Many years ago, in a former life, we had issues with threads from suppliers. We overcame this issue with a torque instrument that would hold a split ring or plug. As long as we didn't go over the specified torque when testing the part it was good.

Fast forward a few years... with scrap, normal gage wear out issues, setting variation and trying to overcome the 2 finger for 6'6" vs. 5'0" this would be a big help. I would like to find something like this again, but smaller and quicker to setup for less money. Sound familiar? ;)

I'm looking for a similar instrument and scratching my head trying to find it (and so are my suppliers :bonk: ). Anyone have any ideas on this?

There is an automated system here (http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/490517/1106) that I suspect might be overkill.

I've seen instances where the threaded member of a thread plug gage was fitted with a handle with a hex-head bolt in the opposite end, allowing for use of a standard torque wrench. It's fairly simple to do with a standard plug gage handle.