Innovation Award Profile: Lisle Corporation Torque Adapter 25 N.m

Q: What makes this product innovative?

A: The main thing is it helps prevent overtightening of the plastic and aluminum oil filter canisters. What it’s going to do is it's going to turn any 3/8-drive ratchet or breaker bar into a 25 N.m torque wrench. So, it can also be used with a 21mm socket or wrench, but it is not for use with an impact wrench.

Q: What was the inspiration behind creating this product?  

A: If a housing cap is overtightened, you can cause damage to the cap or it can leak oil, so that's the main problem. But once the tool reaches the specific amount of torque needed, you'll kind of hear a click sound, and it won't let you overtighten it past that point. So, a lube tech who might not have as much experience or needs a little training, they might tend to over torque something a little bit, but now this tool will prevent that. It won't let them.
 

Q: How will this product improve the lives of technicians and shop owners? 

A: It's a great tool for speeding up some oil changes. Once you get used to it, you're not going to overtighten those oil pan plugs. I think it will save [shops] money in the long run. I think shop owners like it because lube techs aren't going to be able to over torque and break caps. It's kind of more of a peace of mind tool for the shop owner too — knowing that the job is done right, and there's not going to be customers coming back with complaints. 

Q: What has been the feedback from technicians who’ve purchased this tool? 

A: I like to think Lisle always comes through with tools that are going to help a flat rate tech stay efficient with their time. This is going to work on a variety of other things where a 25 N.m torque is required. So, oil drain plugs, oil pan bolts, spark plugs are all examples of where this tool could come in handy.

Q: Anything else our readers should know? 

A: In addition to this 25 N.m, we heard feedback, and we heard we need to add two more sizes. So, we came out with a kit — part number 60740. That's our Torque Adapter 3-pc Set. It has a 25 N.m, 35 N.m, and 40 N.m torque adapter. And if you go take a look on our website, we put some applications up there so everyone can go see what applies to the different tools.

I guess another thing worth mentioning is there's a couple different units of measurement for torque out there. So, some people might refer to Newton meters, or some people might refer to foot-pounds. If that's the case, 25 N.m equals roughly 18 ft-lbs, 35 N.m equals 25 ft-lbs, and 40 N.m equals 30 ft-lbs. You might see some of those different measurements called out, and that's the equivalent of that.