Should I get a 3/8 or 1/2 in drive torque wrench for automotive use?

[tnitsuj]

 

[conjur]

yes

 

[Zim Hosein]

Originally posted by: conjur
yes

No

 

[tnitsuj]

So I should get both?

 

[Zim Hosein]

Originally posted by: tnitsuj
So I should get both?

Depends on what type of work you plan on doing IMO

 

[alkemyst]

both as the 3/8" is typically an in/lb or under 100 ft/lb wrench (interior items and engine accessories/covers)....the 1/2" is usually 100ft/lb + (crank pulley and suspension).

Even if you have nice overlap, the 1/2" is usually too big to get into tight spots.

A nice craftsman can be had on ebay.

I have a 3/8 Craftsman digitork one (ft/lb) that I have been thinking of selling.....I forgot mine when I moved out and bought another...now I have two. I'd trade for a good 1/2" also.

 

[bernse]

A decent tool set isn't complete with both.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

3/8 for most home use. If you get a clicker type, don't drop it often if at all and back it off at storage time. A good bending beam type gives excellent"feel"and most are good to
50'lbs. I use both..............:sun:

 

[StageLeft]

I bought a 3/8 set and it's worked well, except that the fill plug on the maxima's transmission takes only a 1/2 (not a socket, just the wrench), so I had to get a 1/2 breaker bar. It's possible to get an attachment to downsize from 1/2 to 3/4 and 3/4 down to whatever is next lower, so that is worth keeping in mind (ie, buy the 1/2 wrench and all sockets in 3/8 if you felt the need to, or already had them like me). If anybody has found an attachment to get a 3/8 up to 1/2 that would be nice to have!

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
I bought a 3/8 set and it's worked well, except that the fill plug on the maxima's transmission takes only a 1/2 (not a socket, just the wrench), so I had to get a 1/2 breaker bar. It's possible to get an attachment to downsize from 1/2 to 3/4 and 3/4 down to whatever is next lower, so that is worth keeping in mind (ie, buy the 1/2 wrench and all sockets in 3/8 if you felt the need to, or already had them like me). If anybody has found an attachment to get a 3/8 up to 1/2 that would be nice to have!

I am not sure what you are saying....

I have adapters for:

1/4->3/8
3/8->1/4
3/8->1/2
1/2->3/8
1/2->3/4
3/4->1/2