, 06:30 PM   #18
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My main torque wrench is quite long and heavy, so I bought one at Princess Auto that is similar to this one. Regular $50 DCN, on sale for $25. I checked it out against my good one, and it was off a fair bit, so I exchanged it and the replacement is very close.

With my Anderson Ultimate hitch I use it a fair bit, as I need to torque the bolts each time I reinstall it, which I do regularly. It takes less than a minute to remove the hitch, and maybe a full minute to reinstall. Plus, I can pass the hitch over the sidewall to my wife.... Nice.
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