Improper torque wrench use

[Greybeard]

Have you ever noticed when getting a new tyre fitted; the fitter uses a torque wrench to finish the tightening; presumably so the driver can undo the nuts if they need to; those air drivers can really tighten them. However I've observed the fitter giving the torque wrench a bit more of a turn after the wrench clicks. I've not had the balls to challenge them on this but I think I should.

[nimrod650]

if a wheel torque setting   is 30nm they may set it at 27nm do all the nuts then click to 30nm for  the final nip thats what i do and never use an air gun on alloy wheels

[bsa-bill]

the fitter uses a torque wrench to finish the tightening

an educated guess based on some truth I think
Torque wrench's will be (should be) calibrated to be true at regular intervals, where as an air gun may be subject to various factors that will affect it's accuracy (compressor. air humidity, lubrication of the gun ....).
Also possibly more to do with litigation should a wheel escape than drivers ability to undo the nuts

[RichardL]

Seriously, does anyone really care if lug nuts are done up to precision torque? You have probably noticed that in no time in the history of cars has the lug wrench for changing a spare been a torque wrench. (OK, when I'm done typing this I'm going to look up Rolls Royce, Bugatti and Lamborghini lug wrenches.)

Richard L.

[Kickaha]

Seriously, does anyone really care if lug nuts are done up to precision torque?

No and I do that stuff for a living

But I do use a torque wrench 

[Seabee]

In the early days of disc brakes, over-torqueing the lug nuts could warp the hub/rotor.  I like to see tire installers using torque wrenches, but usually only see "torque sticks" being used on impacts.

[sparx]

I think it's a psychological thing. When the wrench breaks it appears to go light, so you give it an extra nudge just to reassure yourself.
 At work I was watching a guy torque up the wheel nuts on an artic trailer. The torque wrench was about five feet long. He asked if I would like to have a go. I couldn't get the wrench to break. Obviously I'm a six foot twelve stone wimp. 

[Greybeard]

I think it's a psychological thing. When the wrench breaks it appears to go light, so you give it an extra nudge just to reassure yourself.

I think you are right.
What Richard says is true I guess; wheel studs can take some extra welly

[bsa-bill]

You have probably noticed that in no time in the history of cars has the lug wrench for changing a spare been a torque wrench.

no but the length of the bar they supply is not random and I know many drivers who carry a torque for their car wheels, me included, many women (discluded Amazon) find it difficult to undo wheel nuts, for them the extra length of a torque wrench is good.
Two more points to consider -
 1. are you telling me you have never heard of a wheel coming off?
 2. do you know the torque setting for your car wheels - go check you may be surprised, they haven't been 52lb/ft for a long long time

If you guess your wheel nut torque and get it wrong, it's down to you, if your local kwikfit get it wrong you'll be Googling for a good lawyer - right

[jachenbach]

Changing a flat by the side of the road, I'll do what I must to be on my way. Changing wheels in my home shop, hell yes I use a torque wrench. In the past, I've had wheels loosen while driving and once had to call a tow truck because I couldn't break the lugs loose. Since using a torque wrench, no problems. Many years ago, I assembled VW engines without a torque wrench. They ran fine, but I don't do that anymore.

[Butch (cb)]

First thing my dear old dad would do upon returning from the tyre fitters would be to loosen all the nuts and then retighten them - and not with a torque wrench. This was to ensure that if he had to change a wheel at the side of the road he would be able to undo it with the wrench in the back of the car.

[RichardL]

If you guess your wheel nut torque and get it wrong, it's down to you, if your local kwikfit get it wrong you'll be Googling for a good lawyer - right

Good points all, but this may be my favorite.

Richard L.

[nimrod650]

a guy in a rolls pulled up with a flat outside a mental home as he was changing the wheel he kicked the 5 nuts down a drain a guy behind the railings said take one nut off each of the  other wheels and drive steady to the garage the guy said i will get you out of there and give you a job as he drove off a brick came through the screen and he said dont forget the job will you

[edboy]

not many torque settings in any bsa a10 manual i ve read. just do up tight and peen over the locktab. i calibrate my torque wrench lifting 3 pints of ale sunday lunchtime and a throw of the dart.

[bsa-bill]

not many torque settings in any bsa a10 manual i ve read

not many wheel nuts on A10s either