Torque to 80 lb-in how?

[MiamiCuse]

I am using no hub couplings to connect drain pipes and the couplings are made of stainless steel clamps with a 3/8" hex head with specifications called for tightening to 80 pound-in.

I have a torque wrench that will tighten to 60 pound-inch and then releases but not 80, and I don't want to pay a lot of money to for a 90 pound-in torque wrench just to tighten 2 couplings and will not have a use for it ever. Is there any trick anyone can think of that would allow me to tighen to that specification?

Thanks,

MC

[clare]

Use an extention to increase the leverage between the click mechanism and the screw head. Or use a pull scale on the end of a wrench and do the calculations for length. 8 lbs on a 10 inch wrench would do it.

Besides, the torque is NOT terribly critical. I generally make them "wrist tight" using a 3 inch ratchet or "pretty durn tight" with a screwdriver.

[DD_BobK]

Yup.....

80 in-lbs is 6.5 ft-lbs

or

~ 8 lbs on a 10" (like the size of a 1/2" drive ratchet) or

~15 lbs on a 3/8 drive ratchet

not a lot of force

or

put your torque wrench in a vice and drive the socket end to it with a wrench or ratchet....."calibrate" your arm, hand, wrist to 60 in-lbs and add 1/3 of oyur 80 in-lbs

cheers Bob

[trader4]

I've never seen anyone actually using a torque wrench on these couplings. You just tighten them up like most things, to be reasonably tight, but not risk stripping them.

[nefletch]

I've never seen anyone actually using a torque wrench on these couplings. You just tighten them up like most things, to be reasonably tight, but not risk stripping them.

Ditto, its just a coupling, grab a tool and tighten it...

[Bob F]

That would be "two fingers" on a 10 inch wrench.

[DD_BobK]

Although, for most (many?) of us on AHR, tightening a wide range of things is second nature.....after YEARS of doing so.

For some, every new device or situation, is just that.....a new situation. Without experience or a "reference", it is hard for these folks to execute confidently on these new and unfamiliar tasks.

I had a 15+ year apprenticeship on all manner of mechancial devices & situations (followed by another 30+ years of professional practice) ..... not everyone has the luxury of such an experience.

That's why it is helpful to "know one's audience" and to attempt to relate the real world of mechanical experience to something they can "measure".

As they gain experience, they will eventually "just grab a wrench & tighten it". :)

cheers Bob

[DerbyDad03]

Wait till it releases at 60 in-lb and then tighten it a little more.

You'll be close enough to 80 for what you're connecting. Test it before concealing it if you're concerned.

[Stormin Mormon]

Divide by 12 to get foot pounds, and then use your foot pound wrench?