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Torque Wrench

Old 11-01-22, 09:25 AM
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boneshaker78
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Torque Wrench

What do you do if the bottom bracket tool you are using isn’t capable of having a torque socket wrench installed? In particular, what should I do about torquing Phil Wood bottom bracket cups to 40nm? The tool has flats for a wrench, but that is all. This isn’t intended to be a debate about using a torque wrench or not, I use them whenever possible, especially on nicer components. Do you need a special torque wrench or do they make an adapter that would allow the use of an adjustable wrench?
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Old 11-01-22, 09:31 AM
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Get a bigger socket?
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Old 11-01-22, 09:34 AM
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Originally Posted by curbtender
Get a bigger socket?
Yep. Wow… I must be bordering on brain dead. Thanks
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Old 11-01-22, 09:35 AM
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First choice would be to find a 3/8" drive 22m socket. (Probably won't find it at Harbor Freight, check Snap On, Granger, all the usual expensive sources.)

Second choice would be to get a 22 mm crows foot that fits your torque wrench. You'll have to do the math to figure out what torque on the wrench side equates to 40 Nm on the BB side. I don't have access to my usual source for the equation, but I expect you can search for it.
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Old 11-01-22, 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by pdlamb
First choice would be to find a 3/8" drive 22m socket. (Probably won't find it at Harbor Freight, check Snap On, Granger, all the usual expensive sources.)

Second choice would be to get a 22 mm crows foot that fits your torque wrench. You'll have to do the math to figure out what torque on the wrench side equates to 40 Nm on the BB side. I don't have access to my usual source for the equation, but I expect you can search for it.
The socket will be a better choice. I think Harborfreight sell them sockets individually too. Also check Walmart in their tool section.
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Old 11-01-22, 11:04 AM
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I think for Phil Wood BBs at least you are less going for torque and more going for proper adjustment of things. From when I installed mine a while back it was trying to get the spindle properly spaced so I could shift up front. Normally yes you are tightening to a point on most BBs but I recall less so with the Phil.
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Old 11-01-22, 11:05 AM
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I would get a socket.

But since you asked, I think you can “technically” get close with a digital scale on a box wrench; maybe an adjustable. There are a number of gyrations involved, but it is not different than doing a “home” calibration of a torque wrench.

I’ve done the digital scale torque calibrating, (Google it), but have not attempted to juggle all pieces to try and torque something. I would guess the final result will be in the ballpark.

John
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Old 11-01-22, 11:07 AM
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DIY torque

Use a crescent wrench and a luggage scale.
I've had to do this for another hobby of mine where I didn't have a suitably weird wrench available.

Barry
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Old 11-02-22, 06:51 PM
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You have a few options:

1) If you have a 3/8" drive torque wrench, go to the hardware store or tool store and buy a 3/8" drive "crowfoot" that fits that Phil tool for the torque wrench. It will be less precise than a socket but it should give you a close reading. Like the one below.
or
2) If you have a 1/4" inch drive torque wrench try to find a 1/4" to 3/8" drive adapter (if you don't have a 3/8" torque wrench) and use the crowfoot. It will be less precise but better than guessing.
or
3) Call Phil and ask them for advice. That's free.



Crowfoot:
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