I bought a torque wrench (1/2" 150lb) to use for my new rims.

However, today when I went to use it I noticed that I had forgot to release the tension on the wrench and it was at 85 ft/lbs for almost 3 months inside the cold trunk.

Now I know and according to the manual, that I am supposed to store it with the tension released, but do you think I could have done some permanent damage to it?

BTW, its the clicker type.

 

I dunno, maybe you could take it in for calibration? Maybe they can tell. I don't know what kind of places do this though.

 

Maybe sears or what not can do stuff like this? Was it a craftsman? They would replace it if need be.

SuDZ

 

If you can get borrow another torque wrench from someone, set them exact and see how far off yours might be (or theirs for that matter) I think yours should be ok, it's not like your planning on tightening head, rod, main bearing bolts

 

Thank you all!

 

how much does the torque wrench cost and where can i get one?

 

Simple beam types (no moving parts, works by bending) are really cheap, but work okay. Micrometer type torque wrenches cost more (maybe $30+ can't remember) but will click, telling you to stop at a torque you pre-set. This one is what superdesi was talking about. They shouldn't be left on a high torque setting for storage and may need periodic calibration.

Sears, and lots of other places that sell tools and auto tools (like car parts stores) will have them, but prices vary. I bought a 1/2" drive type rather than a 3/8" drive because I thought the torque range it was good for was more useful.

 

thanks!