Need a torque wrench...what size?

[ChaoticBliss]

I am looking to pick up a torque wrench which will be used mostly for engine work and tire changes. My question is, should I get a 3/8 or a 1/2? I can't afford both at the moment so I'm wondering which is the best size.

Thanks

 

[eschoendorff]

I started with a 1/2" dr. that went from 20-150 #s. That served me well because I use it most often for lug nuts. Then I got a 3/8 in inch #s...

I personally use Craftsman. They are basically rebadged KD tools tq wrenches (Danaher product). Others have found their to be less than accurate, but all three of mine have been dead on... from the bottom to near the top of the scale. They are cost effective, and USA made to boot.

I would never own a Husky (from Home Depot). I had two and they were bothe off by 10-20 #s.

If I were to buy another TQ wrench, it would be either another Cman or an SK... or if I were doing engine internals, probably a Precision instruments or CDI.

Just my .02....

 

[filthy_shovel]

For engine and tires, you need an 1/2 drive torque wrench.

3/8 drive are not that useful. Also, they measure everything in inch/lbs, not ft/lbs.

As for quality, since you are in Toronto, take a scoot down to Canadian tire. They have them on sale every now and then at 69.99 or so...

 

[MXtras]

1/2" is probably the most versatile.

30-150 Ft Lbs. is a good range but they are not very accurate at the top or bottom of the range - look at the accuracy and get the tool that hits your target right in the middle of the range.

I would not use a 30-150 to torque a fastener to 30 Ft. Lbs. Most wrenches are off by about 7% at the edges of the range - that could be the difference between success and failure.

Scott

 

[kartracer55]

1/2... by far... Not to many 3/8 torque wrenches go up to 110 ftlbs, and if they do its really far up on thier scale, and thats about what most wheels take. You will use it alot more than a 3/8.

Jim

 

[Jared]

I thought most wheels were 75flps am I wrong?

 

[dink]

I thought most wheels were 75flps am I wrong?

Around 70 to 95lbs

 

[vjquan]

3/8 drive are not that useful. Also, they measure everything in inch/lbs, not ft/lbs.

Not true! 3/8 is very useful for things like oil pan drain bolts, brake caliper bolts, and other small/medium size fasteners. They are available in ft./lbs. typically from 10-75 ft. lbs. What also makes them useful is that they are shorter than the 1/2 in model which makes it more convenient to use. I typically use the 1/2 inch for lug nuts and things in that torque range, but use the 3/8 for anything less than 50 ft. lbs.

 

[kartracer55]

Around 70 to 95lbs

It all depends on the car/truck. Its not as important that you torque down steel wheels like you do aluminum, as long as you dont overtighten and crack the stud.

Jim

 

[MXtras]

I have a 3/8" thats graduated in inch pounds for measuring turning resistance in rear ends, ball screws, detent force in mechanisms - all kinds of applications but I can't recall needing to ever use it for automotive work. I do use it on my YZs for the triple clamps.

Scott

 

[dink]

It all depends on the car/truck. Its not as important that you torque down steel wheels like you do aluminum, as long as you dont overtighten and crack the stud.

Jim

Oh i know...I was just verifing his question....but my personal thoughts is get the 1/2" tq wrench....it still gives a wide range of tq perimeters

 

[rhandwor]

I started with a craftsman then got a 20 to 250 Bonnie. I also have a Snap-on 3/8 inch and a 1/4 inch. About 80 to 90% can be done with a Craftsman 10 to 150.

 

[Merkava_4]

I wonder if the guy was able to find the torque wrench he wanted; he's only had 3 years to 'til today to get it.

 

[Stanger]

I PM'd him about this problem, but he seems to caught up in old threads to read it. Frustrating.