Mark Parker

Steve; I'll agree that at the low torque values you're talking about for a pan, you won't lose much, but you will lose some due to the twist of your extension. It's much more pronounced at higher torque values, or on longer extensions. There's a tool called a "torque stick" which is really nothing more than a one piece socket/extension setup to be used when tightening lug nuts on steel wheels with an impact wrench. Its purpose is to limit the applied torque by absorbing the excess through twist. I think torque values from the manual have a place, where they can be accurately delivered, but in a lot of cases you might be better served to develop your "feel" for how snug a fastener should be. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />