RichZ, you are correct on inches / ft. lbs. however, most inch pound wrenches only achieve about 25 ft. lbs. Most 3/8" torque wrenches achieve about 75 ft. lbs. and 1/2" wrenches typically reach 150 ft. lbs. or more. I teach diesel mechanics for a living and the use of torque wrenches are critical when optimum component security & Saftey are desired. When a torque is specified, the two materials being secured (plastic / metal / aluminium) and the bolt/nut material are taken into consideration. Sealing compounds such as teflon or oil/grease should not be used unless specified as these lubricants can greatly change the actual compression of the parts as well as the "streatch" of the bolt. Sears tools are fine for the average garage mechanic as long as they are treated like your "Significant Others" most precious jewelery. If dropped or pulled well beyond the "click" setting or stored for periods of time with more than 10% adjustment, the calibration will be compromised. An adaptor can be purchased to connect two wrenches together where they can both be set at the same rate and pulled against each other to "verify" general accuracy.
Case and Point >
I had an irritating "ticking" noise coming from my LF wheel when turning in and out of my garage, after pulling my hair out, I discovered that the wheel was torqued at about 130 lbs. and was putting undo stress on the aluminum mounting points of the wheel. By resetting it to 100 lbs. the stress was corrected and the ticking was eliminated.
Hope this helps all who don't have wrenches decide that even a minimal investment (sears) in the long run will help eliminate squeaks, unwanted movement and even potential broken fittings (JMHO).
Chuck.
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