Torque wrench recommendations?

[czgunner]

I've got Snapon (PI) torque wrenches in 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4. Regular "click" type.
I'm looking to get an inch/lb dial type torque wrench.
Mainly for checking rotational drag before replacing pinion seals etc.
I see LOTS on Ebay new and use, just not sure which to go for.

 

[devoncoolman]

Snap-on's are nice. Its what i have.

 

[CWP1616L]

PI or CDI

 

[czgunner]

Which range do you guys recommend for this type of work?
I'm thinking something that does 15 in/lb to maybe 50?

 

[devoncoolman]

Ussually range from 0 on up.

 

[cjn1014]

I'm in that torque range on carbon fiber parts. I don't really trust a clicker type in the bottom 20% of its range.

Simple beam style, or a $$$ dial type?

 

[LXCam]

I use my snap on digital flex for checking rotational torque. But I'm doing larger engines and my average fresh build is high 30's low 40's on a long block. The best I've achieved after break in was 11ftlbs on my 6.1, but she was a very special build. I like the digital verses a clicker as you can average your readings. I also write that info on the motor for future reference in a unseen location.

 

[98sierra]

I use my snap on digital flex for checking rotational torque. But I'm doing larger engines and my average fresh build is high 30's low 40's on a long block. The best I've achieved after break in was 11ftlbs on my 6.1, but she was a very special build. I like the digital verses a clicker as you can average your readings. I also write that info on the motor for future reference in a unseen location.

Maybe it's just me, but I hbe no idea what you are saying. BUT! I am very interested lol could you explain?

 

[ssentt]

Maybe it's just me, but I hbe no idea what you are saying. BUT! I am very interested lol could you explain?

Rotational torque is the amount of measured rotational friction or drag from the motor assembly over a full rotation after a rebuild via the crankshaft end nut. The amount of torque it takes to rotate the assembly. simple.

 

[bob15]

Snap On, Utica and Seekonk......all US made

 

[Steinmetz]

I've got Snapon (PI) torque wrenches in 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4. Regular "click" type.
I'm looking to get an inch/lb dial type torque wrench.
Mainly for checking rotational drag before replacing pinion seals etc.
I see LOTS on Ebay new and use, just not sure which to go for.

Use a simple beam type. Sturtevant.

 

[JohnMcD348]

I'm kinda preferential toward the older Beam type torque wrenches myself. I don't use it very often but I like how you can look at it and tell right off if there's any calibration issue with it. If, for some reason, the beam gets bent slightly and say starts at 3 ft/lbs, you know that when you're at 18ftlbs, you're really at 15ft/lbs.

I don't make a living with them either. I use mine when I'm doing something on my vehicles, like last weekend, when I replaced the front shocks. That was the first time in probably 15 years I've had a need for one. I don't do a lot of engine rebuilding and heavy use work. I'd look at what the pros use most often if you're planning on using it a lot.

 

[SMKS]

For tiny torque ranges beam is the way to go, IMO.

This one is OK for the price. I had it and the ball fell off, but you could glue it back on. I also have an older Indestro that is built much better.

This may not be the best price you can find. The same torque wrench is also sold under the Park Tools brand for working on bikes.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SQ3B/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NVCI1U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Fedwrench]

I use this one from precision instruments. It's perfect for pinion bearing preload checks. I like the memory pointer and it comes in a nice blow molded case to protect it while it's stored. You can't beat precision instruments for torque wrenches.

http://www.tooltopia.com/precision-instruments-d2f150hm.aspx

 

[LXCam]

Maybe it's just me, but I hbe no idea what you are saying. BUT! I am very interested lol could you explain?

Rotational torque is the amount of measured rotational friction or drag from the motor assembly over a full rotation after a rebuild via the crankshaft end nut. The amount of torque it takes to rotate the assembly. simple.

Thanks!, tis exactly that. The only thing I will add would be attaining the values for both the short block and long block. Its a invaluable tool for diagnosing a potential issue at a later date.

As for torque wrench preferences, I have every kind and that digital is absolutely my favorite. But man it wasn't cheap. If it wasn't for the fact I got deaply involved in a certain type of engine that required its functionality, I'm not sure I would have ever bought one. There are many ways to skin a cat as they say.

 

[JCQuick]

I find myself in need of a new 1/2" drive torque wrench as well. had my son take it to work and check it on the snap-on truck its off by 25lbs. I use to have a real nice old craftsman that was made by columbia. My mom got it for me when I was 13 and racing motorcross. anyway sent it off to get recalibrated something I had done before and they lost it. the pos on the right was the best thing sears had in the catalog at the time and they gave it to me free



I've been looking at the gear wrench ones anybody use one yet

 

[reptilezs]

I find myself in need of a new 1/2" drive torque wrench as well. had my son take it to work and check it on the snap-on truck its off by 25lbs. I use to have a real nice old craftsman that was made by columbia. My mom got it for me when I was 13 and racing motorcross. anyway sent it off to get recalibrated something I had done before and they lost it. the pos on the right was the best thing sears had in the catalog at the time and they gave it to me free



I've been looking at the gear wrench ones anybody use one yet

i would look into the husky from home depot. same as the gearwrench. us made for 85 bucks

 

[JCQuick]

i would look into the husky from home depot. same as the gearwrench. us made for 85 bucks

really I will do that thanks anybody use one of those

 

[reptilezs]

really I will do that thanks anybody use one of those

i have not used one but that design has been around for 15-20 years at least. the design is or has been used by matco, armstrong, KD

 

[Skin]

For tiny torque ranges beam is the way to go, IMO.

I'd have to disagree. If accuracy is a concern I have full faith that the torque wrench would be great, its the angle my head might be at straining to read it I don't have faith in. For what the OP wants to do with it he really should get a model with a dial gauge like he asked about.

Snap-On Torqometer would be another option.