Bi-directional torq...
 

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[Closed] Bi-directional torque wrench

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Other than the Park TW6 are there any other torque wrenches that will measure torque for both left and right had threads?

I've found this one at Halfords which says it's good for both.

Halfords Advanced Torque Wrench

Any experience with this one or an alternative?


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 6:40 pm
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What left-hand threads are you going to make up with that?


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 6:41 pm
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Yep, I’ve got the Halfords one. Has worked flawlessly.


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 6:42 pm
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My Norbar ones go both ways - the driving part pulls out and is just inserted from the other side


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 6:45 pm
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@i_scoff_cake specially bottom bracket for left hand thread, and in general - cassette lock ring, square taper crank bolts etc.


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 7:10 pm
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Clarkes digital 3/8 at machinemart are good.


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 7:14 pm
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@dirkpitt74

How do you go from 1/4" drive to the BB shell out of interest?

Inch-pound rated gear, such as carbon stuff especially, I do tend to make up with torque wrenches. Also critical stuff on my old cars, but foot-pound rated threads? Not so much. Just use feel.

I used to run downhole tools in the oilfield and we did it that way. How often do people even calibrate their torque wrenches anyway? Do they correct for temperature?


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 7:16 pm
 Aidy
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Most go both ways, don't they? I don't think I've encountered a RH only one.


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 7:16 pm
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+1 for the Halfords Advanced. Brilliant piece of kit. Not cheap but solid, reliable & accurate. Comfortable grip that, when 'unlocked', doubles as the torque selector. Easy to switch head for L/R threads. Recommended, you won't be disappointed.


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 7:17 pm
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I used to run downhole tools in the oilfield and we did it that way.

That's not a claim.to.fame. im also in the oil.field and to be fair most things are designed such that someone who would struggle to find their mouth with a fork can do it.

And with an uncalibrated torque wrench I managed to over torque some.xt40 threads -seems they can take upwards of 140000 ftlbs before they self destruct. ....... The load cell in the bucking unit hadn't been calibrated in some.time.and the zero point was 70k off below zero.......


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 7:19 pm
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@trail_rat

Well sure 😀 But by the same token an MTB isn't a space shuttle 😀


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 7:24 pm
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Halfords one works well, it technically only measures in one direction but the fitting at the top slides in and out so can be reversed for opposite direction


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 7:24 pm
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That Halfords one looks the spitting image of my Norbar. I'd imagine savings have been made somewhere but I'd be happy with one of those.


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 7:26 pm
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And with an uncalibrated torque wrench I managed to over torque some.xt40 threads -seems they can take upwards of 140000 ftlbs before they self destruct. ……. The load cell in the bucking unit hadn’t been calibrated in some.time.and the zero point was 70k off below zero…….

Well, I wasn't talking about tool joints but the insides of MWD tools. You can't torque a tool joint by feel 'cos the forces are way beyond what a human arm can achieve, although interestingly super-slim took joints (2 7/8" stuff) was often torqued to hand-tight plus an inch 'cos 2000 ft/lbs needs special gauges.


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 7:30 pm
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Yeah makes me wince when I see them putting clamps on the control lines of completions using a windy gun then "check-it" with the torque wrench. ..... Clamp monkeys next job will be at kwikfit huh.


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 7:33 pm
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Thanks all.
Most torque wrenches although reversible only actually measure torque in one direction despite 'clicking' if used in the opposite direction.


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 7:44 pm
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Just bought myself one of the halfords advanced 1/2inch torque wrenchs for 20-100nms which will cover BB's and cranks. It's a lovely tool and the trade rate was only £72. I also have a norbar 3/8" which does 1 - 20nm for the smaller bike jobs. Both of which are bi-directional, the halfords is a push through and the norbar has a dial.


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 7:48 pm
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Another +1 for the Halfords wrench. Measures torque, goes both ways, hasn’t broken. I’ve had quite a few Halfords tools over the years and found them mostly to be pretty good.


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 7:57 pm
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Most of them are just Norbar, right? Buy the one you like the look of/matches your other stuff.


 
Posted : 31/01/2021 8:08 pm
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My ancient draper torque wrench only works for normal right hand threads. Even though you can reverse the ratchet. Found this out when trying to install a BB.


 
Posted : 01/02/2021 9:02 am
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Just bought myself one of the halfords advanced 1/2inch torque wrenchs for 20-100nms which will cover BB’s and cranks. It’s a lovely tool and the trade rate was only £72.

Thanks for the info - I've just applied to see if I can get a Trade Card seeing as I'm a Cytech Qualified - worth a try!!


 
Posted : 01/02/2021 12:22 pm

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