Torque Wrench?

[Kelemvor]

Can anyone recommend me a cheap but decent torque wrench that will work fine for basic things like changing the brakes... I know nothing about them.

I checked AUtozone and they have then from $20 to $100 and I just don't know the difference.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...lterByKeyWord=torque+wrench&fromString=search

Thanks.

 

[overst33r]

i bought one for $15 from HF

works fine for things like lugnuts. I wouldn't trust it on vital components.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-drive-click-stop-torque-wrench-239.html

$15, bought it a few weeks ago. haven't used it so i can't comment on it yet.
plan to use it to redo my suspension next weekend.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

i bought one for $15 from HF

works fine for things like lugnuts. I wouldn't trust it on vital components.

why not? it's just tightening bolts?
you don't trust the reading?
generally you can go by feel, no?

 

[overst33r]

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-drive-click-stop-torque-wrench-239.html

$15, bought it a few weeks ago. haven't used it so i can't comment on it yet.
plan to use it to redo my suspension next weekend.

Same one I have.

why not? it's just tightening bolts?
you don't trust the reading?
generally you can go by feel, no?

I've never measured it, but I don't know how good I'd feel about changing my spark plugs with it.

 

[Kelemvor]

Autozone has one for $12:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...earch&itemIdentifier=914019_0_0_&sortType=low

And the next step up is for $21
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...earch&itemIdentifier=914017_0_0_&sortType=low

I guess I have to go measure my ratchet head things and double check the size I use. Other than that would either of these NOT work?

 

[thescreensavers]

The HF ones have been tested to be accurate in their mid range, If I had to use inch pounds on stuff more delicate I would spend more money on a decent one. But thinks like Lugnuts 85 ft/lbs its easy.

Click > Manual type.

 

[ElFenix]

i've wanted a click torque wrench of a while but the made in the USA ones from name brand stores are $$$, and i'm not sure i trust the ones from wally world for $20.

 

[Bartman39]

I've had one of those $15 elcheapo's (click type) for several years and done many rods, mains & headbolts with it... The main thing to remember is to always set it to the lowest setting (think it takes the spring pressure off so it wont lose calibration...?)

I do own 3 others of various ratings a Snapon and two Proto's (one of the Proto's goes to 600ftlbs)... But the elcheapo still gets the job done and is quite close on torque after 20+ years...:thumbsup:

 

[kami333]

I have two of the Harbor Freight ones, they are fine for most things like brakes though I wouldn't use them for something like heads where you need them torqued perfectly within spec. For lugnuts it's a step above "tight enough" which worked fine for generations of shade tree mechanics. Also with the lifetime warranty you can just take them in to HF and they'll give you a new one, no receipt needed (at least in my experience). Though mine never seem to make it that far, so far I've lost 3 of them (2 to the junkyard and 1 to a smash & grab).

 

[SparkyJJO]

I have a Craftsman that I bought. Yeah, it was a bit pricey, but it's accurate and I was tired of cheap chinese junk. I'm pretty much buying good quality USA-made stuff now when it comes to tools. Buy it once, never have to buy it again, and support an American worker at the same time :thumbsup:

Even with the torque wrench however I still find myself just using the german torque spec "gootentite" (say it out loud ) on brakes and plugs and stuff like that. I can go by feel with those, an exact torque isn't a big deal. But things that need consistent even torque on all the bolts (lugnuts, valve covers, oil pans, that kind of thing) I use the torque wrench.

 

[FuzzyDunlop]

I recently went thru this as well. Craftsman makes some excellent torque wrenches BUT, their warranty is only for ONE YEAR, not lifetime. Also they use some plastic parts that many people have complained about breaking - specifically the torque level selector wheel.

I ended up buying a GEARWRENCH torque wrench. Its all metal (except for the grip) and solid. Basically just read the "reviews" sections at multiple online stores and find the one with the best rating.

oh and Click-type FTW.
http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/torque_wrenches/micrometer_torque_wrench/

 

[alexruiz]

I also have a Harbor Freight 1/2" and works wonders for lungnuts and even oil drain plug. A valuable tool no doubt!

 

[ElFenix]

But the elcheapo still gets the job done and is quite close on torque after 20+ years...:thumbsup:

cheapo from 20 years ago was still probably made in the USA with higher quality metallurgy than anything you get from hecho en chine.

 

[SuperSix]

I have never used a torque wrench for lugnuts.. CMon...

 

[SparkyJJO]

I have never used a torque wrench for lugnuts.. CMon...

If you don't, you can cause uneven pressure on the rotor, which over time along with heating and cooling from use can warp them.

I never used to use a torque wrench on lugnuts either but I do now.

 

[Bartman39]

If you don't, you can cause uneven pressure on the rotor, which over time along with heating and cooling from use can warp them.

I never used to use a torque wrench on lugnuts either but I do now.

This might make your life easier...:thumbsup:
http://www.torquestick.com/cart/home.php

 

[SparkyJJO]

This might make your life easier...:thumbsup:
http://www.torquestick.com/cart/home.php

If I had an impact to use them with

Speaking of which, I need to get one. Would make life easier for sure. I don't have any air compressor or anything however, and I'm not sure what electric ones are good or not. I need to do some research.

 

[bbs lm-r]

This might make your life easier...:thumbsup:
http://www.torquestick.com/cart/home.php

Hey those look kinda interesting.

Do you own these? I'm just wondering how all the flexing would hold up over time.

 

[SparkyJJO]

They use them in shops all the time. I don't know how long they last but I see them a lot.

 

[herm0016]

pawn shops in industrial areas usually have pretty good deals on tools. i nearly picked up a set of 2 black hawk torque wrenches for 100 bucks. did not really need them though.

 

[alfa147x]

I've been meaning to post this thread. Thanks OP

 

[BUTCH1]

I've had one of those $15 elcheapo's (click type) for several years and done many rods, mains & headbolts with it... The main thing to remember is to always set it to the lowest setting (think it takes the spring pressure off so it wont lose calibration...?)

I do own 3 others of various ratings a Snapon and two Proto's (one of the Proto's goes to 600ftlbs)... But the elcheapo still gets the job done and is quite close on torque after 20+ years...:thumbsup:

I used the HF one to remove/reinstall a head, drove the car for 30K afterwords so no problem with me either..

 

[JCH13]

why not? it's just tightening bolts?
you don't trust the reading?
generally you can go by feel, no?

Generally, no you can't. I found though some research that "by feel" is about +/- 35% on bolt preload, which is a pretty wide margin.

i've wanted a click torque wrench of a while but the made in the USA ones from name brand stores are $$$, and i'm not sure i trust the ones from wally world for $20.

Craftsman periodically has torque-wrenches for at least half-off. That's how I picked up mine.

I've had one of those $15 elcheapo's (click type) for several years and done many rods, mains & headbolts with it... The main thing to remember is to always set it to the lowest setting (think it takes the spring pressure off so it wont lose calibration...?)

I do own 3 others of various ratings a Snapon and two Proto's (one of the Proto's goes to 600ftlbs)... But the elcheapo still gets the job done and is quite close on torque after 20+ years...:thumbsup:

You mean reset them to minimum torque when storing them, right? This does keep the spring from creeping.

 

[nwf_snake]

I use the $10 on sale 1/2" click torque wrench from Harbor Freight for lug nuts, and a $100 on sale digital from Northern Tool for engine stuff.