Could you please recommend small "Accurate"Torque Wrench

[x26]

Hi,

I need a small 3/8 drive Accurate Torque Wrench for Spark Plugs only for BMW 335i with N54 engine. 17 ft/lbs

That is all I'll be using it for so I don't need anything ultra durable--just Accurate @ 17 ft/lbs.

If you would supply a link I would appreciate it--something that you have used and found accurate.

Thanks in Advance!!

 

[tortillasoup]

this will probably suffice as torque wrenches are good for bottom 20% of their range and up.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-T...661295?hash=item1ea99d0eaf:g:IT4AAOSwhkRWb4vE

or like this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Dur...268106?hash=item41a2446f0a:g:JPQAAOSwI-BWMPdy


Split beam like this are easy to calibrate. If it's aligned with zero in resting position, it's calibrated.

 

[disappoint]

Why beam type over click type?

This one if you want a cheap one that works well 3/8" drive, click type:
http://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-24330-..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=1SAT2BH3PRBPDP4BY4CT

Snap-On tools has more expensive and higher quality if you're looking for click type.

 

[silicon]

look at the Norbar torque wrenches and get the click type. These are the most accurate IMHO, we use them at work with good results. Avoid the electronic type and the bending beam type as both lose accuracy quickly.

 

[jlee]

look at the Norbar torque wrenches and get the click type. These are the most accurate IMHO, we use them at work with good results. Avoid the electronic type and the bending beam type as both lose accuracy quickly.

Do you have any references for that? I've always heard that beam torque wrenches are solidly accurate (http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=213283).

 

[silicon]

Do you have any references for that? I've always heard that beam torque wrenches are solidly accurate (http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=213283).

where i work the beam type are not used at all and this from work experience. WE use almost exclusively the click type of torque wrench, Norbar, Snap-on mainly.

 

[jlee]

where i work the beam type are not used at all and this from work experience. WE use almost exclusively the click type of torque wrench, Norbar, Snap-on mainly.

I'm guessing yours are calibrated far more often than the average home user?

 

[NutBucket]

Exactly. If you have them calibrated them click is awesome. Otherwise beam is more accurate over the long run.

But really, for plugs just hand tighten then add a 1/4 turn. No need for a torque wrench.

 

[tortillasoup]

Why beam type over click type?

This one if you want a cheap one that works well 3/8" drive, click type:
http://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-24330-..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=1SAT2BH3PRBPDP4BY4CT

Snap-On tools has more expensive and higher quality if you're looking for click type.

click type require constant recalibration and are less reliable. Most people don't have the money to certify their stuff. Split beam doesn't require calibration and if it does, you just bend the needle until it's calibrated.

 

[skull]

Exactly. If you have them calibrated them click is awesome. Otherwise beam is more accurate over the long run.

But really, for plugs just hand tighten then add a 1/4 turn. No need for a torque wrench.

I wouldn't try that on a beamer. Something you'd think would be simple like a 97 - 03 5.4 ford triton. Turns out it has an aluminum head with too few threads. You'll blow a plug. Steel heads your method works all day long.

 

[tortillasoup]

I wouldn't try that on a beamer. Something you'd think would be simple like a 97 - 03 5.4 ford triton. Turns out it has an aluminum head with too few threads. You'll blow a plug. Steel heads your method works all day long.

I agree. Anything with aluminum heads should use a torque wrench. Shit, I've seen first hand what happens when people don't use a torque wrench on their wheel lug nuts. Get warped rotors and those are made of steel!

 

[NutBucket]

I use that technique on all my heads...I don't think I've owned a car with iron heads.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I bought a 1/2" drive CDI torque wrench on Amazon a few years ago to use on my Ducati. It is a quality piece and came with calibration certs and a nice plastic case.

 

[bruceb]

Get a Craftsman Torque wrench at the local Sears store. The 3/8 inch drive models, start at 5LBS torque value. That said, you can just hand tighten the plugs and go about 1/8 of a turn or about 20 degrees. That should be fine and not be too tight.

 

[Kenmitch]

Get a Craftsman Torque wrench at the local Sears store. The 3/8 inch drive models, start at 5LBS torque value. That said, you can just hand tighten the plugs and go about 1/8 of a turn or about 20 degrees. That should be fine and not be too tight.

Couldn't be just do that with a ratchet anyways?

 

[jlee]

Get a Craftsman Torque wrench at the local Sears store. The 3/8 inch drive models, start at 5LBS torque value. That said, you can just hand tighten the plugs and go about 1/8 of a turn or about 20 degrees. That should be fine and not be too tight.

I had a Craftsman torque wrench break after minimal use, but outside of the warranty period (they don't have a lifetime warranty like other hand tools); after that experience I won't buy another one. I'm sure other people have had better luck, though.

 

[leper84]

I had a craftsman torque wrench so far out of calibration brand new it would snap a bolt. Would stay far away from craftsman now days for anything, but buying a torque wrench from them sounds insane.

 

[Fenixgoon]

for 14 ftlbs a beam type will be fine. the nice thing is that since they are so simple, it's easy to tell if they are out of cal

 

[silicon]

for 14 ftlbs a beam type will be fine. the nice thing is that since they are so simple, it's easy to tell if they are out of cal

I assume when you specify a beam type torque wrench it has the needle that deflects across a horizontal scale? The problem with those type is the scale can be off by quite a bit or the beam deflection is not consistent from wrench to wrench.

 

[trenchfoot]

After having been involved with diesel and gas engines used in the public transportation industry for over 25 years, I came to rely on dial type torque wrenches when accuracy is a priority.

My personal preference is CDI which is owned by Snap-On.

Seeing as if you're wanting an accurate 17 ft. lb., a 3/8 drive dial type inch pound torque wrench with a range of 300 in. lb. (17 ft. lb x 12 =204 in. lb.) would suit your needs. Your torque requirements would get you just above mid-range on that in. lb. torque wrench, which is quite safe IMO.

Here's an example that will get you started toward choosing the exact model you prefer:

http://www.snaponindustrialbrands.c...t/PDF/Snap-on Industrial Brands - CAT3 93.pdf

Of course, the link I refer to is single scale. There are also double scale models available.

You will pay more for the quality, accuracy and customer support, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Ebay may have used or new ones that might get you a cheaper price than buying from a Snap-On dealer.

To reiterate, this brand and type of torque wrench is my personal preference. I suggest you research thoroughly and only then pull the trigger. In this way you will get what you want in the price range you feel comfortable with.