Socket extension on a torque wrench

[spinelll]

If you use a socket extension on a torque wrench, does that affect the amount of torque at the bolt? I'm not referring to a longer handle but rather, the 3" or 6" extensions that we all use to reach bolts.

It's intuitive to me to I set my wrench to let say 30 ft lbs using a wrench with no extension, to 30 minus x when using 3" and to 30 minus y when using a 6".

On the other hand, I may be all wet on that idea.

Thanks
Leo

 

[Sparky]

No, torque does not get affected, because as you point out you are not changing the effective length of the handle.

 

[Dick Deegan]

If the extensions go straight down they have no effect. If you use a crow's foot or something similar, that effectively changes the length of the handle then it does affect the torque. In your case no effect.

Dick

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

The only thing you have to worry about when using the extension is to support it at the top, so all the torque is straight down. I grab the top with one hand while I pull the torque wrench with the other hand.