Help me pick out torque wrenches!

[shamrock12]

I'm thinking about 1/2" drive with 50-250 ft-lb range and 3/8" drive with 20-100 ft-lb range. Still haven't decided whether if I'd be going with micrometer or split beam. I know alot of you here (through search) have said that split beam is superior to micrometer for durability & long term accuracy, even though micrometer is a bit more accurate once properly calibrated.

More importantly, I'm still trying to figure out what drive/range to get for torquing fasteners less than 20 ft-lb (240 in-lb). Mainly for engine work and low torque fasteners. It looks like I may need at least two low torquing tools because as you know, most torque wrenches are only accurate from 20% of the maximum value up to the maximum value. So if I buy a wrench with maximum value of 300 in-lb (to ensure a small overlap) then it is only good to go as low as 60 in-lb.

So here are what I am thinking:

3/8" drive, dial style, in range of 60-300 in-lb
http://www.torqwrench.com/tools/item.php?StockCode=D2F300HM

AND

1/4" drive, driver style (kind of like a screwdriver), in range of 15-75 in-lb
http://www.torqwrench.com/tools/item.php?StockCode=DS1F75HM

Since I've never used these types of torquing tool before, it's hard for me to say if 75 in-lb can be achieved with a twist of your hand with ease? If not, then should I consider three low torque tools and go with these following:

3/8" drive, dial style, in range of 80-400 in-lb
http://www.torqwrench.com/tools/item.php?StockCode=D2F400HM

AND

1/4" drive, dial style, in range of 20-100 in-lb
http://www.torqwrench.com/tools/item.php?StockCode=D1F100HM

AND

1/4" drive, micrometer style screwdriver, in range of 5-40 in-lb (effective torque of 8-40 in-lb)
http://www.amazon.com/Torque-401SM-Adjustable-Screwdriver-40-Inch/dp/B001F7VJIO/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

What do you guys think? Which would be more common to have in the toolbox? Thanks!

 

[Loscaldazar]

I'd go with the first set. 75in-lbs is 6 ft-lbs, and should easily be achieved with a screwdriver type handle. Another advantage is that because it is harder to apply torque with a screwdriver style versus a ratchet style, it will be easier to work and correctly apply low torque numbers, rather than quickly surpassing it because of the mechanical advantage of a ratchet/lever.

And I'd say split beam for the bigger torque wrenches. My PI split beams are currently at about 1% accuracy. Hard to argue with that, and can't ask for much better!

 

[Evan(CA)]

I love my Snap On flexhead Techwrenches. I have a 3/8 5-100ftlb Techangle and a regular 1/2" 25-250ftlb Techwrench. For the small stuff I have a Cornwell PRICW150HM 3/8" 0-150"lb dial gauge torque wrench. I got the CW wrench in a lot with a bunch of tools so I didn't research and choose it but I have had zero complaints. Buying this stuff new at list price is $$$ though so I'd definitely shop around and consider buying used. The used Techwrenches have come down considerably in price.

I do like the screwdriver style for low torque applications.

 

[fordkid88]

CDI Torque wrenches, owned by snap on, made in america except for the head. My fiance got me one for christmas. .4% off on right hand tightening, 1.6% reverse tightening.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...=cdi+tor,aps,238&rh=i:aps,k:cdi torque wrench

 

[CWP1616L]

I wouldn't go dial type unless I was building engines on an engine stand.

I'd go micrometer type in the inch pound range and then split beam type in the foot pound range.

 

[shamrock12]

Okay, I am split between the CDI and Sturtevant Richmont micrometer. Both of them seems to have fairly decent assortment of ranges to choose from. You could get CDI with knurled metal handle while the Sturtevant comes with rubber grip.

It is my understanding that CDI wrench heads are imported but can't seem to find out exactly where? However, they are claiming their wrenches as USA made

As far as I can tell, Sturtevant Richmont wrenches are completely made in the USA. However, they seems to be geared toward manufacturing industry (production floor).

If you were to choose for automotive/agricultural work, which brand would you go with?

 

[CWP1616L]

I don't like the CDI micrometer types because of the spring loaded pull-down locking collar. I tried one at the industrial store and I could tell within 30 seconds I couldn't stand it. I'd much rather have the twist lock ring type that's on the Precision Instruments micrometer torque wrenches and that's what I have.

 

[shamrock12]

All right, I see some manufacturers are offering a micrometer clicker in a range of 30 to 150 inch-pound in two different drive sizes ... the 1/4" and 3/8". Other than the ratchet head, they both seems to have identical dimensions/specifications. Which size drive would be more commonly used in this range, especially for engine work?

Thanks!

 

[nicksnothereman]

All right, I see some manufacturers are offering a micrometer clicker in a range of 30 to 150 inch-pound in two different drive sizes ... the 1/4" and 3/8". Other than the ratchet head, they both seems to have identical dimensions/specifications. Which size drive would be more commonly used in this range, especially for engine work?

Thanks!

Probably 1/4" but...not necessarily. Depends on what you already have socket wise/the clearances of the bolts. With that level of torque the drive size won't matter only socket clearance. Use what you're more comfortable using. You could just slap on an adapter and use the 1/4" with 3/8" sockets or vice versa if necessary. It's very low torque (around 10 foot pounds), I'm not sure what you're planning on doing if you mean an automotive engine. I'm not sure you'd want a clicker for that level of torque because of the error being (usually) 4-6%. If the work is that precise with such low torque you would want something with less variance.

What's it for (what bolts?)?

 

[shamrock12]

Several of 1/4" and 3/8" micrometers I've looked at are supposedly accurate within 3% of their setting. I just would like to be prepared for future projects that would involve working on the engine such as lawn tractor, car, light truck, etc. (carb, valve cover, injectors, pretty much anything engine related components)