Recommend a small torque wrench

[Pumpman1968]

Now that my kids are (mostly) grown up, they are buying newer cars. We have 5 vehicles just in the immediate family and only 1 (mine) is an older small block Chevy. I find myself in need of a smaller torque wrench with lighter settings. I have larger wrenches up to 250 ftlbs, but, they are obviously useless when torqueing a spark plug on an OHV engine to 13ftlbs. Cost isn't necessarily an issue as I want something decent, but, it will have VERY limited use. NOTHING I do at work requires anything so delicate.

I looked at the Harbor Freight 1/4 and 3/8 units......cheap and readily available. Many guys have raved about the 1/2" units. Anyone use the smaller units for such things?

MORE than willing to spend more..............I'm of the "buy it once" mentality.

Would like to stay under $75 for something better.

 

[gdocktor3]

I bought one of the craftsman torque wrenches a few years ago that are always on sale and checked it many times with my older USA craftsman & my snap on and it is always right on. I also have an older snap on one that is short like a ratchet. It's nice for small stuff. I like it the most, but they all work. This is snap on I have https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai...OCYKHamBBKwQpysI_QI&ei=zRjoVo7eCMbxmAGpg5LgCg

Also a craftsman rep told me via email it would cost $60 to recalibrate one of my older torque wrenches plus shipping, and it would take a few weeks because they don't do that in store. A new one can be had for $50+/- then if it gets knocked out of whack, just go trade it in for new one.

 

[48548]

Here are the ones I bought. 1/4 for valve bodies and 3/8 for other things.

One is the gear wrench click and the precision instruments 3/8 split beam. Both made in the USA. The snap on 1/2 are under them. I like the PI split beams the best and my snapon was made by them.

I didn't pay this much and this looks like a newer model.

http://www.gearwrench.com/torque-wr...e-micrometer-torque-wrench-30-200-in-lbs.html

http://www.torqwrench.com/tools/item.php?StockCode=C2FR100F

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I just picked up a Precision Instruments micrometer torque wrench for smaller stuff... 30-200 in-lbs for $100. Now I have coverage from 3-250 ft-lbs between three wrenches (PI 3/8" 30-200 in-lbs, SO 3/8" 5-75 ft-lbs and SO 1/2" 30-200 ft-lbs).

What range you looking for and drive size? Remember only 20%-100% scale is accurate.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

If you can find one of the 1/4" USA Made Gearwrench TWs like pictured above, go that route. I love mine, made by Armstrong and also sold as Matco. Extremely compact, even if you keep it in the case.

Don't know if it's still available since Gearwrench has been switching from the USA made TWs to China ones, but last I've heard they still hadn't switched the 1/4".

1/4" Torque Wrench (30-200 in/lbs) - Gearwrench 85050, Armstrong 64-032, Matco TRA200

 

[nh_yota]

I bought a 3/8" Tekton torque wrench off Amazon a couple of years ago and it works great. Can't beat the price too. I use it for smaller tasks like spark plugs and drain/fill plugs. I have a big 1/2" Husky torque wrench for bigger tasks like suspension bolts, axle nuts, wheels etc.

 

[Pumpman1968]

I am going to look into the Gearwrench. I have the long 1/2 drive USA made one and it is MILES ahead in quality over anything else in it's price range.

 

[winlinmac]

Tekton is definitely a great option. Their customer service clearly stands behind their tools.

I bought a 3/8" Tekton torque wrench off Amazon a couple of years ago and it works great. Can't beat the price too. I use it for smaller tasks like spark plugs and drain/fill plugs. I have a big 1/2" Husky torque wrench for bigger tasks like suspension bolts, axle nuts, wheels etc.

 

[Soslow]

I would not recommend the harbor freight editions but Inhave both snap on and Precision Instruments and they have both been stellar.

 

[Jim Diesel]

I have a Teng Tools 1/4 inch micrometer type. Has served me well over the years. Can not comment on warranty, as i have never had to make a claim.

 

[bryan750]

I would look at precision instruments,I really like my split beams.

 

[MrGiggles]

I bought a 3/8" Tekton torque wrench off Amazon a couple of years ago and it works great. Can't beat the price too. I use it for smaller tasks like spark plugs and drain/fill plugs. I have a big 1/2" Husky torque wrench for bigger tasks like suspension bolts, axle nuts, wheels etc.

This.

I have them in 3/8 and 1/4. Very nice, good audible clicks. Much more refined than the HF torque wrenches.

 

[four.cycle]

Pumpman:

just for giggles go to Ebay and search " JS Technology torque wrench ".

little 1/4" drive clickers for about $35 and up.
GSA/military surplus.

just my two cents.

 

[brownbagg]

on torque wrenches I use proto. I got three 48" 750 lbs and just bought a smaller 200 lb

 

[mr.speaker]

Why not just get a Craftsman 3/8" beam torque wrench? I picked mine up for $15 at Ace hardware and they hold their calibration unless you abuse them..

Also have some cheapo's from harbor freight and they've been calibrated periodically at the local college and are always within spec

 

[47newcastle]

I can vouch for the precision instruments 1/4. I used it today for the first time. Valve covers and lower intake.

It was a joy to use. Nice positive clicks. Head could have been finer tooth but that's not too big of a deal.

 

[chipss36]

I can vouch for the precision instruments 1/4. I used it today for the first time. Valve covers and lower intake.

It was a joy to use. Nice positive clicks. Head could have been finer tooth but that's not too big of a deal.

What he said......

 

[Adam.C]

Better have a plan for angles. How will you do angles? There are alot of euro cars specifying low torqs with angles all over the car.

Guys won't want to hear this, but a used Snap On tech angle is the only decent choice out there. I have 2 and paid under $150 for each.

 

[Mechanical Noise]

I have the HF 1/4" clicker and I won't recommend it. Problem is, the click is almost imperceptible. I guess you might get used to it, but why bother? It's also bulky, built out of a 3/8" drive wrench.

 

[Chris_L]

Im partial to the split beams from precision. Adjust quickly and dont have to worry about setting them down to 0.

 

[chipss36]

Better have a plan for angles. How will you do angles? There are alot of euro cars specifying low torqs with angles all over the car.

Guys won't want to hear this, but a used Snap On tech angle is the only decent choice out there. I have 2 and paid under $150 for each.[/QUOT

Angle and tty with a torque wrench, best have a very large one as tty can and does,and with the even the mighty snapsnap techangle, put the wrench into over torque mode. And then requires Service, due to using wrench outside its intended range, a techangle for $150? Never seen one sell that low used on eBay, $350 ish is what I have seen. Must have found someone in a bind?
Angle gage is like $10 ? And a breaker bar, No battery needed.

 

[Chris_L]

Most are 30,60,90*. Torque wrench + impact till the hole moves 30,60,90*