[RedRocketS10]

Looking to buy a new rod bolt stretch gauge.

What's a good one?

Been looking at the two offerings from ARP, kinda like the more expensive of the two due to it being made of steel and not aluminum. Should be good for more consistent measurements I would think.

Thoughts?

 

[*BOSSMAN*]

ARP Billet one.

 

[strlegal]

I've used the billet one, and glad I did, using it and the torque wrench I was able to find I had a new L-19 rod bolt that did not require near the torque to meet the required stretch as the others did. That could have been an expensive repair if I was just using the torque wrench and left it. I plan to get one for myself for the next engine

Mike

 

[Fisher-Racing]

ARP Billet one.

X2

 

[colo cracker]

I have one i got from eagle cranks/ rods years ago. I don't use their stuff but the gauge they sold was real nice. saw it at PRI and got one. Its steel and dosen't seem to move at all from temp change ( within reason) like during the summer. not sure who makes it or if they still sell it.

edit, looks like the number is still good but they changed it to a much more bulky less adjustable aluminum part. it was a EAG 5010 part number, same number , different part. looks like I'm no help ha ha ha. lets see if this pic works,

 

[colo cracker]

looks like that worked, here are 2 more

hope that helps

 

[RCM Racing engines]

i got one just like that....love it......

Hard to find the steel ones though......unless someone knows where

i haven't really looked ............

 

[Dave Koehler]

I have been satisfied for many years with the one I got from BHJ. Really strong spring.
http://www.bhjproducts.com/bhj_content/products/rotatingtooling/rbg.php

 

[Warp Speed]

BHJ is a good one.

If money isn't as important as your rod bolts, this one is hard to beat. Titanium body, reading to .00005, and a price tag around $1300!

I think any ones of sturdy construction are fine, but it is best to get a gage that reads in tenths for proper measuring, and to maximize the clamp load of the fastener.
Another tip, is that most rod bolts don't have a proper dimple in the head for consistent readings. I suggest chucking them in a lathe collet, and increasing the dimple with a center drill.

 

[JeffMcKC]

I need some alone time now,,,

 

[RedRocketS10]

I need some alone time now,,,

No kidding.... Wow... Titanium is so, nice!!!!

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

 

[dat383]

So how do you properly use the stretch gauge?

How do you know how much to tighten the rod bolt before you check it with the stretch gauge?

 

[drillteamleader]

I think you are supposed to torqe them with the guage on the bolt, but I'm not sure. I bought the proform guage, it is alluminum and doesn't have a spring on it at all. They must think that the spring inside the indicator was going to be strong enough, but it's not.

 

[dennysavage]

GRP has a nice one for $145.00
Saw it at the PRI show..

 

[grandville455]

GRP has a nice one for $145.00
Saw it at the PRI show..

Still using this?

 

[bigblockmark]

I have ARP one. Also GRP one because ARP one will not go big enough for GRP hemi rods. Both are excellent. Never understood why ARP or others specify stretch down to range of .0001" but provide dial indicators in .0005" increments.

Locktite the little screw on radius tip on the end of the indicator. If it comes loose, it will aggravate you will erratic readings till you realize it.

 

[grandville455]

Can a guy use those open top style sockets with the gauge installed to watch the stretch?

 

[bigblockmark]

Sounds like a good idea, but when I tried 3/8" drive socket wanted to slip off bolt head or 3/8" ratchet wrench would bend before reached torque. Also, ratchet and stretch tool get in each other's way. Try it and let us know if you have success.

 

[Chevelle-Guy]

I have ARP one. Also GRP one because ARP one will not go big enough for GRP hemi rods. Both are excellent. Never understood why ARP or others specify stretch down to range of .0001" but provide dial indicators in .0005" increments.

Locktite the little screw on radius tip on the end of the indicator. If it comes loose, it will aggravate you will erratic readings till you realize it.

Gotta put your own indicator on it to make it like you want. That’s what I did.

 

[Coloradoracer]

I have this one from Jeg's. Works pretty well and doesn't break the bank....

JEGS Billet Rod Bolt Stretch Gauge - JEGS High Performance

Almost all of the leading fastener manufacturers recommend using a stretch gauge when installing connecting rod bolts. It is the most precise way to determine the proper pre-load, or torque, on a connecting rod bolt. Jegs Billet Rod Bolt Stretch Gauge allows you to accurately measure bolt...

www.jegs.com