Wheel/tire questions

[gbaglo]

I think the pertinent question to ask is, how long will this tool be accurate?

[Greg A]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I think the pertinent question to ask is, how long will this tool be accurate?

Should I have gotten 2 for $20??

[Rossue]

Am sure the HF wrench is fine; looking at the specs it appears the length is 18"- is that correct? I do appreciate the Husky being 27" as it offers good leverage for 95 ft. lbs.

[padlin]

How accurate do you need it for lug nuts? Went most of my life without torquing one, never had a wheel fall off or lug nut brake.

[AllanEdie]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I think the pertinent question to ask is, how long will this tool be accurate?

True. However, mine had been used lots (I change winter/summer rims for two vehicles every year) before I tested it prior to the engine rebuild, and it was still dead accurate.

The click mechanisms used in these wrenches is actually very simple, and barring failure or fatigue of the spring, I doubt that significant deterioration will be an issue for most personal users. If they start out accurate, my experience suggests that they will likely stay that way. In any case, if slight changes occur, calibration will sort them.

[Iowa Dave]

18 inches on the Harbor Freight unit sounds about right. That’s plenty of length to turn 95 foot pounds for most men and all women. At least that’s what we found over in Illinois last fall. I was loosening the tightened nuts and one lady must have turned about 130 on that last little grunt.
Iowa Dave

[AllanEdie]

For those of you with the HF wrenches or similar, here is a video on how to adjust calibration of them. The process is very simple, and can be done with another torque wrench or some sort of spring scale like a fish scale. Watch the video all the way through, the fellow has good commentary on the process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIkg94hDswY

[mizterwizard]

I once flagged down a semi that was throwing a lot of sparks. Upon inspection he had no tires on the wheels on the right front axle of his trailer. This situation didn't develop in 5 miles. I suspect that he had been driving on flat tires for a long way.

I think a TPMS for the trailer is a really good idea.