Who doesn't use a torque wrench?

I use a set of cobalt torque wrenches, one in 3/8's that will torque up to 150 Ftlbs and a 1/2" drive that will torque up to 250 ftlbs.
I didn't use a torque wrench for my timing belt job, and i don't use it for tire rotations, I use a breaker bar after a impact to make sure they're close to spec.

 

God forbid a wheel falls off the Willys. A passenger falling off is quite OK...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rug4jaPczls

 

They make new people every day, they haven't made my jeep since '58

 

you'll need more than 200 ft. lbs, the damn crank bolt is 217 ft lbs.

 

I'd sue a torque wrench for sure on suspension bolts and anything with a gasket/seal involved except a fill/drain bolt or oil filter which can be done pretty well by feel. Body bolts and head/tail light housing installations have torque specs associated, but I don't usually get out the torque wrench for those.

 

There is a pretty simple formula to calculate torque, It's simply the length of the level arm multiplied by the magnitude of the force being applied to it (technically perpendicular force but who cranks on a wrench diagonally?) If you know the spec you can guesstimate pretty accurately. It also helps if you've spent time in a gym and know what 25, 35, 45, etc pounds of force feels like.

6 inch wrench x 40 pound push = 20 ft lbs, boom done.

 

OK, that one made me laugh!

 

Forget fhe wrench. I'll just memorize that little formula. You saved me $60!

 

Last time I used my torque wrench I was sober, but I still broke sh*t.

 

I save money on torque wrenches by torquing until my back cracks, then I collapse.

 

A few thing I have learned over the years dealing with torque on bolts and the need for a torque wrench. Having worked with a few old-timers on some different projects I have learned that the pattern in which you tighten bolts is as important as the actual torque. And make sure you pay attention to which bolts are designed to "stretch" and need to be replaced every time they are removed. This can help eliminate a huge headache.