3/4" Torque Wrench

[nutsnbolts]

I need to get a torque wrench capable of 312 lbs for the crank shaft bolt on my Landcruiser. I have looked around a bit and have found a few, I wonder what opinions people have.

Proto 6020AB - used - $250

Wright 6448 - used - $355 with make offer available (Ebay)

Mac TWZ600P split beam - $289/make offer. Looks older but in good shape. Not sure what "split beam" means? Is that the same as the clicking type? Please help!

Wilmar M204 - new - $202.99


Any thoughts on these, or any others, would be appreciated. I want to get the best torque wrench for the money, and I don't want somethin that is cheap and will not last. Any other suggestions would be welcome, thanks!!!

 

[Schurkey]

Split beam torque wrenches are fine...if you ONLY use them in one direction (Normal tightening direction.) They WILL NOT work on reverse-thread.

Nice thing about them is that they're easy to adjust the torque, AND you don't have to turn the adjustment down after each use.

They do click to indicate torque.

Proto...Mac...Wright...I'd be asking who makes the torque wrenches that have those brand names. I bet none of those companies make the torque wrenches they sell. They're sourced from somebody else.

 

[nutsnbolts]

Gotcha, good to know about the split beam.

Last year I bought a Wright 3/4 breaker bar and ratchet, and both are very beefy. I am pretty happy with them. Who makes them? I don't know that. How would one find out? If they were contracted out and made to specs, would that make them lower quality? I just assumed they were used and this was the reason for the discount. A similar SK torque wrench is around $800 I believe

 

[WittHay]

Split beams are rectangular and are adjusted by a little knob. Precision Instruments is the major supplier and makes them for Mac. Proto makes their own torque wrenches. With 600 ft.lbs you are dealing with a 4 foot long wrench

The problem with 3/4 TW's is they are usually a shop owned tool and guys might not wind them down after every use.

Not sure what is better for occasional use at 300 ish ft lbs. Brand new Chinese or a 20 to 30 year old torque wrench that might need calibration

 

[nutsnbolts]

Split beams are rectangular and are adjusted by a little knob. Precision Instruments is the major supplier and makes them for Mac. Proto makes their own torque wrenches. With 600 ft.lbs you are dealing with a 4 foot long wrench

The problem with 3/4 TW's is they are usually a shop owned tool and guys might not wind them down after every use.

Not sure what is better for occasional use at 300 ish ft lbs. Brand new Chinese or a 20 to 30 year old torque wrench that might need calibration

Those are great thoughts, thank you. I can get the 20 year old wrench calibrated for free at work. Would that change things in your opinion?

 

[bob15]

Do any of the auto parts stores have loaner tools? If this a once-in-a-lifetime job, why spend a couple hundred bucks that might not be needed?

Have you looked at beam-type (NOT split beam) torque wrenches?

 

[L.Cheapo]

Do any of the auto parts stores have loaner tools? If this a once-in-a-lifetime job, why spend a couple hundred bucks that might not be needed?

Have you looked at beam-type (NOT split beam) torque wrenches?

Not to be trusted. I borrowed a click type torque wrench from the local Advance to tighten an axle nut to 175 ftlbs. I kid you not, you could make the wrench click with one pinky finger. Someone broke it, returned it, and didn't say anything. Or the store knew and didn't care. Either way, that sealed the deal for me to buy some Techangles and I couldn't be happier.

I would NOT trust a rental torque wrench to be anywhere near accurate.

 

[pbon]

I bought a HF 3/4. Was about $79. Good enough for my purposes. I have precision industries that go up to 250. So I can check to see how it compares to that point.

 

[seber]

If you want something to last, the split beam is the only answer. Zero maintenance is a big plus.

 

[DakotaMan]

I bought a HF 3/4. Was about $79. Good enough for my purposes. I have precision industries that go up to 250. So I can check to see how it compares to that point.

The HF will only go up to 300 lbs. I had a similar issue with my Ford spindle nut. I gave up on something worthwhile for a one time job. The local ford dealer said they use an impact wrench. I decided to use a breaker bar and math.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I like the Dial type and mine have gave great service for several decades. They too don't require any special process when putting them away.

These guys make also make the Snap On Torqometers.

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemD...MIwezgzK2P2QIVEFqGCh3NaAqSEAYYASABEgIR9_D_BwE

 

[nutsnbolts]

Do any of the auto parts stores have loaner tools? If this a once-in-a-lifetime job, why spend a couple hundred bucks that might not be needed?

Have you looked at beam-type (NOT split beam) torque wrenches?

Well, I hadn't thought of that, but I would prefer to own one. Ultimately I would like to get to a place where I can buy and restore landcruisers, and this is a common problem (front main seal leak). So in time I think it would pay for itself. I'm not really concerned about a couple hundred bucks, I just want to make sure I get a good one for the money.

 

[nutsnbolts]

If you want something to last, the split beam is the only answer. Zero maintenance is a big plus.

Zero maintenance? Meaning, it will never go out of calibration?

 

[nutsnbolts]

I like the Dial type and mine have gave great service for several decades. They too don't require any special process when putting them away.

These guys make also make the Snap On Torqometers.

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemD...MIwezgzK2P2QIVEFqGCh3NaAqSEAYYASABEgIR9_D_BwE

A couple of people have mentioned this. I didn't know you were supposed to do anything when you put them away. What is the process?

 

[zmotorsports]

I have a Proto 3/4" drive torque wrench but I cannot remember the model #. I have had mine about 8 or so years now and wouldn't hesitate to purchase another.

 

[vssjim]

Buy the Proto and send it Angle Repair to get it checked out and calibrated for about 30.00 if it needs just Calibration and for the amount of use doing a few jobs you will be good for a long time. Proto's are a real quality items and have been a buy once deal for life.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

A couple of people have mentioned this. I didn't know you were supposed to do anything when you put them away. What is the process?

Meaning that like a beam wrench you don't need to adjust it down once done using it. Nor does it have any batteries to leak acid if it sits long periods between uses.

I've had my Torqometers since the 80's and had them checked around five years ago and they were still in spec. Even though I don't use them as mush as I once did, they still provide excellent service today.

Each type will have advantages and disadvantages.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I would put it on with 1/2 gun. Not worth buying a torque wrench for

 

[nutsnbolts]

I bought the Proto. I will get it calibrated at work when the calibration guys come through again.

 

[toolman9w]

Split beam torque wrenches are fine...if you ONLY use them in one direction (Normal tightening direction.) They WILL NOT work on reverse-thread.

Nice thing about them is that they're easy to adjust the torque, AND you don't have to turn the adjustment down after each use.

They do click to indicate torque.

Proto...Mac...Wright...I'd be asking who makes the torque wrenches that have those brand names. I bet none of those companies make the torque wrenches they sell. They're sourced from somebody else.

For future reference. Some split beams will do CW and CCW torque. It requires a separate mounting holes for the handle to be inserted in the adapter shaft and a reversing head.

 

[Buckaroo5]

I bought the Proto. I will get it calibrated at work when the calibration guys come through again.

Since you made your decision, this is after the fact but I thought I would offer up an alternative for future reference. You could achieve your 312 lb-ft torque with the Precision Instrument 1/2" Split Beam (4-250 lb-ft range) by using a 6 inch extension and setting the wrench to 237 lb-ft. Calculation as follows:

https://www.norbar.com/en-gb/Home/Torque-Wrench-Extension-Calculator

These guys fab'd up a variable extension which I thought was pretty cool....

Buckaroo

 

[nutsnbolts]

For future reference. Some split beams will do CW and CCW torque. It requires a separate mounting holes for the handle to be inserted in the adapter shaft and a reversing head.

Good to know, thank you!

 

[nutsnbolts]

Since you made your decision, this is after the fact but I thought I would offer up an alternative for future reference. You could achieve your 312 lb-ft torque with the Precision Instrument 1/2" Split Beam (4-250 lb-ft range) by using a 6 inch extension and setting the wrench to 237 lb-ft. Calculation as follows:

https://www.norbar.com/en-gb/Home/Torque-Wrench-Extension-Calculator

These guys fab'd up a variable extension which I thought was pretty cool....

Buckaroo

That is great info...so if you change the length of the handle, it changes the leverage...great insight!

 

[Buckaroo5]

Just a clarification - you can't just add the to the length of the handle of the torque wrench (i.e. put a cheater pipe on it). That will not change the torque at the point that you are measuring it (the ratchet head)....you have to add the length between the ratchet head and the bolt with an extension something like this....and it has to be in-line with the torque wrench.

https://www.belknaptools.com/crowfoot-adapters/

Buckaroo

 

[nutsnbolts]

Thanks for the clarification. And here's to hoping I never need to torque anything more than 600 ft lbs