The Best Impact Wrenches: 3/8-Inch Torque Limiters

3 8 inch impact wrench torque limiter

A 3/8-inch impact wrench torque limiter is a tool that helps prevent over-tightening of fasteners. When the correct torque level is reached, an audible click is heard, and the limiter will spin to prevent further torque from being applied. This ensures that the correct torque is applied, preventing damage to the nut and stud from over-torquing. Torque limiting tools are available in different sizes and torque ranges to fit different tools and applications, such as spark plugs, impact wrenches, and breakers.

Characteristics Values
Max reverse torque 780 ft lbs
Forward torque 75 ft lbs
Weight 4.3 lbs
Max reverse torque (Nm) Not specified
Impacting sound level dB(A) -- ISO15744 (pressure/power) Not specified
Free speed sound level dB(A) -- CAGI/ANSI S12.41 (pressure/power) Not specified
Vibration level m/s2 Not specified
Air consumption @ load (cfm) Not specified
Air consumption @ load (L/min) Not specified
Average air consumption (cfm) Not specified
Average air consumption (L/min) Not specified

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Torque limiting impact socket adaptors

Torque-limiting impact socket adaptors are a type of tool designed to prevent over-tightening of fasteners. They are typically made from durable materials such as stainless steel and high-carbon steel, which are impacted for added strength. These adaptors come in various drive sizes, including 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4", each with a specified maximum torque. For example, the Pre Set Torque Limited Impact Socket Adaptors with a 3/8" drive have a maximum torque of 100 Nm or 74 ft.-lbs.

These adaptors are designed to be used with a 1/2" square drive, making them compatible with a wide range of tools such as ratchets, power bars, and impact guns. They are often supplied as a set, including female adaptors of different drive sizes, all housed in a blow-molded case for easy storage and transportation.

One notable feature of torque-limiting impact socket adaptors is the spring and clutch device mechanism. This mechanism ensures that the nut and stud are not damaged by over-torqueing. It's important to note, however, that the actual torque delivered by these adaptors may be lower than expected, so a torque wrench should always be used for accurate torque measurements.

Some popular brands offering torque-limiting impact socket adaptors include Amazon Basics, DEWALT, and TEKTON. When purchasing these adaptors, it's important to consider the specific drive size and torque requirements for your intended applications.

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Seekonk Inline Preset Torque Limiters

The Seekonk Inline Preset Torque Limiter is a tool that can turn any ordinary wrench or breaker bar into a precise preset torque wrench. The clutch mechanism inside these torque-limiting sockets prevents over-torquing by completely releasing, even with continued turning or using different tool lengths and adapters.

The Seekonk Inline Torque Limiter controls torquing through clutching action. The preset torquing action prevents over-tightening, even with continued turning or differing tool lengths and adapters. The tool is used with a ratchet or breaker bar. It is laser-marked and has a colour-coded ID ring to prevent confusion when multiple tools are used. The ID ring is available in gold, red, green, and blue. The tool is manufactured in Massachusetts and is shipped with complementary NIST certs.

  • 1/4'' Dr 15 - 100 In Lbs / 1.7 - 11.3 Nm Seekonk Inline Preset Torque Limiter - IT-3
  • 1/4'' Hex Dr 15 - 100 In Lbs / 1.7 - 11.3 Nm Water-Resistant Seekonk Inline Preset Torque Limiter - IT-3W
  • 3/8'' Dr 60 - 300 In Lbs / 6.7 - 33.9 Nm Seekonk Inline Preset Torque Limiter - IT-4
  • 1/2'' Dr 25 - 125 Ft Lbs / 33.9 - 169.4 Nm Seekonk Inline Preset Torque Limiter - IT-5
  • 3/4'' Dr 100 - 250 Ft Lbs / 135.5 - 338.9 Nm Seekonk Inline Preset Torque Limiter - IT-6

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Torque limiting extension bars

Torque-limiting extension bars, also known as torque sticks, are used to tighten nuts and bolts to a specific torque. They are typically used in conjunction with an impact wrench and are designed to prevent over-tightening, which can lead to damage.

Torque-limiting extension bars work by twisting, flexing, or bending at a certain torque threshold, which is determined by the thickness of the bar. This prevents the nut from being tightened further, as the bar absorbs the impact from the gun. They are typically made of steel and come in various thicknesses and colours, with the thicker bars able to handle higher torque values.

While torque-limiting extension bars can save time, they are not always precise. Experts recommend using them to get to about 70% of the desired torque and then switching to a manual method, such as a torque wrench, to reach the final specified torque value. This is because the torque sticks may not always be accurate due to metal fatigue or variations in impact gun settings. Additionally, some impact guns may be able to deliver more torque than the stick is rated for, potentially resulting in over-tightening. Therefore, it is crucial to calibrate the impact gun to the stick and regularly check the torque with a torque wrench to ensure accuracy.

There are also torque-limiting sockets available, which can turn any ordinary wrench or breaker bar into a precise preset torque wrench. These sockets contain a clutch mechanism that completely releases when the preset torque is reached, preventing over-torquing.

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Torque limiting impact extension sets

Torque-limiting impact extension sets are used to tighten fasteners to a specific torque value without exceeding it. They are designed to be used with impact wrenches and are typically made from premium Chrome Molybdenum steel, providing maximum strength and superior durability.

These sets include multiple colour-coded extension bars, each with a different torque limit, ranging from 65 ft-lbs to 140 ft-lbs. The colour-coding allows for easy identification of the torque range, and the extensions are typically 8 inches in length.

Some sets also come with a customised carrying and storage case, as well as a lifetime warranty. These sets are perfect for changing tires and for other automotive applications.

  • Capri Tools offers a 5-piece set with colour-coded extensions ranging from 65 ft-lbs to 140 ft-lbs. The set includes a customised carrying case and a lifetime warranty.
  • Gearwrench offers a 5-piece set with colour-coded rings for easy torque range identification. The set includes a blow mold case for storage and has a full lifetime warranty.
  • Fix It Sticks offers a set of small torque limiters that prevent over-tightening of fasteners. Each limiter accepts any standard 1/4" bit and tightens precisely with an accuracy of +/- 6%.
  • Seekonk offers inline preset torque limiters that can turn any ordinary wrench or breaker bar into a precise preset torque wrench. The clutch mechanism inside these torque-limiting sockets prevents over-torquing.

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Torque limiting socket extension bars

Torque-limiting socket extension bars, also known as torque sticks, are used to tighten lug nuts to the desired torque spec. They are solid pieces of steel that bend and absorb the impact from the gun at a certain amount of torque.

Torque sticks are torsion bars that twist and absorb force, reducing force at the socket end to a fixed number. Once the target torque is reached, the twisting of the bar absorbs all the force. This prevents over-tightening of lug nuts, wheels, drums, and rotors.

To use a torque stick, select a torque stick rated 20% lower than the wheel torque you need. Attach it to an air impact wrench along with the proper socket. When tightening the wheel nuts, use only a quick tap, and do not continue to apply torque. Finish tightening the wheel nuts with a torque wrench, set to the proper wheel torque of the vehicle.

Torque sticks are colour-coded and engraved with torque range for quick reference. They are available in various lengths and torque ranges, typically ranging from 65 ft-lbs to 150 ft-lbs.

Some users have expressed concerns about the accuracy and reliability of torque sticks over time due to metal fatigue. It is recommended to double-check the torque with a torque wrench after using a torque stick.

Frequently asked questions

A torque limiter is a device that prevents over-tightening of fasteners. It works by releasing the clutch mechanism when the correct torque is reached, preventing further torque from being applied.

The torque limiter is a clutch constructed device that will prevent the nut and stud from being damaged by over-torqueing.

Impact wrenches have a tremendous amount of speed and power, and a torque limiter helps to control this power to avoid over-tightening fasteners or spinning off lug nuts.

Yes, there are interchangeable head torque limiters and inline preset torque limiters. Inline preset torque limiters can turn any ordinary wrench or breaker bar into a precise preset torque wrench.

The correct torque for a 3/8-inch impact wrench is 100 Nm or 74 ft-lbs.

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