Do you guys use a torque wrench for oil drain plug
- Thread starter Jaha24k
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In over 45 years of DIY-ing on cars I’ve never used a torque wrench on a drain bolt, spark plugs or anything else. Nothing ever got stripped. Nothing ever came loose.
You get a good feel for the proper “snugness” in a short amount of time if you pay attention to what you’re doing.
You get a good feel for the proper “snugness” in a short amount of time if you pay attention to what you’re doing.
Not only do I not use a torque wrench I (GASP) don't use new washers either, and none of my cars leak a drop.
No, I clean the threads and re-use the existing gasket/washer, sometimes for up to 75,000 miles. A dab of Ultra-Black RTV on the threads and they always stay in w/o leaking. Just snug down lightly. No need for he-man tightening ...
This applies to cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, tractors, etc.
This applies to cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, tractors, etc.
Nope
Torque wrench. If you have it, why not use it.
Aluminum pan, magnetic drain plug. I don't feel like snapping the plug, which is known to happen with monkey torque.
Aluminum pan, magnetic drain plug. I don't feel like snapping the plug, which is known to happen with monkey torque.
I do. Makes me feel like the job was done right.
I always use a torque wrench on drain plugs, and always change the washer/gasket when called for. I only own Snap On torque wrenches and send them out for calibration more often than necessary. Before 5 years ago, I never torqued the plug when doing an oil change but it became a habit...I like doing things right and with precision, even for a simple oil change.
I use my snappy tech angle torque wrench. Use it on drain plugs,spark plugs and pretty much everything. Plugs get new washers also. Is it overkill, yeah most likely. But these are not my cars I’m working on, people pay and expect it to be done the “book” way so that’s how I do it.
Hope and I hand tighten the oil filter.
No, and i reuse the crush washer.
Originally Posted By: Thax
I use my snappy tech angle torque wrench. Use it on drain plugs,spark plugs and pretty much everything. Plugs get new washers also. Is it overkill, yeah most likely. But these are not my cars I’m working on, people pay and expect it to be done the “book” way so that’s how I do it.
I too have a Tech Angle torque wrench from the Snap-On truck. Wife nearly left me when she found out what I paid for it.
Absolute life saver on torque to yield head bolts when working on the engine in the car (as opposed to an engine stand). So yes, I will use it every chance I get. Tech tip... don’t leave the batteries in it. Store them out of the tool. If they leak, that would ruin your day.
I use my snappy tech angle torque wrench. Use it on drain plugs,spark plugs and pretty much everything. Plugs get new washers also. Is it overkill, yeah most likely. But these are not my cars I’m working on, people pay and expect it to be done the “book” way so that’s how I do it.
I too have a Tech Angle torque wrench from the Snap-On truck. Wife nearly left me when she found out what I paid for it.
Absolute life saver on torque to yield head bolts when working on the engine in the car (as opposed to an engine stand). So yes, I will use it every chance I get. Tech tip... don’t leave the batteries in it. Store them out of the tool. If they leak, that would ruin your day.
Originally Posted By: 69Torino
Originally Posted By: Thax
I use my snappy tech angle torque wrench. Use it on drain plugs,spark plugs and pretty much everything. Plugs get new washers also. Is it overkill, yeah most likely. But these are not my cars I’m working on, people pay and expect it to be done the “book” way so that’s how I do it.
I too have a Tech Angle torque wrench from the Snap-On truck. Wife nearly left me when she found out what I paid for it.
Absolute life saver on torque to yield head bolts when working on the engine in the car (as opposed to an engine stand). So yes, I will use it every chance I get. Tech tip... don’t leave the batteries in it. Store them out of the tool. If they leak, that would ruin your day.
I switched the batteries to lithium to avoid that issue.
Originally Posted By: Thax
I use my snappy tech angle torque wrench. Use it on drain plugs,spark plugs and pretty much everything. Plugs get new washers also. Is it overkill, yeah most likely. But these are not my cars I’m working on, people pay and expect it to be done the “book” way so that’s how I do it.
I too have a Tech Angle torque wrench from the Snap-On truck. Wife nearly left me when she found out what I paid for it.
Absolute life saver on torque to yield head bolts when working on the engine in the car (as opposed to an engine stand). So yes, I will use it every chance I get. Tech tip... don’t leave the batteries in it. Store them out of the tool. If they leak, that would ruin your day.
I switched the batteries to lithium to avoid that issue.
I think using a crush washer mightbe better than messing with a torque wrench. easy to feel the crush, then stop
Originally Posted By: Jaha24k
Or is "snug" just enough? Thinking of picking up a cheap one at harbor freight to use for spark plugs, tire rotations, etc.
Unquestionably yes.
Or is "snug" just enough? Thinking of picking up a cheap one at harbor freight to use for spark plugs, tire rotations, etc.
Unquestionably yes.
I used to use a torque wrench before I switched to fumoto drain valves.
However after time you get used to what is tight enough.
However after time you get used to what is tight enough.
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