sgull

torque wrench inquiry

I'm working on a small gas engine for a pressure washer. I have the service manual which lists the various fastener torque specifications shown in lb-in and Nm. For example the crankcase cover bolt torque specs are listed as "100 lb-in. (11 Nm)", and the cylinder head bolt specs listed as "220 lb-in (25 Nm)". I know that lb-in means "inch pounds" and Nm means "Newton meters". Here's a picture of the kind of torque wrench I have: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...ps5ba79e78.jpg
Here's a few pictures of the scale numbers on the torque wrench: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...ps80d63032.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...ps1323cbab.jpg
I can see that the black scale/numbers are apparently foot pounds, and that the red scale/numbers are shown as "Meter Kilograms". I don't know what "meter kilograms" might be as compared to Newton meters, but I do know that I'm interested in obtaining either inch-pounds (not foot-pounds) or newton meters. So is the type of torque wrench I have just too big, no way I can rely on using it for this job, using conversion or something? Any comments/advice appreciated.

toolmon

100 lb-in = 8.3 ft lb, 220 lb in= 18.3 ft lb. But I gotta tell ya, that wrench you have has seen better days.

cheese

A foot lb equals 12 inch lbs, so you can figure it out that way any time you need to convert from one to the other.

sgull

Thanks for the conversion. But yeah I think this wrench is not reliable to do the job, even knowing the conversion. Torquing to 8.3 foot pounds and 18.3 foot pounds using the needle on this wrench scale barely seems to not even get close to tightening down the bolts to reasonable tightnesss. I think this wrench is shot/damaged, or otherwise somehow way innacurrate.

geogrubb

I have the same wrench without the KM stuff, I use it to get close so I don't strip or twist something off, accuracy doesn't seem possible with the wrench. Have a good one. Geo

sgull

I've been a good boy, Santa. Please bring me this for Christmas: GearWrench 85051 3/8-Inch Drive Micrometer Torque Wrench 25-250 in lb - Amazon.com

guy48065

The Gearwrench is a good one for the money. Easy to service and calibrate. Just dont cave in and get one of those Harbor Freight ones with the black hex knob on the end. They are initially accurate but have a crappy feel and are difficult to cal.

sgull

That's good to know; thanks guy48065 for the input.
And thanks everyone else too.