Looking for a 3/8 in/lb torque wrench.

[hudd1256]

I’m looking to do and intake menifolt gasket on my car and the bolt torque for the lower and upper intake bolts is 89 in/lbs. I did the same job on the last car I had without a tourque wrench but I would really like one being I’m screwing down plastic. I’ve got two in mind and I’m looking for some recommendations slash feedback on them.

Gearwrench 85061 or a CDI 2502MRMH

They are both 30-250 in/lbs and micrometer type

 

[Wamsutta]

My car has both a lower and upper intake manifold. The lower is 189 inch pounds and the upper is 89 inch pounds. I used a 1/4 drive torque wrench and it worked fine. I'm not sure why you'd want a 3/8 drive, but they do make them with that drive size in that range if that's what you want.

 

[hudd1256]

I just like 3/8 drive because I have more sockets in that size than anything else.

 

[plinker]

I have the CDI (labeled as IBM), works nice, the selector works backwards compared to other ratchets and is easy to put in the "fixed" position by accident while using it. Otherwise, it works fine no issue. Tooth count could be higher, but that's with most any torque wrench made.

It has a three position selector on, off and non ratcheting/fixed position.

Never really ran into a problem where the 3/8 was a problem, though I do use it with a 3/8 to 1/4 adapter often enough. Mine's also a QR.

 

[Wamsutta]

A screaming deal here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SNAP-ON-3-...99d059c:g:B7oAAOSwk3RbtZyY&LH_ItemCondition=3

 

[CJM8515]

I have craftsman branded gear wrench ones, accurate and easy to use.

 

[Fedwrench]

I have the older US Made version Gearwrench version. I bought it to use on all of those plastic upper intakes. It has served me well. I believe the current Gearwrench versions are made in china though.

It would cost more but i would look at an electronic torque wrench. Perhaps a 3/8 drive flex head model that you could bounce from inch pounds, to foot pounds, to newton meters. in the end, might be more useful despite the initial cost.

 

[Briancapecoral]

I have the CDI, got it from Zoro. It came with a calibration certificate. I bought one for the same reason, replacing an intake.


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[hudd1256]

Well my big complaint with CDI is the head design and the Laser ingraving both just scream cheap. I thought if I’m gonna buy a cheap torque wrench it might as well be a $60 one rather than a $120 one. I also just got done talking to the guy at NAPA about a Carlyle CHTTW38RH1. Wich is 3/8 20-250 in/lbs, but I don’t know we’re its made. If it’s china or Taiwan I might as well go with the gearwrench for less money.

 

[ishiboo]

I have the GW, very pleased with it... though it was Made in USA when I bought it. Came with calibration. Used it initially for torquing main panel lugs.

 

[txvwnut]

Precision Instruments, American made and are rather affordable.

 

[plinker]

Well my big complaint with CDI is the head design and the Laser ingraving both just scream cheap. I thought if I’m gonna buy a cheap torque wrench it might as well be a $60 one rather than a $120 one. I also just got done talking to the guy at NAPA about a Carlyle CHTTW38RH1. Wich is 3/8 20-250 in/lbs, but I don’t know we’re its made. If it’s china or Taiwan I might as well go with the gearwrench for less money.

The Carlyle is a 72 tooth, Facom style from the looks of it.
The package in this link says Taiwan.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NAPA-CARLYLE-TW38RH1-3-8-TORQUE-WRENCH-FREE-SHIPPING/292656458109?epid=10021817140&hash=item4423af297d:g:EwAAAOSwKLxbWgpD:sc:USPSPriority!54555!US!-1

The price difference isnt much between the Gearwrench & Carlyle, The Carlyle is finer toothed which is a plus.

https://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-85061.aspx

PI has a US made wrench, likely a 36 tooth. Similar price, though out of stock at the moment.
https://www.tooltopia.com/precision-instruments-m2r200hx.aspx



FWIW, most all torque wrenches are going to be laser engraved. It doesnt impress me, but it is what it is anymore.

 

[Wamsutta]

Precision Instruments, American made and are rather affordable.

Better yet: Precision Instruments made for Snap-on NOS.

 

[Qualitytools]

Check out NORBAR, they make very nice torque wrenches in the size you're looking for

 

[winlinmac]

That's a great deal, but looking at the picture, its been stored "beyond" the lowest appropriate setting. Not sure if it would require a calibration though. Looks exactly like the CDI, but this one goes up to 200ft lbs

A screaming deal here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SNAP-ON-3-...99d059c:g:B7oAAOSwk3RbtZyY&LH_ItemCondition=3

 

[guy48065]

That's a great deal, but looking at the picture, its been stored "beyond" the lowest appropriate setting. Not sure if it would require a calibration though. Looks exactly like the CDI, but this one goes up to 200ft lbs

That would be an excellent choice for the money. No worries that the wrench was stored turned down below the lowest marking. Some cheap torque wrenches can be turned down "too far" so ALL the tension is off the spring & the guts can get out of alignment--but that doesn't happen with GOOD wrenches. That handle will stop rotation before the spring is unloaded.

 

[Wamsutta]

That's a great deal, but looking at the picture, its been stored "beyond" the lowest appropriate setting. Not sure if it would require a calibration though. Looks exactly like the CDI, but this one goes up to 200ft lbs

I always back mine off until it stops. All you're doing is relieving the tension on the spring so that it doesn't develop a 'memory.'

 

[dacan23]

Yeah a 1/4 one is suited best for in lbs, I have a old craftsman one. They are much smaller which is usually needed when doing things under 10lbs/120in. Tekton's torque wrenches aint bad if you dont want to spend $100+

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M12284X/?tag=atomicindus08-20

My car has both a lower and upper intake manifold. The lower is 189 inch pounds and the upper is 89 inch pounds. I used a 1/4 drive torque wrench and it worked fine. I'm not sure why you'd want a 3/8 drive, but they do make them with that drive size in that range if that's what you want.

 

[bob15]

For the amount of torque you are doing, I prefer a dial. Drive size: 1/4 or 3/8, whichever is cheaper.

 

[Fly YX]

For the people that have the CDI torque wrenches do you have problems with them reversing on you? We got some new ones at work that have that problem.

 

[Olafur]

Check out 3/8 drive digital torque adaptor.

Great tools, super accurate, unit conversion, reverse torque, show peak torque, great to check calibration for torque wrenches. Mine has thousands of torque cycles under the belt, zero complaints.

 

[Briancapecoral]

I have 3 CDI, yet to have one reverse on its own.


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[madwi]

For the people that have the CDI torque wrenches do you have problems with them reversing on you? We got some new ones at work that have that problem.

Never had mine reverse on me while using it.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

Better yet: Precision Instruments made for Snap-on NOS.

why? just to pay more so it says snap on?

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I too like the dial type. I have a SO Torqometer but, the PI is the same thing for a lot less money. I would suggest getting the follow up pointer if you go with this style. My 3/8" in/lbs has one but my 1/2" ft/lbs does not. Wish I would have gotten the follow up in the bigger one.
http://www.torqwrench.com/tools/item.php?StockCode=D2F150HL