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Another thing that concerns me is an extension between the ratchet and the socket. The length and diameter of this type of extension can make a difference. It will twist like the torsion bars on our mopars. How much of my ft-lbs applied force are absorbed by the twisting motion of this type of extension? The absorbed amount is not applied to the fastener.Tav




This statement is ALSO not true, unless you are talking about an impact wrench, in which case a "rubbery" extension will indeed absorb torque. If you were to take something--like a small diameter torsion bar, and two identical torque wrenches, clamp one wrench at one end, and apply X amount of force with the other torgue wrench, you will find that REGARDLESS of stretch or twist in the torsion bar, the two wrenches will read THE SAME torque on the gauges.



So then, as far as the extension twisting and absorbing force, it will only affect things if...

1. The torque level you're trying to reach is less than what the extension will absorb. Example : if the twisting motion of your extension will absorb 20 inch pounds, then you couldn't use it to tighten something to 15 inch pounds. Once you get to 20 inch pounds and the extension stops twisting, then you'll have 20 inch pounds applied to the fastener. You could only use that extension to torque amounts higher than 20 inch pounds. In all practicality the amount of force absorbed by a twisting extension is probably negligible.

2. The torque level your trying to reach exceeds the breaking point of your extension. Example: Using a 1/4 inch drive extension to torque down your main caps will twist it right in two!

Tav