Inch-Pound to Inch-Ounce
in·lb
in-oz
Conversion History
| Conversion | Reuse | Delete |
|---|---|---|
1 in·lb (Inch-Pound) → 16.00000000000000169934 in-oz (Inch-Ounce) Just now |
Quick Reference Table (Inch-Pound to Inch-Ounce)
| Inch-Pound (in·lb) | Inch-Ounce (in-oz) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 16.00000000000000169934 |
| 2 | 32.00000000000000339869 |
| 5 | 80.00000000000000849672 |
| 12 | 192.00000000000002039212 |
| 25 | 400.00000000000004248358 |
| 50 | 800.00000000000008496716 |
| 100 | 1,600.00000000000016993432 |
About Inch-Pound (in·lb)
The inch-pound (in·lb) is a unit of torque and small-scale energy used in US customary mechanical engineering, equal to approximately 0.11299 joules. It represents the work done by one pound-force over a distance of one inch, or equivalently, a torque of one pound-force acting at a radius of one inch. Small fastener torque specifications, precision instrument settings, and electronic component assembly instructions routinely use inch-pounds. It is 1/12 of a foot-pound.
A laptop hinge torque specification is often 2–5 in·lb. Small machine screws in electronics are typically torqued to 1–4 in·lb.
About Inch-Ounce (in-oz)
The inch-ounce (in·oz) is a unit of very small torque equal to approximately 0.007062 joules — 1/16 of an inch-pound. It is used for servo motor torque ratings in model aircraft and small robotics, miniature instrument spring tensions, and the adjustment of precision optical and scientific instruments. Where inch-pounds are too coarse for the application, inch-ounces provide a finer unit without switching to SI.
A small servo motor for a model aircraft may be rated at 40–80 in·oz of torque. A clock escapement spring tension is typically a few in·oz.
Inch-Pound – Frequently Asked Questions
Why are small fastener torque specs given in inch-pounds instead of foot-pounds?
Inch-pounds provide finer resolution for small fasteners where foot-pound values would be fractions (e.g., 3 in·lb vs 0.25 ft·lb). Electronics assembly, firearms scope mounting, and bicycle component installation all specify inch-pounds because over-torquing a small screw by even one foot-pound can strip threads or crack housings.
What happens when you over-torque a small fastener by just 2 inch-pounds?
On an M3 screw into aluminum (spec: 5 in·lb), exceeding by 2 in·lb — a 40% overload — can strip the threads or crack a thin boss. Small fasteners have almost no safety margin because the thread engagement area is tiny and the materials (plastic, aluminum, brass) are soft. This is why electronics repair shops use beam-type or preset click torque drivers accurate to ±0.5 in·lb, and why aerospace assembly procedures treat inch-pound specs as hard limits, not suggestions.
What torque in inch-pounds do laptop and electronics screws need?
Laptop hinge screws typically require 2–5 in·lb, hard drive mounting screws 2–4 in·lb, and motherboard standoff screws 5–8 in·lb. Going beyond the spec risks cracking plastic bosses or stripping soft aluminum threads. A precision bit driver with a torque limiter is essential for electronics repair work.
What is the difference between inch-pounds as torque and inch-pounds as energy?
Dimensionally they are identical — force times distance — but context differs. As torque, 1 in·lb means one pound-force applied at one inch from a pivot. As energy, it means one pound-force pushing through one inch of linear displacement (0.11299 J). In practice, inch-pounds almost always refer to torque in mechanical specifications.
Why do firearms manufacturers specify scope ring torque in inch-pounds?
Scope rings and bases use small screws that are easily damaged, and consistent clamping force is critical for zero retention under recoil. Typical specs are 15–25 in·lb for ring screws and 30–65 in·lb for base screws. Under-torquing lets the scope shift; over-torquing cracks the scope tube or strips the screw. A dedicated inch-pound torque wrench is considered essential kit for precision rifle setup.
Inch-Ounce – Frequently Asked Questions
What are inch-ounces used for in hobby servos and RC models?
RC servo motors are rated by torque in inch-ounces (or oz·in) because the forces involved are tiny. A standard micro servo produces 40–60 in·oz, which is enough to deflect a model aircraft aileron. High-torque digital servos for 1/10-scale RC cars reach 200–400 in·oz. The inch-ounce scale gives hobbyists whole-number specs that are easy to compare.
Why do high-end RC servos specify torque at different voltages (4.8V vs 6V)?
Servo motors produce more torque at higher voltage because the motor windings draw more current and generate a stronger magnetic field. A servo rated at 60 in·oz at 4.8 V might deliver 75 in·oz at 6 V — a 25% boost. RC pilots choose voltage based on the tradeoff: 6 V gives snappier response and more holding torque for aerobatics, but draws more current and generates more heat, reducing servo lifespan. Competition flyers often run 7.4 V for maximum performance, accepting shorter gear life.
Why use inch-ounces instead of newton-meters for small torque values?
Inch-ounces give convenient whole numbers for very small torques where newton-meters would be awkward decimals (e.g., 50 in·oz ≈ 0.353 N·m). The RC hobby, miniature clockwork, and precision instrument industries in the US developed around imperial units, and the convention persists even as SI gains ground. Many datasheets now list both units side by side.
What torque in inch-ounces does a clock or watch mechanism require?
A mechanical wristwatch mainspring delivers roughly 2–5 in·oz of torque. Larger mantel clocks may have mainspring torques of 10–30 in·oz. Escapement adjustments are even finer, sometimes below 1 in·oz. Horologists use inch-ounces (or gram-centimeters) because these scales match the delicate forces in timekeeping mechanisms.
How does inch-ounce torque relate to servo motor performance in robotics?
A servo's inch-ounce rating tells you the maximum force it can exert at one inch from the output shaft. A 100 in·oz servo can hold 100 ounces (6.25 lb) at 1 inch, or 50 ounces at 2 inches. Robotics designers use this to size servos for joint loads — a small robotic arm lifting 1 lb at 4 inches needs at least 64 in·oz, plus a safety margin of 50% or more.