Recommend a torque wrench

[DrewSG]

I've done some searching looking for threads that deal with torque wrenches. My question is, if I'm only doing minor work (staying out of the engine), do I still need a $300 snap on torque wrench ?

So far the work I've done on my car is installing new shocks and brakes. I can't see myself doing anything more that, other than fixing anything that goes wrong it.

So for the guy that doesn't mod his car, only wrenches to service or fix his car, what torque wrench do you recommend?

Also, what do guys do when working tight spaces? I've had times where I couldn't line up with the bolt without hitting something.

[prince xizor]

Personally I use a cheap harbor Freight Torque wrench. It does just fine for everything not in the engine bay. If I was going to be building my own stroker, then spend the money. Since I am just taking the lugs off, and putting SFC's on it works fine.

[v8pwr]

Use CDI torque wrenches .

[Gordon0652]

Originally Posted by DrewSG

My question is, if I'm only doing minor work (staying out of the engine)

Craftsman. I have two of them - 3/8" and 1/2" i like them. But i would never touch an engine with them unless it was riceeee

[Camaroholic]

I have an AutoZone (Great Neck) torque wrench that I use for lug nuts and non-important stuff like that. Works fine for me. It's the one I'd throw in the toolbox and take to the track.

My "engine" torque wrenches are Armstrong (got them at http://www.use-enco.com ). They're not nearly as pricey as Snap On, but they're made in USA and work well for me.

[1sick'98WS6]

You cant go wrong with snap on torque wrench, you cant find them pretty cheap on craigslist

[Blue85350]

I'd just like to toss out that any time you buy a used torque wrench, it should have the calibrations checked and adjusted as necessary.

[SScam68]

Originally Posted by Camaroholic

I have an AutoZone (Great Neck) torque wrench that I use for lug nuts and non-important stuff like that. Works fine for me. It's the one I'd throw in the toolbox and take to the track.

My "engine" torque wrenches are Armstrong (got them at http://www.use-enco.com ). They're not nearly as pricey as Snap On, but they're made in USA and work well for me.

I have a smiliar setup. I have a greatneck for wheels and misc stuff and have a craftsman for more important stuff.

Although I would definitely spend the cash for engine work.

[veee8]

I have the digital snap-on wrench, it is bad ass for sure, especially with the built in angle meter for the torque to yield stuff.

[1sick'98WS6]

Originally Posted by veee8

I have the digital snap-on wrench, it is bad ass for sure, especially with the built in angle meter for the torque to yield stuff.

Ive used the digital snap on... Love it, 1/2 or 3/8?

I think its badass that it beeps and vibrates the handle when you reach specified torque. Although its hard to trust that angle meter when using s swivel and shit.

[sixty8firebird1]

I've got a MAC flex head that I love, but Im a mechanic (work on forklifts and equipment) If I was just doing small jobs in my garage at home and doing things where specific torque isn't quite as important, I'd wait for a Craftsman to go on sale

[99345hp]

Ive heard from some engine builders that they trust the non clicking torque wrenches more than the others. I dont know why, they just do. I have 2 Matco torque wrenches, 1/2 and 3/8 click type and a craftsman angle meter torque wrench. When I am assembling an engine though i use torque for main journals, but for rod bolts I use bolt stretch and not torque.

[Formulated]

Originally Posted by 99345hp

Ive heard from some engine builders that they trust the non clicking torque wrenches more than the others. I dont know why, they just do. I have 2 Matco torque wrenches, 1/2 and 3/8 click type and a craftsman angle meter torque wrench. When I am assembling an engine though i use torque for main journals, but for rod bolts I use bolt stretch and not torque.

My dad used to work in a lab where he calibrated torque wrenches. He said the clicker wrenches tended to be inconsistent, even good ones like Snap On. The most consistent were the beam deflection wrenches.

[Compstall]

Originally Posted by Formulated

My dad used to work in a lab where he calibrated torque wrenches. He said the clicker wrenches tended to be inconsistent, even good ones like Snap On. The most consistent were the beam deflection wrenches.

I've tried every major brand of torque wrench. I'm lucky to see any of them make it through calibration more than 2 or 3 times before they break. And, since the calibration is good for one year, by the time we take it in for its second calibration, if it gets broken, it's out of warranty and we have to buy a new one.

[Big Bird WS6]

what about the new air snap on one?

[samson_420]

^ Never heard of one yet.

I use my SnapOn for internal motor work and my CaftsMan for every thing else.

The SnapOn Techwrench rocks. . . . I got a bunch of SnapOn stuff cheap back in school.

[ReFtheMC]

Good thread. Seems like sears is having a sale on craftsman torque wrenchs so im gonna check it out tomorrow

[daryn c]

pay for what u get......

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...0P?vName=Tools

holy crap!!

[87gnx]

Agreed!! You get what you pay for.If your staying away from the engine, a Crapsman torque wrench should get you by.I'd stay away from Craigslist, you don't know how the "gently" used ones were treated,dropped,used as pry bars, etc...The beam one (with the pointer and scale) are good for one thing,PAINT stirrers!! $.02

[Dustin601]

Originally Posted by veee8

I have the digital snap-on wrench, it is bad ass for sure, especially with the built in angle meter for the torque to yield stuff.

i have the same one. 1/2 flex head.


KD for everything else