I'm Torqued Off

["R. Cummings" <cumm@flash.net>]

Wow! this torque thing has got a lot of play. Some folks are right, some are
wrong. First the derivation, then the example.
If:
L1 = length of extension - ft. (ctr. of socket to ctr. of hole for torque
wrench)
L2 = Length of torque wrench - ft. (point of force on handle to center of sq.)
Indicated torque = 258 ft lbs
F = force applied to torque wrench to get 258 ft lbs indicated torque - lbs.
Then:
F= 258/L2  force = indicated torque/length of handle
Torque on nut = F*(L1+L2).
Example 1:
L1 = 1 ft
L2 = 2 ft
then:
F=258/2 = 129 lbs
Torque on nut = 129*(1+2) = 387 ft lbs
Example 2:
L1 = 1 ft
L2 = 1.5 ft
then:
F=258/1.5 = 172 lbs
Torque on nut = 172*(1+1.5) = 430 ft lbs.
It depends on the length of the wrench .... hey 400 is good enough.

Bob Cummings