Torque Wrenches, When Do You Or Dont You Use One?
 

Other than wheels and critical engine related fasteners i'm curious how many bother with torque specs on things like calipers, control arms, exhaust, sub frame, suspension components etc...or if most people generally rely upon the impact wrench and/or their judgment when it comes to hand tool.

I don't generally use a torque wrench at all. I don't ever tighten anything with an impact either. :Unsure2:



Torque wrenches have given me more trouble than not using one ever has.

I once thought I could hand gauge 60lb with a breaker bar. Got one whole side back together and spun the final of 4 nuts one the other when I realized all I did was stretch the bolt and weaken it worse than leaving them finger tight. :banghead2:



I use a tqwrench on damn near anything critical now.

i only use tq Wrench on.



Items bolting to a engine.

Water pumps,Idlers,Camshafts,Head components ect)

Head Bolts

Exhaust/Intake manifold Bolts.



Legs and struts ect i do them hand tight.

When my dad was learning how to become a mechanic, his instructor told him: Unless there is a REALLY good reason for the torque specification, finger-tight plus 1/4 turn will hold anything to anything, forever.

I just use them for head bolts or anything else super critical. With aluminum it's way too easy to strip them if you are just tightening until it clicks.

i use both a 1/4 and a 3/8 torque wrench on everything, spark plugs, water pump bolts, oil pan bolts, wheel studs, brake calipers, exhaust manifold, motor mounts,fuel rail..etc..heck on all sidejobs i use them



helps me sleep better at night too.

my elbow clicks when it hits the perfect torque