BLADE NUT TORQUE LIMITING SOCKET

[RustyBoy]

Hey guys,
Finally decided on using an impact wrench to remove the blade retaining nuts and have a question. My 15/16" nut torque range is 115 to 160 ft lb and have found 2 items to more accurately torque the nuts: One is a torque limiting stick of 120 ft lb with 1/2" drive on eBay - with this one you attach your socket. Found another torque limiting stick of 135 ft lb with 1/2" drive but has the 15/16" socket manufactured on the stick. Both items appear to be around 7" long which when attached to the impact wrench may be awfully tight even with my HF mower jack. My question is this: Is anyone aware of a torque limiting socket for an impact wrench instead of the longer sticks like I found?

 

[BoylermanCT]

I've never seen anything shorter than what you are describing. Why not simply buy a 1/2" torque wrench? I have one from Harbor Freight, its 18" long and it has a range dial from 20-150lbs. I use my air powered impact wrench to loosen everything, and use the 1/2" torque socket wrench to put everything back together. For $22 (minus 20% coupon), it comes with a case and has always worked great for me.

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-drive-click-type-torque-wrench-239.html

 

[RustyBoy]

I've never seen anything shorter than what you are describing. Why not simply buy a 1/2" torque wrench? I have one from Harbor Freight, its 18" long and it has a range dial from 20-150lbs. I use my air powered impact wrench to loosen everything, and use the 1/2" torque socket wrench to put everything back together. For $22 (minus 20% coupon), it comes with a case and has always worked great for me.

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-drive-click-type-torque-wrench-239.html

I have a torque wrench but have difficulty keeping the blade from turning while I'm using both hands to torque the nut. Tried using my foot to stabilize the blade while pulling on the torque wrench but that hasn't worked for me. I would prefer using the impact wrench with a torque limiting socket (not stick) but I guess they are not available in 5/16". EBay has one brand of torque limiting sockets but they only come in 3 SAE sizes. Someone mentioned using a 6 inch C-clamp holding some wood but you would think that there would be an easy tool to stabilize the blades.

 

[BlazNT]

An impact wrench can be your friend in used correctly. Adjust the air pressure. Start at lets say 50 psi and increase till you get the proper torque setting then it is a one handed operation. No need for fancy tools. I personally just stop the second it hits the blade. I get from 45 to 52 lbs ft. Practice makes perfect.

 

[BlazNT]

Double post sorry

 

[tbarnett]

I have a torque wrench but have difficulty keeping the blade from turning while I'm using both hands to torque the nut. Tried using my foot to stabilize the blade while pulling on the torque wrench but that hasn't worked for me. I would prefer using the impact wrench with a torque limiting socket (not stick) but I guess they are not available in 5/16". EBay has one brand of torque limiting sockets but they only come in 3 SAE sizes. Someone mentioned using a 6 inch C-clamp holding some wood but you would think that there would be an easy tool to stabilize the blades.

Purchase a lawn mower blade removal tool available at most big box stores, Walmart and the like. It will cost around $10.00. Holds the blade in place when removing or installing. I use an impact to remove the blades and only use the blade removal tool as a lock when reinstalling and torquing the blades.