Disco Magic

Active Member
Does anyone here get their torque wrenches calibrated and if so any recommendations on where (in the UK) and the approx cost? I know they’re supposed to be calibrated every 12 months or 5000 cycles (whichever soonest) but I doubt that happens much for DIY use.

I have a Halfords Professional 8-60 Nm 3/8 drive torque wrench; bought new and its calibration certificate is dated July 2010. It’s never been abused or dropped; always backed off to zero and always lived in its original tube.
 
If you have two torque wrench, simply use one to gauge the calibration of the other.

Test across the full spectrum of use (bear in mind, torque wrench are most accurate at their mid range setting).

Both should hopefully be within the required tolerance and within spec of each other.
 
If you have two torque wrench, simply use one to gauge the calibration of the other.

Test across the full spectrum of use (bear in mind, torque wrench are most accurate at their mid range setting).

Both should hopefully be within the required tolerance and within spec of each other.
Unfortunately I don’t have access to a second torque wrench. I’m considering buying a 1/2” 60-200Nm torque wrench but clearly the ranges are no good to compare.
 
My dad's 100ftlb torque wrench which is likely at least 50 years old got compared against a tested torque wrench owned by a mechanic a few years ago, it was pretty much spot on, at least at close as makes no practical difference
 
Put it level with the square drive in a vice and hang a known weight off of it at 1ft along the handle, if it clicks then its right, there are plenty of guides on the internet for diy calibration,
Or use one of those digital suitcase scales
 
Put it level with the square drive in a vice and hang a known weight off of it at 1ft along the handle, if it clicks then its right, there are plenty of guides on the internet for diy calibration,
That's the way I do mine, although I use an electronic torque adapter instead of a known weight.

It's much cheaper than the £50 an average calibration costs, especially if the torque wrench is a cheap one.
 
I bought a cheap aldi torque wrench. Should have been £20 but reduced to £15. Works well and has a calibration certificate. Would I buy another? - well I did so I can keep one in the car and one in the tool box (I have the one in the car to also use as a wheel brace so couldn't afford to forget it if I had been using it on the truck!).
 

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