any good recommendation for torque wrench?

[evident]

I'm waiting till it gets a little warmer, but when it does, i plan on attacking my brake fluid, rear rotors and pads, and possibly repairing/replacing the rear right caliper on my accord. I'm in the process of making sure I have all the right tools to do the job right now, and it seems like one of the things I need to pick up is a torque wrench.

Anyone have any recommendations for a relatively affordable torque wrench for an average diy'er that doesn't suck? there are tons on amazon, but I have no idea which ones are decent or not.

 

[Doppel]

repost: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2187509&highlight=torque+wrench

If you search, there are MANY threads covering this exact question

 

[Demo24]

I don't know if they are any less accurate, but I would get one that ratchets. I made the mistake of getting one that doesn't and its so difficult to get it in some locations.

 

[evident]

repost: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2187509&highlight=torque+wrench

If you search, there are MANY threads covering this exact question

sorry for wanting an updated opinion, although i admit that i didn't search, damn repost nazis!

 

[7window]

craftsman beam type no fail

 

[sontakke]

Before you use *any* torque wrench, make sure you check it out before relying on it. And I don't care if you purchase $1000 one or $10 one! Both actually do exist and if you can independently understand and verify their correct operation, you can use either and the car won't know the difference.

There are many examples of guys using the torque wrench first time and ending up with cracked housing or stripped bolts than the guys without torque wrench. Reading the torque spec wrong e.g. book lists inch-lb and the guys treating it as ft-lb is surprisingly common. Similarly missing the click at low torque setting is another pitfall.

 

[bamx2]

Happened to me once, lesson learned.

Before you use *any* torque wrench, make sure you check it out before relying on it. And I don't care if you purchase $1000 one or $10 one! Both actually do exist and if you can independently understand and verify their correct operation, you can use either and the car won't know the difference.

There are many examples of guys using the torque wrench first time and ending up with cracked housing or stripped bolts than the guys without torque wrench. Reading the torque spec wrong e.g. book lists inch-lb and the guys treating it as ft-lb is surprisingly common. Similarly missing the click at low torque setting is another pitfall.

 

[cardiac]

I've owned a few over the years, and for occasional use, it's hard to beat it: http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-drive-click-type-torque-wrench-239.html

I also have a Craftsman and recently borrowed my nephews Snap-On Techwrench torque wrench, and the Harbor Freight was as accurate as the more expensive ones. Just take care of it and it will be good for once a month use...

 

[sontakke]

Currently, you can purchase all three HF ones for under $30 *total*; just buy them without thinking *but* apply your brain when *using* them. Find the coupon or ask around. Best place is to visit library and look inside "mens magazine" and NO I don't mean that kind of men's magazines. Besides your library has to be very progressive to have those magazines on the shelf Look inside Road & Track; Popular Mechanics etc

 

[Raizinman]

From your original post, you do not appear to be a daily mechanic, and need a high quality torque wrench. Therefore, like others, the Harbor Freight quality will suit you just fine. Check them on their web site, there are coupons everywhere. My email gets something from them once or more a week. As a infrequent mechanic, you won't be unhappy with them.

 

[phucheneh]

From your original post, you do not appear to be a daily mechanic, and need a high quality torque wrench.

Freudian slip?

The rest of your post implies the opposite of that sentiment, but it's what I would agree with. If you don't have a good feel for torquing stuff, giving yourself a ratchet the size of a breaker bar is a great way to break shit. If you can't rely on the torque wrench, you're just making the situation worse by multiplying the applied force (most TW's being a good 200% or more the length of a 'standard' ratchet of the same drive size).

I would avoid click-type wrenches in general. If you don't want to pay for a dial, I'd put a beam before a clicker. You just have to pay attention and be smooth with it.

Someone mentioned needing a ratchet head...what do you find yourself torquing in cramped quarters?

 

[sontakke]

I'm waiting till it gets a little warmer, but when it does, i plan on attacking my brake fluid, rear rotors and pads, and possibly repairing/replacing the rear right caliper on my accord. I'm in the process of making sure I have all the right tools to do the job right now, and it seems like one of the things I need to pick up is a torque wrench.

Anyone have any recommendations for a relatively affordable torque wrench for an average diy'er that doesn't suck? there are tons on amazon, but I have no idea which ones are decent or not.

None of those jobs truly need a torque wrench. As long as you have an idea and differentiate between small / medium / large i.e. spark plug tight (less than 20 t-lb) / caliper bolt tight (40-50 ft-lb) / wheel nut tight (80-100 ft-lb). Most will fall in one of that range. A trick which is useful is to use bigger ratchet to take the stuff off but use smaller ratchet to put it back on.

 

[Mandres]

craftsman beam type no fail

+1

everyone's first torque wrench should be an inexpensive beam-type. They're about as rugged and reliable a tool as you could ask for. I have a 10 year old Craftsman beam and a 3/8" proto click-type that I use for small fasteners or hard to reach/see places.

 

[Mermaidman]

slightly OT - Check out pawn shops for cheap tools.

 

[thomsbrain]

Harbor Freight torque wrenches are so cheap, I simply don't care if I break them.

 

[thescreensavers]

^ if they break bring it in, lifetime replacments on handtools

Their 3/8th torque wrench sucks. The 1/2 I have and it seems accurate. I need to test it some time or just buy a new one.

 

[brainhulk]

^ if they break bring it in, lifetime replacments on handtools

Their 3/8th torque wrench sucks. The 1/2 I have and it seems accurate. I need to test it some time or just buy a new one.

i didn't know that, my 1/2 inch broke. I'm bringing it in