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Convert foot-pounds (ft-lb) to newton-meters (Nm) instantly
Newton-Meters = Foot-Pounds × 1.35582
1 ft-lb = 1.35582 Nm
| Foot-Pounds (ft-lb) | Newton-Meters (Nm) |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6.78 |
| 10 | 13.56 |
| 15 | 20.34 |
| 20 | 27.12 |
| 25 | 33.9 |
| 50 | 67.79 |
| 75 | 101.69 |
| 100 | 135.58 |
| 150 | 203.37 |
| 200 | 271.16 |
| 300 | 406.75 |
| 500 | 677.91 |
When working with American vehicle specifications or torque wrenches, you'll often encounter foot-pounds (ft-lb). However, most modern vehicles and international standards use newton-meters (Nm). This converter helps bridge that gap, ensuring you apply the correct torque regardless of which unit system your tools or specifications use.
Torque specifications exist for virtually every threaded fastener on a vehicle or machine. These specifications ensure:
Here are typical torque values for common automotive applications:
Using a torque wrench properly ensures accurate fastener tightening. Always pull smoothly on the handle, never jerk or bounce. Listen or feel for the click (on click-type wrenches) or watch the gauge carefully (on beam or digital wrenches). After reaching the specified torque, don't continue applying force. Store torque wrenches at their lowest setting to maintain calibration.
Beyond automotive applications, torque conversion is essential in aerospace engineering, where precise fastening prevents catastrophic failures; in construction, where structural bolts must meet exacting standards; and in manufacturing, where product assembly requires consistent torque application for quality control and reliability.
To convert foot-pounds to newton-meters, multiply the ft-lb value by 1.35582. For example, if you need to apply 80 ft-lb of torque, that equals approximately 108 Nm (80 × 1.35582). Make sure your torque wrench is calibrated and set to the correct unit before use.
Using incorrect torque can have serious consequences. Under-torquing can cause fasteners to loosen, potentially leading to component failure or safety hazards. Over-torquing can strip threads, stretch or break bolts, warp components, or crush gaskets, leading to leaks or mechanical failure. Always verify you're using the correct unit and value.
Many modern torque wrenches display both Nm and ft-lb on their scales. However, the secondary scale may be less precise or harder to read. If your specification is in one unit and your wrench's primary scale is in another, it's best to convert the value and use the primary scale for greater accuracy.
Some critical fasteners use "torque-to-yield" or "torque-plus-angle" specifications. You first torque to a specific value, then turn the fastener an additional specified number of degrees. This method ensures consistent clamping force by stretching the bolt into its elastic range, which is especially important for cylinder head bolts and main bearing caps.