The torque specified by the manufacturer is the result of research into the tensile strength of the bolt and the material that it threads into, resulting in a maximum torque value. If MINI suggests 90 ft lbs, i'd imagine that torque range to be 80-100 ft lbs or so, so you guys torqueing to 80, you're probably fine. I always stop and think about just how much engineering experience I have and how much r & d money i spent on lugnuts and just do what those that have spent the money recommend.

 

>> $29.95 Plus $5 in shipping. I picked one up rather than pay $85 to recalibrate my Snap-On.
>>
>>Alex
_____________________
Two questions before I decide to order one from Tire Rack:
1. Is calibration in both ft-lb as well as n-m?
2. Will this torque wrench fit into the tight space to loosen the 36mm. nut of the oil canister (recognizing I'd have to get a 36 mm. socket?)
Thanks.

 

>>Two questions before I decide to order one from Tire Rack:
>>1. Is calibration in both ft-lb as well as n-m?
>>2. Will this torque wrench fit into the tight space to loosen the 36mm. nut of the oil canister (recognizing I'd have to get a 36 mm. socket?)
>>Thanks.
>>
I know the wrench has lb ft. I dont recall if its also labled in NM. I know My 3/8 precision wrench (personal auto tool) has NM, and its max touque is 50 LB Ft. Usually NM measuremnt is designed for use on smaller diameter hardware, where very precise torque is needed.
This equasion can help you convert.

1 nm = .7376 lb ft.

A great conversion for that equasion. How this Wrench is about 20 inches long, noty makeing it the most agile for tight spaces. http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?P65=yes&tool=all&item_ID=55368 &group_ID=955&store=snapon-store&dir=catalogis what I sue for smaller diameters and spaces.

Alex

 

>> $29.95 Plus $5 in shipping. I picked one up rather than pay $85 to recalibrate my Snap-On.
>>
>>Alex

Alex, may I please have your Snap-On? I'll pay the shipping. :smile:

At a local autocross this weekend a car, driven by a very well known driver, lost a wheel which went flying into the parking area. Luckily it missed cars and people and was stopped by another driver. If that were to happen at 70+mph on a public road I wouldn't like to think of the consequences.

I torque mind regularly, after every track session and at least once mid-Autox. If you don't you are taking a very large risk.

 

99% of cars world wide have been near a torque wrench once......at the factory....maybe.....the rest......never seen one nor are they likely to.
Take your standard lug wrench and put your weight on it.....assuming you weigh somewhere between 150 and 180 lbs......you're there........don't sweat it......Billy bob at the dealership whacks them on with his air gun.......

 

If you plan on doing any Mods concerning Sway Bars, Struts, or just tuning your own Mini - you really need a Torque Wrench. But if you do buy one - buy a decent one - not a 29.00 one. $60.00 to 90.00 is a good range - SK Tool, Sears Craftman, Wright Tool, etc. Duel guage clicker is a must ( Metric & ft# )