Is there any information available on when the torque wrench was first invented or used in automobile production facilities?
The only patent I found was for a 1939 torque wrench with a dial indicator added.
There don't appear to be any torque specifications in any of the Model T Service Manuals or else I have missed finding them.
You are correct, there are none. They wern't needed back in the day. You just tightened it!
Wenches have been, and are, ergonomic. Their length vs bolt size is made to give correct torque from the same effort. Larger size is longer, corresponding to standard torque.
If you're doing it every day, you would be surprised how you can feel the correct torque, and even bolt stretch. Of course, it doesn't hurt to calibrate your arm with a torque wench once in awhile...
rdr
James,I would guess they were used in the early automation of model T days.When one thinks how much dammage or repairs could be caused i'll bet it was used early! Bud.
Jim,
Here is a great site for old tool information:
http://www.alloy-artifacts.com/index.html