3/8 torque wrench ratings

[SK-Mike]

what is a good general purpose TW rating to look for. In a 3/8 size, for some under the hood type wrenching.

I see Snap on offers models that are 15-75 ft lbs
20-100
40-200 etc.

General automotive uses for maintainence items, etc. & even including outboard propeller nut tightening.

I would like to buy something good quality name brand, that is precise, and that if I ever needed it serviced or recalibrated I could send it in to the manufacturer for service.

Snap on model I've been looking at is Qd2r100 (20-100 lbs.) would this be a decent model for homeowner use?

 

[FuzzyTiger]

It seems like more and more stuff is calling for torque + angle now days. Maybe the gearwrench digital torque wrenches might be a decent option in that case? Most digital torque wrenches are probably going to be more accurate for a home user too and require less maintenance/care?

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Beam style is simple and dependable

 

[richfinn]

I would say 5nm to 25nm and 20nm to 100nm are the two I used the most in 3/8 drive

The lower one for engine fasteners in aluminum castings and the higher one for brake/suspension bolts and heavier engine related stuff

My 1/2 drive does 50nm to 350nm (something like that)

I have a 1/4 drive that does 1-5nm

Never had a digital, always used an angle gauge when I was on the shop floor but I probably would have one if I still worked in dealerships, probably overkill for DIY

 

[richfinn]

Try Norbar (part of Snap-On group)

 

[Wrench97]

Many engine outer components are inch pound specs. I don't see digital be good for the typical home user, batteries go bad/leak if not removed and the electronics fail and become unserviceable after 5 or so years. TTY bolts can still be done using a click type and a paint marker takes more time which why flat raters shy away from that method.
Gearwrench, SK and Tekton have decent click type torque wrenches.

 

[Ralf11]

My digitals have lasted 15 years so far.

They can be more accurate, and are easier to use than the beam styles.

The numbers above are good for most automotive work. Do you have a torque spec. table for your car(s) OP?

 

[The Fall]

CDI makes one that starts at 10 ft lbs. Like a million others have stated on here, the closer the torque spec is to the middle, the better the click and likely (if only cuz of user error) the torque accuracy. Having it start at 10 ft lbs is nice. Also, the COO is USA if I'm not mistaken. I was in the market for a 3/8" torque wrench recently. I have a 1/2" drive Snap-on that goes up to 250 ft lbs. Much better than the 150 lbs on some as my Silverado calls for 140 on lug nuts.

 

[visionguru]

...
Snap on model I've been looking at is Qd2r100 (20-100 lbs.) would this be a decent model for homeowner use?

Starting with 20 ft-lb is too high, for example, many spark plugs are torqued under 20 ft-lb. 10-100 might be a better range. Or better yet
Snap On ATECH2FR125B (5~125), perfect cry-once choice.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

I would say 5nm to 25nm and 20nm to 100nm are the two I used the most in 3/8 drive

The lower one for engine fasteners in aluminum castings and the higher one for brake/suspension bolts and heavier engine related stuff

My 1/2 drive does 50nm to 350nm (something like that)

I have a 1/4 drive that does 1-5nm

Never had a digital, always used an angle gauge when I was on the shop floor but I probably would have one if I still worked in dealerships, probably overkill for DIY

I don't know exactly what OP's budget is but it seems the snap on they are asking about sells second hand around $300? About $50 higher than the gearwrench digital ones. Overkill maybe but why not when you're in the price range?

 

[richfinn]

I don't know exactly what OP's budget is but it seems the snap on they are asking about sells second hand around $300? About $50 higher than the gearwrench digital ones. Overkill maybe but why not when you're in the price range?

That soundslike a good idea if they are close on price

I've never actually seen a digital torque wrench and we always managed to fix car engines with angle reaction gauges and sharpie markers, but I'm all for it if it helps save time

 

[Ralf11]

OP should look at CDI and other quality brands too

I bought used Snappy when 'everybody' was having trouble with them - for cheap. I sent them back to Snappy for a new freakin' battery cap (which was the cause of all the trouble and drove down prices)...