inch pound wrench for foot pounds conversion?

[foofopps]

So I'm doing my spark plugs today. The cobb video I watched in the DIY section said to torque to 17 foot pounds. I have an inch pound torque wrench. So 17 x 12 = 204, right? I heard however, that this conversion does not work the other way...

I'll check back in a 30 minutes to hopefully find some reassurance.

[rps]

1ft/lb=11.99999in/lb

[foofopps]

omg! too late now.

[brusk]

People are too hung up on torque specs. Other than head, main and rod bolts it's about the feel. You should be able to feel when things I "tight". If you need an inch pound torque wrench for spark plugs your too anal or not getting it.

[Cuz5150]

Originally Posted by brusk

People are too hung up on torque specs. Other than head, main and rod bolts it's about the feel. You should be able to feel when things I "tight". If you need an inch pound torque wrench for spark plugs your too anal or not getting it.

^^^Ditto this^^^

Im one of those that uses "Mechanic tight"
Never had any issues with working on any of my vehicles/family/friends.

[jpirelli]

Torque specs are important in some cases. Example, this poor chap whose caliper went through his wheel: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=747457

[Bill B.]

I think "mechanic tight" requires some experience. That is where a torque wrench comes in. It's hard to tell the difference between 20 and say 50 ft/lbs without having seen and felt it with a torque wrench a few times, especially when you are dealing with different length wrenches.

I, personally, seem to underestimate force required especially at the low end.

[ORIGIN M.]

While that might be okay in most cases. I'd never in a million years get away from correct torque specs, because things can eventually come loose otherwise.

Originally Posted by Cuz5150

...I'm one of those that uses "Mechanic tight"
Never had any issues with working on any of my vehicles/family/friends.

[ORIGIN M.]

BAM!

Originally Posted by Bill B.

I think "mechanic tight" requires some experience. That is where a torque wrench comes in. It's hard to tell the difference between 20 and say 50 ft/lbs without having seen and felt it with a torque wrench a few times, especially when you are dealing with different length wrenches...