3/4" drive torque wrench

[kunkernator]

So, my rule about tools is that if I don't have a tool for a job (I have to do the job by borrowing the tool, making a tool, or not completing it), that tool now goes on my "to buy" list.

Recently I replace the front rotors on my F150. They are hub assembly rotors, so I started by pulling the spindle nut. After putting the new rotor on, I referred to Alldata to get the torque spec for the nut. 295 ft lbs!!!!! My Snap On 1/2" drive goes to 250 ft lbs, so I kinda said "f*** it, I need my truck" and I torqued the nuts to 250, then with a 6 foot pipe and bar, another 1/8th turn (really all I could get). So, off to find a 3/4" torque wrench.

I saw HF's for $80, which I would not be opposed to (as their torque wrenches have been superb quality), but it only goes to 300 ft lbs. There is not much of an advantage with 50 more ft lbs. It appears that most other manufacturers' go to 600 ft lbs. The cheapest I could find with this range was CDI @ $500, or SK @ $600.

Keep in mind, once I finish school, I most likely will be going in to the diesel field, so I do see this as a needed expensive (just not urgent). My best idea right now is to just look for used ones. I saw another member found a CDI on CL for $70.

In the mean time, what are good brands?

 

[3baygarage]

I like Proto torque wrenches. Proto's a real good quality tool. I don't use a 3/4" but I can say they make them up to that 600 ft/lb range. My thoughts are if you don't need one immediately, you can buy a nice used one and send her out to get calibrated.

 

[sloppy]

Precision instruments.

http://www.torqwrench.com/tools/item.php?StockCode=C4D600F

Very nice wrench's

 

[Schurkey]

I used a Proto 3/4" torque wrench daily at the job I had years ago.

Nice wrench. A real shame that 600 ft/lbs is the standard upper torque limit on 3/4" torque wrenches, as we really needed more like 700 ft/lbs; but the company wouldn't spend the money for a truly suitable tool.

I won't promise that TODAY'S Proto torque wrenches are the same as the Proto tools of years ago. Stanley bought them out, and that can't be good.

 

[bobcatdan]

Precision instruments.

http://www.torqwrench.com/tools/item.php?StockCode=C4D600F

Very nice wrench's

I have one of those. Very nice unit and it comes apart for storage. Most 3/4" tw are 42" to 48"long.

 

[devoncoolman]

You can find them used. Theres a few on cl in my area been there for months. Only issue i see is typically a 3/4 torque wrench is a shop tool and typically gets abused. So pay close atention to what u buy. It may be broken.

 

[Deafautotech]

I got a good deal with other member that I bought a snap on 3/4dr torque wrench in case.. So far I had use it multiple times for hub rotors on f150. Even other things that has to torque over 250 ft lbs...

 

[pepi]

Check out this company, they supply SnapOn, rebrand their wrench with SnapOn logos, also a USA made product

etched torque values

 

[Charles (in GA)]

CDI is owned by Snap On.

Charles

 

[crewchief888]

i use a torque multiplier.


last dealership i worked at provided 3/4" & 1" dr stuff, including torque wrenches.

 

[GIJoe4500]

I bought my CDI at a pawn shop for $60. Oil field torque wrench. Last cal'd in 2010. I bought it to basically use as a giant ratchet... so i'm not overly concerned with whether or not it works...

anyhow... just saying that deals are out there... just gotta look a bit.

 

[James_B]

I had the same problem earlier in the year doing the hub nuts on my Land Rover. They need to be torqued to 360 ft lbs/490 NM and 250 ft lbs is the limit of my torque wrench.

My solution was to buy a torque multiplier. For CAD$69.99, I got a 4:1 gear ratio/3.3:1 torque ratio (difference due to friction losses in gear train) multiplier that's actually an unbranded Model 11603 multiplier made by William Tools with the standard Straight Reaction Bar (although it doesn't come with the fancy moulded case).

 

[ihredo4]

Bought my MAC at a pawnshop for about $200. Had a bunch of stuff I bought together so just a guess. It goes up to 600lbs which is more than what I need for my old tractors. Deals are out there if you are willing to put in the time and will to search.

 

[warmpancakes]

i have a proto 6020 ill make you a killer deal on

 

[zkling]

Keep in mind, once I finish school, I most likely will be going in to the diesel field, so I do see this as a needed expensive (just not urgent). My best idea right now is to just look for used ones. I saw another member found a CDI on CL for $70.

Since it would be an investment in your future career, I would go with the "cry once" mentality if you can. Not saying buy new, but get a quality used one.

i have a proto 6020 ill make you a killer deal on

kunk, I would highly suggest you take advantage of this opportunity if I was you. WP is a great person to deal with, speaking from experience, you can count on a nice item. Not some craigslist chance.... was this used as a breaker bar type of deal. Again investment in your career type of thing.

*No personal gain or kickbacks for that. Just speaking of my expereince with WP.

 

[warmpancakes]

Thanks, I try my best when selling

 

[kunkernator]

Sorry i have not been able to respond, busy few days at work.

Thanks for all the great replies. I am looking at CDI, i sent them and my Snap On dealer an email asking if their wrenches have a student discount on them. I am starting to look more at the Proto wrenches as well.

Warmpancakes, PM sent . I AM definitely interested.

Thanks for all the quick replies guys!

 

[jmm]

Not as accurate as a torque wrench, but a versatile tool to have nonetheless -- have you considered getting a torque multiplier? Used in conjunction with a torque wrench, you can achieve massive torque ratings with pretty good accuracy.