Not sure I should be so proud...

[81xsproject]

Last time I put my clutch back together, I over torqued and stripped a couple starplate bolts wile using my torque wrinch. So this time, I decided to make my own Figured the group would at least enjoy my creation. Notice the wight size.

[Erik the Red]

...do you have a moment, arm?

Did you go so far as to take into account the weights of the vice grips, wrench handle, and steel bar and how far away from the point of rotation the respective centers of gravity were too? That's some mighty fine figgerin' and riggin'.

[81xsproject]

For the most part, yes. I measured out to a foot from center, and then only let the 7.5lb weight out to around 11-11.5". So, I didn't actually wiegh everything and calculate, but I imagine I got it pretty close.

[mason79]

in lb or ft lbs?

[Erik the Red]

Nicely done. I showed a couple guys here at work the pics, and they were duly impressed as well.

[prometheus578]

"Torque wrench... or Dork Wrench?"

I don't know where to begin?
Too early on my day off to even begin to calculate the mathematics of the thing.
The concept is sound... (I only question the sanity of the creator!)
But... I must comment on the inventiveness of it all.
And the sheer determination of 81XSproject in completing the task set before him.
This nimbleness of mind and the abitily to think around things is what separates the "true' mechanically minded from the lower breeds of people that inhabit this planet and inhibit free thinking.
Now... whether this device belongs on the "Tech Tips" pages... I will leave for others to decide!

[trbig]

I hope my kid doesn't see this thread.... looks like something he would come up with. The FIRST time I see him clamping vice grips all over my craftsman ratchet.... I'll let ya'll know when the funeral is..

Tod

[skippy344]

How it works

So, I assume that you let the device rotate until it stops, ie resisting gravity and that is an approximation of 7.5 ft-lbs of torque?

Clever, very clever.

How about we all chip in to get 81 a torque wrench! They are about $100.00 at Sears.

I agree about the vice grips on the craftsman tools. One of my kids did something like that to one of my tools, and we had to move...

SWMBO's and my threat to our sons has always been, "we had a son, that did that. We killed him and buried him in the backyard, and then had to move."

So when either of them did something like lose or loan out my tools, we'd say, "...well, time to move, honey..."

We are a smart bunch!

[malber]

Originally posted by trbig
I hope my kid doesn't see this thread.... looks like something he would come up with. The FIRST time I see him clamping vice grips all over my craftsman ratchet.... I'll let ya'll know when the funeral is..

Tod

eh, but they're guaranteed for life!

[MAXIMAN]

Re: How it works

Originally posted by skippy344

SWMBO's and my threat to our sons has always been, "we had a son, that did that. We killed him and buried him in the backyard, and then had to move."

So when either of them did something like lose or loan out my tools, we'd say, "...well, time to move, honey..."

We are a smart bunch!

Dayum! I wish I'd thought of that ploy when my son's were still at home. Probably would have saved me a couple grand in tools!

[MAXIMAN]

Re: Not sure I should be so proud...

Originally posted by 81xsproject

-Vice grips - $10.99 x 2 'bout $22

-3/8 Craftsman ratchet ~ $30

-strap aluminum - $4.99

-7.5 weight (garage sale ) - 50 cents

-Doing everything humanly possible to avoid buying a real torque wrench
---------------> PRICELESS!

[81xsproject]

I actually have a torque wrench. It is not a craftsman or anything, but not bad. However, it is a 5-80 ft lb wrench and the last time I put my clutch back together, the star plate threads stripped before the wrench ever clicked. So, I don't trust the low torque on it.

[HobbyMan]

I am in AP calc and AP physics and I don't even want to solve that one

[81xsproject]

it is actually very easy in that the weight and distance from the center are completely proportional. For instance one lb 10" from the center would create the same torque as 2 lbs placed 5" from the center would.

[chopwatchagot]

Very nice,But...
the weight is only exerting the full 7.5 lbs when the arm of the contraption is exactly horizontal. As the device moves in an arc around the fastener the force applied will be reduced the farther away from horizontal the arm moves. So I would suggest moving the arm in the smallest increments possible, say, 1 click of the ratchet at a time. You must also calculate the amount of torque absorbed by the extension and move the weight away from the center accordingly. My deduction is that you have probably undertorqued the bolts and your clutch will fly apart at a most inopportune moment
just my 3.625 cents worth (inflation, ya know?)