[rheavn]

A Guru friend of mine inquired about how I was torquing lug nuts, so I'll share with those who are interested. I called Newell & they stated all lug nuts on my coach should be torqued to 450 foot pounds.

Good truck tire shops use a 5' long torque wrench that is hinged and "breaks" when the torque is reached. I feel this is the best. They cost $600+ http://www.alltiresupply.com/p-TM750-1.html

There are also some heavy duty 500 pound torque wrenches. This is just an example: http://www.toolbarn.com/ampro-t39923.html

I have a Snap-On 4X multiplier that I use with a 1/2" drive torque wrench. The multiplier has a 10 to 20% loss, so I use 15% loss. 135 foot lbs on my torque wrench times 4 equals 540 foot pounds times .85 equals 459 foot pounds. The multiplier works best when working on a hard surface floor.

Others may use other tool or alternatives.

[Richard]

You will laugh at mine. 6 ft pipe and jack stand. I stand on bathroom scales and press down until I weigh 75 less. 75 X 6 = 450 ft lbs

[rheavn]

Richard,
As an engineer I hope you can answer my question. On the rear tires I use a 3/4" X 10" extension bar to get the multiplier outside the tire. Am I losing torque as compared to the front where I need no extension bar? I never laugh at some ones creativeness. We used to use a similar system of using bathroom scales to weigh the race car before they came out with electronic scales.

Thanks.....................

[Ozarkguy]

Richard,
As an engineer I hope you can answer my question. On the rear tires I use a 3/4" X 10" extension bar to get the multiplier outside the tire. Am I losing torque as compared to the front where I need no extension bar? I never laugh at some ones creativeness. We used to use a similar system of using bathroom scales to weigh the race car before they came out with electronic scales.

Thanks.....................

Steve extensions do require a calculation usually there is a formula that is in the manual that came with the wrench. Or there are some online calculators.

[Richard]

I am assuming that you mean an extension straight out from the nut to clear the rim and tire. If you support that extension with a jack stand I wouldn't quibble over any loss of torque. If you don't support it that is a different story

[rheavn]

Jimmy,
I'll check the owner's manual. I don't remember seeing anything, but that doesn't mean there isn't something there. Thanks...........they are saying ice tonight & tomorrow. Be careful

Richard,
Thanks for your reply. I did leave out the part that I do support the extension.

[Ozarkguy]

I'm stuck in OKC sleet, rain and snow. My drive back is Friday be gone by then.

[cmillsap]

You will laugh at mine. 6 ft pipe and jack stand. I stand on bathroom scales and press down until I weigh 75 less. 75 X 6 = 450 ft lbs

Ha, ha, I love it. A man who thinks out of the box

[Itchintogo]

You will laugh at mine. 6 ft pipe and jack stand. I stand on bathroom scales and press down until I weigh 75 less. 75 X 6 = 450 ft lbs

Expensive tools cost a bunch of money. This is priceless! Talk about not over thinking things. Love it!

[Ozarkguy]

BTW Here is the Formula if you ever wnat to know:

Te x A / B = TW

A = Lever Length of wrench ; B = Lever Length of wrench plus extension ; Te = Required torque on bolt; Tw = Torque reading on wrench