This might sound like an Idiot 101 question but I've never asked this question to anyone before. When tightening bolts/nuts/and what not I always hear people say something like 'tighten it 10 pounds' . What do they mean by pounds? Like 10 pounds of weight put into it? Is there a secret wrench that tells you that I dont know about? Somebody fill me in!
Thanks!
Nathen

 

Torque wrench. They usually come in inch pound or foot pounds. They measure how much force you are tightening your bolt to.

 

How much do they cost?

 

The pointer ones are cheap, about 20 bucks. The clicker type are much better and you can get one for about $100. Less if you shop around. Ebay maybe.

 

DON'T buy the pointer type......

 

yea, the clicker ones are WAY more acurate

im wondering when somebody is gonna come out with a digital one, now that would be awsome [8D]

 

Yeah, if you need to be exact, the pointer type is not the tool you need. But for putting on wheels and other not quite so delicate nuts, it comes closer to the right torque than a guess with your wrist.

 

got to autozone or pep boys and buy one for $50. Don't waste your time with the dial/guage type. Those are only good when you have to figure out angles. Like tighten Cam gear bolt 15° at 25ft/lbs. and crap.