torque tool

Since torque = Force times the perpendicular distance of the force from the center of the system, to develop 250 foot pounds I could lay on a horizontal wrench 1 foot from the center of the bolt since I weigh 250 lbs or I could have my sister do the same thing 1/2 foot from the center of the shaft.

Or make a put a block 2 feet away from the center of the shaft, push down on a bathroom scale until it hits 125lbs and there you have 250 foot lbs. And it doesn't need to be horizontal as long as you are pushing perpendicular to the 2 foot rod.

In most cases, unless there is bending or preload, if you need 250 ft lbs, just give it all you have and you will be fine.

C=A/D(A+B)
where
A=Handle length
B=Extension
C=Wrench Setting
D=Torque desired

If I plug in 1 ft handle, 1 ft extention, and 100 ft/lbs torque required it comes up with a wrench setting of 1/200th.

I find another link that has a formula that, substituting the original letters, would come out to be:

C=(DxA)/(A+B)

Using the same numbers, it comes up with a setting of 50. Much more believable.

Using their calculator, I find that with my torque wrench (normal center of handle length 16 1/2 inches)if I weld a nut to the handle of the tool four feet out I'll get 250 ft/lbs with a setting of 63.953. Close enough.
Thanks to all, Wm

• Torque calculator

• Torque extension

• The wheel on which I've been working