Ever-larger farm equipment requires ever-larger tools with ever-larger price tags.
Wheel bolts on tractors, combines, self-propelled sprayers and semi-trucks now routinely specify tightening to 700 or more lb./ft. of torque. Installing them to proper torque requires either lots of grunting and straining on hand tools, or the use of power tools.
Cranking a manually-operated 3/4-inch or 1-inch-drive torque wrench to 1,000 lb./ft. requires a lot of tugging on a clumsy-to-operate six-foot or longer extension handle.
Torque-sensing power tools are a labor-saving alternative. A TorcUP DR 740 1-inch drive pneumatic torque wrench capable of accurately torqueing fasteners to as much as 3,000 lb./ft. transfers the stress from your body to your wallet. Instead of straining against the 6-foot-long handle on a manual torque wrench, users use an adjustable air pressure regulator to pre-set the desired torque, and the gun stops torqueing when it reaches that value.
While a manual torque wrench capable of 1,000+ lb./ft. of torque sells for between $1,000 and $1,500, a TorcUP adjustable pneumatic torque wrench retails for slightly more than $5,200.
That price is outrageous, but if you routinely remove and install wheels on semi-trucks, grain carts, self-propelled sprayers, combines and other equipment with high-torque wheel bolts, it’s better and safer to pay the price for power rather than to grunt, sweat and swear while manually trying to achieve proper torque on those fasteners.
Read More from Dan:
The Cost of Love: How to Avoid The Missing Ring Finger
9 Small but Mighty Tools that Offer Big Payback
