Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
6/7/2017 1:55:48 PM EDT
I was going through a box of tools I picked up at an auction for a buck for the box.  In an old red case I found a lightly used 3/8 inch drive torque wrench.  I use claw foot wrenchs for my barrel nuts. They are 1/2" drive.  If I use a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter and the 1/2 drive claw foot on the 3/8 wrench, does it change the torque setting?...Is 60lbs setting on the wrench still 60lbs on the wrench?
6/7/2017 2:00:40 PM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
I was going through a box of tools I picked up at an auction for a buck for the box.  In an old red case I found a lightly used 3/8 inch drive torque wrench.  I use claw foot wrenchs for my barrel nuts. They are 1/2" drive.  If I use a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter and the 1/2 drive claw foot on the 3/8 wrench, does it change the torque setting?...Is 60lbs setting on the wrench still 60lbs on the wrench?
View Quote


Lots of good information on this website about different scenarios concerning torque wrenches and adapters.

http://www.engineersedge.com/manufacturing_spec/torque_wrench_2.htm
6/7/2017 2:53:03 PM EDT
[#2]
Thanks.  I appreciate the reference. I think I understand the part that page took me to.  To overcome the extension issue, moving the crow foot to a 90 degree angle with the wrench brings it in line and will overcomes the extension effectI believe , but I still am not sure about the drive going from 3/8" to 1/2" and my math isn't good enough to know how to account for it.
6/7/2017 4:13:41 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Quoted:
Thanks.  I appreciate the reference. I think I understand the part that page took me to.  To overcome the extension issue, moving the crow foot to a 90 degree angle with the wrench brings it in line and will overcomes the extension effectI believe , but I still am not sure about the drive going from 3/8" to 1/2" and my math isn't good enough to know how to account for it.
View Quote
It can affect it by a few pounds, depending on how well the adapter actually fits, and also how strong the metal they used in the adapter is.  That said, in the process of building guns or tightening wheel nuts, it is not enough to really make much of a difference.  If you are working on barrel nuts and such, put the adapter on, set the weight and have at it, there is a very large range in the specifications for these guns.
6/7/2017 4:20:57 PM EDT
[#4]
Thanks Dave.  This is the kind of answer my hillbilly mind can understand...:).
6/9/2017 4:02:37 PM EDT
[#5]
Might not be a bad idea to have the wrench checked to make sure it is something close to in spec too.  They do get out of calibration sometimes.
6/9/2017 5:21:58 PM EDT
[#6]
I've rebarreled many uppers using a Craftsman 3/8" torque wrench and 3/8" to 1/2" adapter, as mentioned, it will be within a pound or two difference (or right on spec). I've used a 1/2" Craftsman torque wrench and verified this in the past.

Main thing is that it is calibrated and that you should always turn the torque setting to the STOP point on the wrench or always wind it down to the minimum scale setting and never to zero when you are done with it(if it's an adjustable click type).
6/9/2017 6:58:26 PM EDT
[#7]
The torque range is pretty wide so I wouldn't worry much. Just tighten and loosen it two three time before the final time you tighten the nut. Don't forget to grease the threads. Now go read how grease changes torque readings
AR Sponsor