Torque and Chrome

Question about how to correctly torque a bolt?

As everyone knows when you do deep engine overhauling you will fine each bolt has its own bolt torque to be tightened Ive always just tightened it as tight as I could all of my life but according to the trucks manual doing so can cause serious engine injury basicvally Im asking how do you know how much torque you put on a bolt do you have to use a special tool? or can it be doe like I thought with a rachet or a wrench?

Public Comments

1. Go to any auto parts stores or tool store and purchase a torque wrench. There are 2 "families" of torque wrenches, inch pound and foot pound. up to 150-200 foot lb and a 0-450 inch lb should cover just about every application for you.
2. you need a torque wrench. they're really expensive compared to standard socket handles. they might seem complicated, but they're really simple. just set the diat to whatever torque specification you want...lets say 70 foot pounds, and tighten untill you hear a "click". then you'll know your at that torque setting. of course you tighten it down a bit till it starts to give you resistance. then torque it. you'll have to look up torque specifications for the engine because all cars have different requirements.
3. Yep, you need a torque wrench...in addition to the two 'families' mentioned, there's also these days manual ones and some that have the torque displayed on a digital readout, like a clock. Jeez. But, there is some skill is properly using one also. And, if several bolts are to be tightened, there is often a pattern or 'schedule' that you must follow. Go pick up a book or two at the local library on engine maintenance or equipment repair.
4. Use a cheap torque wrench and set it to the PSI recomended and this will save you alot of hassle in the long run replacing gaskets and what not!
5. yes sir you need a torque wrench. auto zone rents for a $100 dollars. and you get your money back in full when you turn it back in. its a expensive tool. all you do is adjust the handle to the amount of weight you want to torque it at and turn the wrench till it clicks. when it clicks its not going to get any tighter it automatically stops itself at the weight desired.