Another torque wrench question

[Coach James]

I looked through a bunch of older threads and didn't find an answer so I'm starting a new thread. I need a torque wrench that runs up to maybe 25-30 foot-pounds to use on spark plugs, transmission pan bolts etc. I would prefer a clicker. Any ideas? I really can't afford $200+ and 4150+ would be tough. Thanks.


Opinions on this one?

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/4DA94


Coach

 

[volvo420coupe]

any 10-100 or 5-75 ft/lbs torque wrench should still be accurate for those bolts, the one you have linked to maxes out at a little over 16 ft/lbs.

 

[volvo420coupe]

Sorry I misread your post, you want the torque wrench to max out at 25-30, I thought thats what you would be torquing most things to, as far as money spent. the most critical thing most of the time when your torquing things is to have even torque between fasteners, if they're all torqued evenly, it shouldnt matter if its not EXACTLY what the manufacture's recommended torque is. so don't worry about wasting your money on something just because it claims to be 2% more accurate than the next one thats half the price.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Here is a KD branded 3/8 drive flex head, micrometer set clicker, 5 to 75 lb/ft. Pricey ($230) but covers a decent range.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...s&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Torque+Wrenches

Aside from that you just about need two torque wrenches to do what you want.

Charles

 

[Coach James]

Looking at my manuals again, most of the things I want this wrench for would max at 20 ft-lbs. How well would a wrench that maxes at 75 ft-lbs do at 15 to 20 ft-lbs?

Coach

 

[volvo420coupe]

Generaly torque wrenches are accurate down to 10 or 20% (i cant remember which) of their maximum value. I just have to wonder, are you putting a trans pan on the space shuttle or something.

 

[Coach James]

No, I just don't know how forgiving those pan bolts are.

Coach

 

[volvo420coupe]

I hear ya, depending on what type of gasket it has, you may not even be stressing the bolts at their proper torque, when you torque two metal objects together you are accurately stretching the bolt and that stretch is what provides the clamping force, but with a cork or rubber gasket you are squishing the gasket and that is what holds everything tight. that "squish" is pretty easy to feel when your torquing the bolts down, but its better to be safe than sorry, I have lots of things I do when working on cars that some people may think unnecessary but i don't care, because I feel better about it when the job is done, and that is the most important thing. (some rubber gaskets use metal spacers in them and that prevents over squishing of the gasket, in that case both factors combine to provide clamping force)

 

[-B-]

The best accuracy is generally in the middle of the scale of the wrench. decent wrenches arw 4-6% accurate at the extremes great wrenches are 3% or less.

 

[Speed-Racer]

I would recommend Precision Instruments, take a look at http://www.torqwrench.com or http://www.torqwrench.com/tools/C.php. Very high quality product, the company has been around for a long time. Many of these wrenches are rebadged by Snap-On and others.

 

[Jared]

i have a cdi tourque wrench i bought from my local williams distributor, works well.

 

[tdkkart]

For the low end I use my inch-lb model, simply multiply ft-lbs by 12 to get your number, ie: 12ft/lbs = 144in/lbs. I believe my in/lb wrench does up to 250in/lbs or approx. 20ft/lbs.

That said, I seldom torque stuff, unless it's something critical. Internal engine fasteners, critical gaskets that I want to make sure I have pulled down evenly, aluminum parts in certain applications.

I hone alot of 2-cycle engine cylinders, and use torque plates too simulate the cylinder being bolted to the cases with the head on. I use the torque wrench religiously in this application.

You need to be careful when using manufacturers torque specs on items that may get torqued frequently, especially in aluminum, and especially on parts that see high temps. The max numbers listed typically work fine for the first tie it is torqued, but will pull the threads if done repeatedly over time. Torque for 1/4-20 fasteners in aluminum is typically listed as 90-120in/lbs. 120 will work fine the first time, good luck if you do it again next year.

 

[Coach James]

Thanks for all the info guys. Jared, the CDI's look pret nice and the price isn't bad. The have a distributor in Greensboro which is about an hour from here.

I'm just paranoid about transmissions. I've had to have two rebuilt in my lifetime and that's an expense I don't want again if I can help it.

Coach

 

[rhandwor]

http://www.superiorpaneltechnology.com/ Search torque wrench.
They have a lot of SK for around $100.00

 

[Fedwrench]

I would recommend the Gearwrench torquewrenches. The have a fine 60 tooth action, thin heads for improved access, and are US made. I would also recommend a inch pound torque to go along with your 3/8 drive model.

http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=11565

 

[Coach James]

Thanks for all the information guys. Now I just have to decide which way I'm going to go.

Coach

 

[tcheat]

Coach,

I bought a used Snap-On click-type on ebay recently. It goes up to 100 ft-lbs IIRC, and I paid under $100 for it. It seems as if the 3/8 drive ones are pretty reasonably priced. Here's one that is very similar (it may be identical--haven't checked the numbers on mine) to the one that I bought:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SNAP...Z120449167143QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

 

[benjamming]

A torque wrench bought used should always be calibrated. You don't know the history of it. It may be way off. You just have to figure that into the price to see which is the best deal. A new one should always have a calibration certificate traceable to NIST.

 

[tcheat]

That's a great point, Ben.

I debated sending mine in for calibration, but then I read a thread on here about a Craftsman electronic torque measuring meter. I grabbed one of those on ebay. Although I haven't checked the torque wrench thoroughly, I did a few random settings and it is spot on. The wrench and its plastic case are really dirty, though, so I don't believe that it has had an easy life. I may still send it in for a professional calibration.

 

[babzog]

I don't know the "magic dollar number" that you have to pay for a torque wrench where it steps from the POS class to the Okay to Use class. I do know this: DON'T skimp on a torque wrench.

A cheap POS wrench from Princess Auto snapped one bolt and overstressed another while I was doing my brakes. Took the wrench back the next day for a full refund. You do get what you pay for, esp when precision counts.

 

[benjamming]

babzog,

Torque application can be difficult. You have to know if the torque value given is for a clean bolt or one with oil, antiseize, etc. Then, the bolt must match that prep condition. Torque values may change 20-25% depending on if the bolt should be clean or light oil applied. I'm not saying that was your situation as TW can become worse than worthless. I'm sorry to hear that you found out either way.

 

[babzog]

Even if it were off by a few pounds, the bolt shouldn't snap (not considering the size of a brake caliper bolt). I just kept torquing and listening and feeling for the click which never came.

I get what you're saying though and yes, it's important to know the variables that must be applied to a given torque value.

 

[Mike83]

Thanks for all the info guys. Jared, the CDI's look pret nice and the price isn't bad. The have a distributor in Greensboro which is about an hour from here.

I'm just paranoid about transmissions. I've had to have two rebuilt in my lifetime and that's an expense I don't want again if I can help it.

Coach

So are you pulling that caravan ****** to have rebuilt? C'mon, you gotta share your projects!

 

[babzog]

I actually would like to see that as a photo-documentary. Yes, please share!

 

[Coach James]

Sorry for not getting back sooner guys.

Nope, I'm not pulling it for a rebuild. I just want to change the fluid and filter. Our old Saturn had a spin on filter and drain plug just like an oil pan but my Grand Prix and Grand Caravan don't hence the need for a torque wrench. I'll probably be drummed out of the forum but I actually got a C-man last week.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944593000P?vName=Tools&keyword=torque+wrench

Our Sears had them on sale for $30. haven't used it on the ****** yet, but6 I did start replacing the spark plugs on my van and used it to torque them. Worked fine. I know a lot of folks don't like the C-man ones, but for that price, it was hard to pass up.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to save this thread for future reference.

Coach