Torque Wrench

[Californication69]

Just bemused. Most people, the OP included, want to do the job correctly etc, all very commendable. But why then go and buy the cheapest unit possible that has probably a +/- 15-20Nm accuracy, thereby virtually guaranteeing you do anything but a good job? Ok in this case it’s not critical but if you accept that then just use any old wheel brace.

I’ll get back in my box.

I’ve never owned one in 40 years
I “want” one, rather than need one.
Aldi do some really great stuff.
I’ll spend the day calibrating it and get back to you, and let you know how accurate it is.
It’s just a spring inside and a screw to adjust the calibration.
Same as Mitsui callipers, they are mid range and do the job of a £600 set.
What make tools do you own @sidepod ?
Curious

 

[Californication69]

In over 10y changing winter/summer wheels on diffrent types of cars using simple tools came with the car never had a wheel come off ....
Guess as with many things all personal preference and if it gives you piece of mind and a better sleep at night, just do whatever suits you .

Not everyone is sharing the same view it seems ....

That’s the beauty of humans.
We are all different.
Share different views.
Nobody’s right and Noby’s wrong

 

[B J G]

It was, you could hite hub pullers, axle stands, engine hoists and various specialist tools, i assume some owners clubs have to have them.
There was also places you could hire the use of a vehicle ‘pit’ for you to work on your vehicle.

I think that the Health & safety requirements plus Insurance costs killed those off.

 

[sidepod]

I’ve never owned one in 40 years
I “want” one, rather than need one.
Aldi do some really great stuff.
I’ll spend the day calibrating it and get back to you, and let you know how accurate it is.
It’s just a spring inside and a screw to adjust the calibration.
Same as Mitsui callipers, they are mid range and do the job of a £600 set.
What make tools do you own @sidepod ?
Curious

SnapOn mostly since you ask.

Thing is, if you paid £17 in England then some poor sod in China made it for £4.

I have a tin of Chinese brake fluid here. 5L. Yours for a fiver. Want it? No, of course you don’t. Same reason, different perception.

 

[Dodge1311]

SnapOn mostly since you ask.

Thing is, if you paid £17 in England then some poor sod in China made it for £4.

I have a tin of Chinese brake fluid here. 5L. Yours for a fiver. Want it? No, of course you don’t. Same reason, different perception.

Snapon tools are made in China the EU ,Belarus, Argentina and Brazil as well as the USA nowadays, doesn’t seem to bother the SnapOn buyers too much.

 

[Californication69]

SnapOn mostly since you ask.
Thing is, if you paid £17 in England then some poor sod in China made it for £4.

I have a tin of Chinese brake fluid here. 5L. Yours for a fiver. Want it? No, of course you don’t. Same reason, different perception.

Picture attached showing where it was made.
So is it a German company in Austria ?

 

[Flo]

What’s the mid range price for a torque wrench that would suffice in a twice yearly wheel change ?
What make Torque Wrench do you have, and is it still working ?

ALDI £30 online

 

[Californication69]

ALDI £30 online

I just paid Aldi online £16.99
And it shows Nm not Lb-Ft.

Auto XS Torque Wrench

Find Auto XS Torque Wrench at ALDI.

www.aldi.co.uk

 

[John Rowson]

The wheel brace that comes with the van. If you can get the wheel off with it then it's perfect.

My advice (and from bitter experience) is to leave the OE wheel brace in the van and invest in a quality socket (19 mm) and decent breaker bar. It's a much better fit on the wheel bolts, easier to undo due to the better leverage and makes allowances for any rock-ape mechanic that gunned the wheel bolts on to within an inch of their life, less likely to slip off the bolt head, makes it much more stable when using the locking wheel nut tool and gives you more control when tightening. Also, as has been said before, copper grease the wheel spigots as soon as you can. Save your life one day!

 

[Vagophile]

My advice (and from bitter experience) is to leave the OE wheel brace in the van and invest in a quality socket (19 mm) and decent breaker bar. It's a much better fit on the wheel bolts, easier to undo due to the better leverage and makes allowances for any rock-ape mechanic that gunned the wheel bolts on to within an inch of their life, less likely to slip off the bolt head, makes it much more stable when using the locking wheel nut tool and gives you more control when tightening. Also, as has been said before, copper grease the wheel spigots as soon as you can. Save your life one day!

Tip: if you have tyres changed at a tyre fitting depot, the first thing to do when you return home is undo the wheel bolts and tighten them to the correct torque. You will then be reassured that if the worst happens, you (or your friendly breakdown man) are not going to be struggling to undo wheel bolts in a dangerous situation.

 

[andyinluton]

I can’t remember the last time that I had a tyre changed that they didn’t use a torque wrench. The cheap & cheerfull puncture repair place I use has the fitter tighten them up & then the manager checks it with a torque wrench & signs the receipt with the tightness marked on it.

 

[Vagophile]

I can’t remember the last time that I had a tyre changed that they didn’t use a torque wrench. The cheap & cheerfull puncture repair place I use has the fitter tighten them up & then the manager checks it with a torque wrench & signs the receipt with the tightness marked on it.

That's the good practice that one should expect, but it's by no means the norm in my experience. I've even been met with blank stares when I have told the fitter what the bolt torque should be.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

I can’t remember the last time that I had a tyre changed that they didn’t use a torque wrench. The cheap & cheerfull puncture repair place I use has the fitter tighten them up & then the manager checks it with a torque wrench & signs the receipt with the tightness marked on it.

Usually with a clause telling you to recheck after approx 50 miles.

 

[kurienp]

I can’t remember the last time that I had a tyre changed that they didn’t use a torque wrench. The cheap & cheerfull puncture repair place I use has the fitter tighten them up & then the manager checks it with a torque wrench & signs the receipt with the tightness marked on it.

The young apprentice at my tyre fitters, after changing the tyres, comes and tells me that he has torqued the bolts to 180 nm as per specs and the locking nut to 140 as they are usually made of cheese. I think he saw my jaw drop ... as he walked away with a wink and a swag in his steps. I did wonder if he frequented this forum as his dad has a T2.

I was like - mate, you have my business on tyres for the rest of my life.

 

[westfalia]

Usually with a clause telling you to recheck after approx 50 miles.

Heard that a few times.
Pass the buck and all that...