Torque wrench with 3/8" to 1/4" adapter

bobframe

bobframe

Joined
Feb 1, 2011
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514
Location
Toccoa, GA
Bike
1200RT, 1200GS
Torque wrench with 1/4" to 3/8" adapter

I need to use my 1/4" torque wrench in a situation that requires 11Nm of torque. My wrench's range is from 6-32Nm...so it is my preferred tool since my 3/8" torque wrench's dial begins at 20Nm. I am using it to tighten an oil filter and the oil filter wrench requires either a 3/8" square drive or a 19mm socket, which I only have in 3/8". However, I do have a 1/4" to 3/8" adapter that would allow me to use the 1/4" torque wrench.

Anyone see a problem using a 1/4" torque wrench with such an adapter? Obviously the parts all connect and work...but any reason to doubt the wrench's accuracy with such a setup?

Thanks!
 
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Re: Torque wrench with 1/4" to 3/8" adapter

bobframe said:
but any reason to doubt the wrench's accuracy with such a setup?
Click to expand...
If you haven't dropped the wrench recently then no good reason to doubt it's accuracy.

Seriously, a stack-up of socket extensions (including a reducing extension) will not change the torque applied to the fastener, as they all maintain the same center of rotation.

Indeed as I'm typing I think that even if you used a 'cheater' on the torque wrench, it probably wouldn't change the torque reading. Certainly the case with a beam torque wrench, and I see no reason to think a click type torque wrench would be any different.
 
Re: Torque wrench with 1/4" to 3/8" adapter

Having been in the tool business in another life and sold many torque wrenches and torque multipliers, It shouldn't harm anything or change any torque measurements.
I had no idea anyone torqued an oil filter down to a specific value. The only value I ever heard is "hand tight" and it's served me well among lawn mowers. boats, motorcycles and what-have-you.
 
Its only 11Nm of torque...probably not necessary, but thats not really the issue here. Trying to understand whether the concept is sound. Also, I have two new torque wrenches and I want an excuse to use them....

Thanks for the help guys.
 
As was mentioned, as long as you keep the center of rotation the same, no problem. never use a torque wrench with a crow's foot socket (at least not without doing a bit of math first) or anything else that changes the center of rotation.

And I have to agree with the other posters- in my 30+ years doing mechanical work, the only time I've ever torqued an oil filter is the old cartridge filters (filter inside a can). I go hand tight (a good, snug hand tight).
 
nhdiesel said:
And I have to agree with the other posters- in my 30+ years doing mechanical work, the only time I've ever torqued an oil filter is the old cartridge filters (filter inside a can). I go hand tight (a good, snug hand tight).
Click to expand...

I understand and agree that in the case of an oil filter hand tightening is probably all I need. If I didn't have a way to measure the torque, I'd absolutely hand tighten it. But I have a new torque wrench and I want an excuse to use it. Thanks again for the feedback and help with me question.
 
roginoz said:
The shop manual (page 3-2 and 3-14) lists 20 foot pounds for the oil filter.
Click to expand...

Yikes, are you sure about that? The ST1100 spec is 7 ft-lb, or 10 Nm. Don't know about the 1300, but I would think its very similar to the 1100.

Also, the OP shows two BMWs in his avatar, no STs, and he mentions 11Nm in his post. But as has been said before, hand tight is fine.
 
The service manual is WRONG! There are several missprints in them and the oil filter torque is the most obvious one. Follow the instructions from ANY oil filter mfr. Seat it then one quarter to one half turn further....if you torque it down as instructed in the service manual you will risk DAMAGE to the oil filter base housing upon installing it or removing it!
.o2
 
I doubt that it is a misprint. It appears twice, in the torque values listing and the section on oil changes. The figure was not changed or corrected in the '05 updates to the manual. Incidentally, the shop manual for the VTX1300, which I believes uses the same filter, calls for 19 ft-lb (also in two places.) It may not require that much torque, but it hasn't caused any problems on our bikes during installation or removal. My intent is not to argue, merely to indicate what Honda specifies for their product.
 
No argument here either, but if you were to read through the service manual one evening you'd find many conflicting errors. These manuals are not printed by honda, but by an aftermarket company. Most service manuals now have an address or number in them to report mistakes found. I have over 100 oem manuals from several makes and models and always take torque specs with a grain of salt...
I have also had to repair several damaged filter bases that were factory installed. Use the search thread and surf around for mistakes.
 
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