I've got a mystery here! I tried to research this,but no luck! I keep getting different answers. I hope you guys can help! OK,my question is,will a ratchet torque wrench be accurate both directions,or are they made to only torque in a clockwise direction? The wrench is made by "Kobalt". I don't want to damage it,or the part I'm working on! I have several torque wrenchs,so this would be good to know! Thanks,I know I'll get good info here! P.S. I forgot to add all these are "click" types.
Agree, both ways. This is so you only need one wrench to do RH or LH threads. One thing you can do to preserve the accuracy of the tool is to never use it to loosen bolts. While they are nice and long, they are not meant to be breaker bars .......
You can help maintain the accuracy of the wrench by keeping the adjustment backed off completely when you are not using it. You should have it calibrated every other year. You can build a method to check the calibration if you like, too.
Thanks,guys! Yeah,I always back my setting off,and I NEVER use it as a breaker bar! Why I'm asking is I need to replace 1 headbolt on my 250 that holds a compressor bracket. I've drained the coolant,and was planning to just crack the old bolt loose,with a breaker bar,and see what torque it is and put the new one in at the same torque. Is this a good idea or should I loosen all of them and retighten to the book specs? I don't want to have to replace the head gasket if I don't have to! Again,Thanks for the info!!!
As long as you are only removing the one bolt and not cracking the seal of the head gasket, you will be fine with just removing the bolt as normal and then putting it back torqued to specifications. Lube the threads up and torque to the top number.
The Ford 250 head has a 3 step torque, 55 then 65 then 70-75 - what I was saying is, just go to the top torque in one shot.
Thanks to you all,this was an easy operation! Now I have to find a heater core! It's been a cold Winter so far! I'm not looking forward to this job!
