I dont own, run or work in a shop, but I could easily justify the purchase of a set of torque sticks just so the guys dont break any customer studs or accidently under-torque a lug nut. (no guarantee that they'll actually use them, but at least they are there...

-John

edit- Page 2 ownage

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2009 Kia Sedona
2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L
12006 Jetta Pumpe Duse
(insert Mercedes here)

Husband, Father, sometimes friend =)

Actually, it's for NEW BOLTS and NEW THREADS in NEW CONDITION unless otherwise noted. And you won't have that.

Why does the FSM not mention lubricant on the threads, when it explicitly says to not get any lubricant on the ball or ball seat? If everything is dry, how are you to get lubricant there?

If I see torque sticks, you had better promise to not use them, or I'll use a different shop.

What's a torque stick?

I use wd40 on lug nuts especially if they are a bit rusty. I don't use a torque wrench on my lugs either, I just use my long educated arm.

I use anti sieze on spark plugs and on water pump and thermostat housing bolts.

Loc tite on suspension parts an occasionally on other things if I think they might come loose. I often use just a dab of it.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

A torque stick is an extension with a smaller shaft. The shaft twists under impact and limits the torque applied. They're not very accurate.

Additionally, the sight of one makes me suspect that the mechanic is going to put my bolt in the impact wrench and spin it into the threads. That's a good way to cross-thread the bolt.

Only a compleate moron would do that. Anyone working in a shop knows that if you ruin anything on the customers car, you'd better fix it... Who wants to buy a new hub?
It's a fun thing that you do with german cars (and 2000 saturn sl's) You hold the tire, grab the stud, and turn the stud by hand so it runs a few turns down. Repeat for all studs on all wheels... Then zip it down with the torque stick on an impact, and then hand torque...

Dont go to a big blue box store and you'll have decent tire techs. If you go to that store for their low prices, bring in the wheels OFF THE VEHICLE

Torque sticks have been around for years, and it's a proven thread saving device...


~Nate

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95 Honda Shadow ACE 1100.
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso. 2.4 swap, 10.5 to 1 comp, big cams. Autocross time attack vehicle!
2012 Escape, 'hunter" (5 sp 4cyl)