Torque wrench....

PiL · 01-11-03, 05:32

are they worth it? How much for a cheap one? And how do they work? I just started doing my own oil changes and thought I might pick one up for tightening the oil plug. Should I bother?

Redcar GUY · 01-11-03, 06:35

I have 2 of them one that is a 1/2 inch drive that gos from 20-150ftlbs and a 3/8 drive that gos from 0-75 ftlbs. Both are Craftsmen. I use them now and then for car stuff, some things on motors and other stuff MUST be torqued. I am not sure that it would be needed just for oil changes. I use mine to torque my lug nuts on the camaro, the way the hubs are set up it is VERY important. The 1/2 one was like $65 and the 3/8 was $30-40 I think, it has been a while since I got them. I think if you are planning on doing more work on your own stuff and not taking them in to have the work done they are a good idea. But then you need to know how much to torque the stuff so a good set of manuals is a good idea as well

BoxsterCharlie · 01-11-03, 06:37

I'm going to need a torque wrench pretty soon myself. Seems like a really smart thing to do the job right instead of just guessing.

Anyway, in my obsessive search for "the best" in everything I found Snap-On and Facom models for over $300! OK, I'm not that obsessed!

How about a Sears Craftsman...any good?

Nagchampa · 01-11-03, 06:39

DO NOT skimp when buying a torque wrench!!!

baltic · 01-11-03, 08:35

Snap-on or Proto are by far the two best.
I will try to get you more info on Torque wrenches.
Torque wrenches are very different from regular tools as we know them.
I do Autocross and track with my car and tire changing is
common at all these events. Torque wrenches are used by everyone.
Never heard of anyone Torquing a crankcase plug.
Not necessary.

Iowan_Juggalo · 01-11-03, 08:51

I found afew in my Craftsman catalog. A plane 3/8 25-250 in lbs for 72.28 or a 1/2 20-150 ft pounds forr the same price. I am a big craftsman fan i figure why spend double just for the name snap on or mac. Craftsman has a lifetime warrnty an in my oppion is just as good plus if it breaks just take it to sears no tryin to find the snap-on man.

edschwab1 · 01-11-03, 10:17

Quote:

Originally posted by Iowan_Juggalo
Craftsman has a lifetime warrnty an in my oppion is just as good plus if it breaks just take it to sears no tryin to find the snap-on man.

The Craftman Torque Wrenches do not have a lifetime warranty. Most torque wrenches have a warranty which is a year or less.

With that said, I have a Husky Torque wrench, but have used a craftsman torque wrench and prefer the Craftsman.

Eric

Ray · 01-11-03, 10:38

Don't bother buying a torque wrench. I did and returned it the next day. The instruction booklet was just to big and seemed complicated. Just use a basic wrench or socket wrench and use your best judgment. Not all of us want to be a weekend mechanic like reedcarefella.

Spend that money on some 303 or even Z2 or Z5.

My 2 cents

4DSC · 01-12-03, 01:51

I would have to disagree. Even a cheap one (<$50) is better than nothing, especially if you're working on your suspension or brakes!

You do not want something to either come loose or snap off from excessive strain. Re-torquing my strut tower bolts after installing a bracing bar comes to mind, as those 3 little bolts are all that comes between the strut staying in or flying out.

The best kind are the ratcheting micrometer type because they click when they reach the torque you pre-set, and ratcheting just makes your life plain easier. The big 1/2" drive is probably more versatile for the range of torque settings you'd need most critically.

They're not hard to use at all, really.

ghlavaty · 01-12-03, 05:22

I use torque wrenches every day. I do aircraft maintenance and I have seen fasteners fail from improper torque, from being both too tight and loose. Bad on an aircraft!!!! However, I wouldn't spend the money for one for tightening general hardware on an auto, ie oil pan drain plug. Just don't be a gorrila and over tighten the plug or other general/attaching hardware. Engine building is a different story. Head, crankshaft, rod bolts, etc need to be torqued, evenly. If you do decide to buy one, I would go with craftsman. I have two of them to cover vast range of torque values. Also, don't forget to maintain them. They should be calibrated periodically. If get one that clicks when you achieve your desired torque (the handle twists to set value), make sure you run it down to the lowest setting when you are finished with it.

baltic · 01-12-03, 06:48

When lug nuts are too tight your rotars can warp. I've done that. Too loose and the lug nuts loosen. Not a happy prospect.
My car calls for 81 ft.lbs on each lug nut.
My wrench gives me half pound increments.
Most people don't require that.
If you need consisent accuracy, go on e-bay and take a look at some good wrenches. Many are sold as new. Thats how I got my Snap on at way below the regular price.
But they are still expensive, even at 25% off.

BradE · 01-12-03, 07:00

Nagchampa hit the nail on the head, don't get a cheap toruqe wrench!!!! They are not accurate and they loose calibraition quickly.

Torque wrenches ARE important. Many pieces require a certian amount of toruqe to hold fasteners depending on the weight of the part they are holding. With the soft metals many of the engine parts are made of today if you over torque something you can cause big problems. BTW, baltic is right. If you overtorque lug nut you will warp your rotors.

As for brands, stay away from Harbor Freight or any other cheapo. I own a Snap-On and love it, but I realize it's out of the price range of most folks. I would however say invest in a good wrench. Check out eBay, sometimes you can pick up a Snap-On or Mac torque wrench for the same price as a Craftsman or Husky.

Good Luck!