Can you use an extension with a torque wrench
You can use a bar extension with a torque wrench without changing any torque settings
Extensions and torque wrenches
If you’ve searched the internet to learn whether you have to adjust torque setting when using an extension with a torque wrench, you’ve probably seen conflicting answers. That’s because there are different definitions of the word extension.
Why some extension affect torque setting and other don’t
In this image below you see a ½” click-style torque wrench fitted with a 6” long ½” drive bar extension. When a torque wrench is used with a bar extension, you don’t have to adjust the torque setting on the torque wrench. That’s because the bar extension is rotating the socket along the centerline of the ratchet head, so the leverage doesn’t change.
In this application, you do not have to adjust the torque setting when using this extension
However, in this image below we see a torque wrench with a different type of extension. In this application you do have to adjust your torque wrench because the centerline of the fastener is no longer in the centerline of the torque wrench head. Thus, the leverage is different.
This type of extension requires an adjustment to the torque wrench
When to adjust torque wrench settings when using an extension
Torque wrench and extension formula
