wrenching noob here looking for strategy on purchasing a torque wrench. i was thinking about getting a wrench for most of the common work i perform on my car. lug nuts, brake jobs, fluid changes etc. the torque specs vary depending on the task from 20ft - 90ft/lbs. Should I purchase two separate wrenches (more precise range) or one all purpose (covers all range)? many thanks!
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
2 vs 1 wrench suggestion
- Thread starter 4getr34
- Start date
Most work well from 20-100% of the maximum of the range, so if you are sure to stick between 20-90 lb-ft. then a 100 lb-ft model would suit you well. It is best to have a variety though, I prefer 1/2" for lug nuts and 3/8" for most engine work. Sometimes you need a lot less than 20 lb-ft like valve cover gaskets.
HandyManny
Well-known member
For the stuff you describe using it for you'll likely only need it for lug nuts mostly and to a lesser extent on break jobs and tune-ups. You'll be rotating tires and changing oil the most frequently of all the maintenence. True that a drain plug has a torque requirment but I don't know of too many professionals who actually take the time to apply the right exact torque to a drain plug, generally on most vehicles it's only somewhere between 15 ft/lbs to 20 ft/lbs anyway which is basically snug with a combo wrench. I've never used a torque wrench for that. I'd suggest a 1/2 drive torque wrench and 6 pt deep socket for final tightening lug nuts, maybe you'll need an extention but it depends.
For spark plugs I'd suggest a 3/8 inch drive torque wrench. Also never use a torque wrench to losen anything. Those clickers have reverse switches because some lug nuts and other nuts have reversed threading (they highten counter clockwise). That selector is not for losening nuts or bolts.
For spark plugs I'd suggest a 3/8 inch drive torque wrench. Also never use a torque wrench to losen anything. Those clickers have reverse switches because some lug nuts and other nuts have reversed threading (they highten counter clockwise). That selector is not for losening nuts or bolts.
Last edited:
jvitez
Well-known member
I started with a 1/2" torque wrench for lug nuts. As my horizon expanded, I now have a 3/8" one, and have just ordered a Toptul 1/4" torque wrench.
Would you ever buy a trailer or truck? Their wheel torques go to 125 ft lbs. I would assume lug nut torquing is way more common than brakes. Plan on doing any suspension work? Again, you can be over 100 ft lbs.
My suggestion is to get a 1/2" torque wrench in 30-150 ft lb range, then see how often you're needing something in lowest level of that range. If often, then get an additional 3/8" torque wrench in a lower range.
Would you ever buy a trailer or truck? Their wheel torques go to 125 ft lbs. I would assume lug nut torquing is way more common than brakes. Plan on doing any suspension work? Again, you can be over 100 ft lbs.
My suggestion is to get a 1/2" torque wrench in 30-150 ft lb range, then see how often you're needing something in lowest level of that range. If often, then get an additional 3/8" torque wrench in a lower range.
HandyManny
Well-known member
I started with a 1/2" torque wrench for lug nuts. As my horizon expanded, I now have a 3/8" one, and have just ordered a Toptul 1/4" torque wrench.
Would you ever buy a trailer or truck? Their wheel torques go to 125 ft lbs. I would assume lug nut torquing is way more common than brakes. Plan on doing any suspension work? Again, you can be over 100 ft lbs.
My suggestion is to get a 1/2" torque wrench in 30-150 ft lb range, then see how often you're needing something in lowest level of that range. If often, then get an additional 3/8" torque wrench in a lower range.
The lugs on my Ford F-150 require 150 ft/lbs of torque. Luckily I've remained active enough and in good enough shape after all these years that I can still torque them to that requirment myself.