Does anybody make a torque adapter for an impact wrench?

[robroy]

Hi!

Today while using my manual torque wrench I realized how nice it would be to have an adapter for an impact wrench that measures torque.

Perhaps something that would turn the bolt until a certain torque level were reached, then slip.

Does this tool exist?

Thanks!
-Robroy

[bumpside]

I know there are a number of color coded extensions with sockets built in for lug nuts. Each color is set to a specific torque.
I don't know if there are other applications available. Try Snapon, and Craftsman to start your Quest.

[robroy]

Hey Bumpside! Thanks for your reply. I guess I'll check out those tool places; I was just curious to know if anybody here has used one of these or seen them in action.

Thanks!
-Robroy

[DuckRyder]

Nearly every tire shop woth their salt has "torque stix" now.

It funny though, every time I let them do my Jetta they end up too tight. I think it may have to do with the ball seat bolts.

[robroy]

Hi Robert, so are these Torque Stix variable or fixed (amount of torque per stick)?

A variable one would really make short work of a lot of assembly on my truck.

Thanks!
-Robroy

[bumpside]

Each one is fixed. Thats why they are color coded.

[oldschoolrods]

They're fixed they usually come in a set with different ones and don't trust them, stick with a good torque wrench. They do make air torque wrenches but they come out of calibration easy, a shop a friend of mine worked in had air torque wrenches and lost a couple sets of tires off dual wheels off semi's cause they were out of calibration.

[robroy]

Hi Bumpside! Got it, thanks!

Even if they're fixed they could be really handy. Maybe a set of 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 pounds. I'll bet they're very expensive!

OldSchoolRods, that's interesting about them being unreliable. I definitely wouldn't want to risk getting bad torque ratings for the sake of speed.

-Robroy

[oldschoolrods]

They might be close enough for wheels, but I would never ever ever use them on an engine.

[DuckRyder]

I've never seen one that was below about 65lbs and yes they are fixed. I think that because the impact ... well, impacts ... it would be difficult to make an adjustable one.

See: http://www.torquestick.com/cart/catalog/

[robroy]

I see! Thanks OldSchoolRods.

-Robroy

[averagef250]

Torque sticks work, but you have to use them carefully. They kind of take a feel to get the right torque. A real name brand clicker torque wrench is much better and the only way to go for anything other than lug nuts.

[robroy]

Hi Dustin and Robert, thanks for replying.

I see! So these are only for putting on wheels; that seems like an application that only tire shops would care about.

So I'll either have to invent what I'm looking for or wait for somebody else to.

Thanks!
-Robroy