Are Torque Sticks Accurate?

Torque sticks can make many jobs much faster.

Torque sticks are a type of tool that is used to tighten lug nuts to the proper amount of torque. They are used in place of more complex or time-consuming tools like torque wrenches.

Torque

In physics terms, torque is force times distance. In practical use, it refers to how much force should be applied to tighten nuts, bolts, or similar items so that they do not break, warp, or lose threads. In automotives, this can be essential to ensuring that a car is safe to use and has the proper amount of wear on its parts.

Torque Sticks

Torque sticks are used with an impact wrench and are flexible. This limits the amount of torque that can be applied and prevents overtightening because they will bend once a certain torque has been reached. Their appeal lies in the fact that they are much faster than other means of applying and measuring torque, and they are also easy to use.

Accuracy

Torque sticks are accurate. A study by General Motors found that torque sticks from one manufacturer were precise within two percent of a specified value, which is more precise than their advertised five percent. This may vary by manufacturer.

References

• Tomorrow's Technician: Getting Tight With Torque Wrenches