Torque Wrench advice

[boomer12831]

I never felt that I needed a torque wrench. I would tighten the lug nuts with a breaker bar and go around them again just to be sure. Even though I had a 1/2'' air gun, I would only use a breaker bar. I watched one of the mechanics at work one night using a click style torque wrench and he was telling that he always does it that way and that is how he was taught. I rotate my tires on my f-150 every 8000 miles and recently was looking at a travel trailer and there was a sticker near the wheels that said to make sure to torque the wheels to so many ft lbs ( I do not remember the exact amount ). I am considering buying one to use for this and it will go with me in my truck when I am traveling long distances. I wonder if you guys can steer me in the right direction for a click style that will do the job and not break the bank. I also want to know if you have to compensate for using an extension on a socket. I have heard different opinions about this but wonder what you guys do? Thanks, Ed.

 

[jd_1138]

The Tekton's are pretty nice for the price.

http://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-24335-2-Inch-Torque-10-150-Foot/dp/B00C5ZL0RU

A ratchet extension should not make any difference as to the torque applied.

 

[firworks]

What do you consider "breaking the bank"?

 

[CJM8515]

I bought 2 from sears (about the only CMan stuff I own and I know they are made by gear wrench aka apex). 1/2 and 3/8, they were on sale, but right now you could buy both for like 100 bucks I believe, maybe 150.

 

[JJThrasher]

HF works good enough for most DIYers.

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-drive-click-type-torque-wrench-239.html

 

[bcradio]

If you have never used one before, get a harbor Freight version

 

[JohnM45]

I'm all about torqueing things properly. I tend to want to keep snugging things that don't need it...for instance, the valve covers on my motorcycle are magnesium with an odd shouldered bolt...you'd think they need to be snugged up really good...you know, to make a tight seal and not leak oil. Well, they don't. I'm sure I'd have stripped out the holes without a torque wrench.

I bought two of them to cover all my bases: 25-250 in.lbs. and 25-250 ft. lbs. I bought SK. They seem quality and I always back them off to their lowest setting for storage. I'd love to have them tested for spec, but never got around to it.

You can slightly warp your brake rotors by over tightening your lugs; better run out and get one tonight! Buy the best you can afford...always, no matter what you're buying....get the best you can afford.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I don't know enough to personally compare high end vs low end, but I have seen a few videos that showed the Harbor Freight version not being accurate.

 

[Richard Cranium]

agreed, if you have never used one, the h.F. one would be fine for torqueing lug nuts.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I don't know enough to personally compare high end vs low end, but I have seen a few videos that showed the Harbor Freight version not being accurate.

Personally, I'd rather own a solar powered flashlight than a HF torque wrench.

 

[Marcm157]

I bought 2 from sears (about the only CMan stuff I own and I know they are made by gear wrench aka apex). 1/2 and 3/8, they were on sale, but right now you could buy both for like 100 bucks I believe, maybe 150.

I bought 1 of each of the Craftsman's as well just about a month ago. I actually like them better than an older Snap On I had that someone gave me.

 

[firworks]

Since you've never used one before I'd probably recommend the HF or the Tekton as well. Or if you want to "buy once cry once" I'd recommend this sweet jobby that's on sale right now:
http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=PREC3FR250F

Mine just arrived today and it's really nice.

 

[CJM8515]

I bought 1 of each of the Craftsman's as well just about a month ago. I actually like them better than an older Snap On I had that someone gave me.

yea I mean Im not a CMan guy and honestly they are very nice for the money. I could have bought a tool truck one, but for the amount of use I need one I couldnt justify it. I also felt my 30+ year old CMan one I got out of a junk car at work was likely not that accurate anymore and its old and beat up.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

If you're strictly going to use it for lug nuts.. get a HF 1/2" one for $20 or so on sale. That said I use mine often for various things. I have two Snap-Ons and a CDI. 1/2" for larger stuff, 3/8" most things and another 3/8" for lower torque fasteners. At our shop we use a torque stick on the impact (verified torque) since it quick and easy.

Remember a torque wrench is really only good down to 20% of full scale and works best somewhere in the middle.

 

[JohnM45]

I guess I don't understand the "if you've never used one, buy a HF wrench". It's not like there's a learning curve where you might want to start out with a base model and eventually move up to something nicer.

I'm not a fan-boy for any particular brand, but if you need to go "cheap" maybe go with something a little better than HF. C'man...Kobalt...

 

[brownbagg]

i use proto, but all you need is a lowes or home depot torgue wrench

 

[Shady Oaks Garage]

We have one at work with the settings under a glass or plastic and after a lot of use its hard to read the settings Mine at home is a blackhawk and you screw the handle up or down to the settings I have had it 20 year and it still looks and works like new

 

[nutsnbolts]

After seeing this video, I would not buy the HF. And this isn't me just being anti-HF. A calibrated tool MUST be accurate or it is worthless, IMO. Not saying you need Snap On, but I would go bigger.

 

[firworks]

I guess I don't understand the "if you've never used one, buy a HF wrench". It's not like there's a learning curve where you might want to start out with a base model and eventually move up to something nicer.

I'm not a fan-boy for any particular brand, but if you need to go "cheap" maybe go with something a little better than HF. C'man...Kobalt...

He's currently torquing things with a breaker bar. The torque he's using right now is a total unknown and not consistent between fasteners. Any torque wrench even if it is not accurate but is somewhat repeatable would be better than that.

After seeing this video, I would not buy the HF. And this isn't me just being anti-HF. A calibrated tool MUST be accurate or it is worthless, IMO. Not saying you need Snap On, but I would go bigger.

That test shows a HF vs a Snap-On. There's no Craftsman or Kobalt or Tekton in that video. Just because they cost more than 11$ does not necessarily mean they are a more reliable or more precise instrument. They could be much better, they could all ****. If you use that video to convince yourself to buy a Snap-On or a CDi or a PI or something that's one thing. Using that to decide to spend an extra 15-25$ on an equally mysterious quality torque wrench doesn't make much sense to me.

Maybe Real Tool Reviews wants to throw some of these torque wrenches across his Skidmore Wilhelm to find out?

 

[boomer12831]

Thanks for the replies. The one that firworks posted seems in my price range. I'll start from there and start looking. I will stop at Sears and see what they have as long as they are still open. Thanks again, Ed

 

[ryan20021982]

I am pro HF and I won't buy their torque wrench, look up videos of others being tested and find one that is in your price range

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

If you're in the $100-200 price range, then consider CDI or Precision Instruments… what firworks posted is a nice wrench.

 

[DemoFly]

The only thing close to quality under $100 is a beam style IMO. What separates a good torque wrench from a cheap torque wrench is how accurate they are after many uses, and how accurate they are at low torque. You won't get that with a cheap click style.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SQ3D/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0086OE328/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mikegt4]

I would consider a torque wrench from any of the big box stores if it's only use is lug nuts. Most, if not all lug nut specs are pretty wide, 80-90 ft. lbs. for example so accuracy is not all that important. After all most tire store specs are 10-400 ft. lbs.

 

[Coasterbuilder]

I consider myself a Harbor Freight fan for many things- but just can't bring myself to think that a $15 clicker torque wrench is a good tool. For not much more money a good beam type gives me much more peace of mind if money is tight. Use the Google and understand what what measuring the torque of a bolt accomplishes and how to do it before you invest in a good tool.

 

[GRX]

1] - don't not forget to unload the torque wrench before putting it away.

2] - torque properly. Use a steady sweep motion to the 'click'. Avoid the jerk motion that is all too common when using a ratchet or breaker bar.

Beam style fan here. Used one just a few hours ago to torque the lug nuts on one of my cars after a brake job.

 

[JohnM45]

1] - don't not forget to unload the torque wrench before putting it away.

2] - torque properly. Use a steady sweep motion to the 'click'. Avoid the jerk motion that is all too common when using a ratchet or breaker bar.

Beam style fan here. Used one just a few hours ago to torque the lug nuts on one of my cars after a brake job.

What he said...

 

[Banshee365]

I bought the 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 HF torque wrenches a little while back as they were so cheap and I was more curious than anything. I've tested all of them thoroughly and they are surprisingly very accurate and consistent. Don't let that one video on YouTube deter you. They have a weak click at lower torque so an inexperienced user may not notice it and keep going until the fastener breaks.

If you want cheap and accurate, go HF. If you're a tool hobbyist and want a more accurate tool but don't mind spending the coin get a CDI.

I also have a good amount of experience with the USA Husky 1/2 clicker and its of very good quality and accuracy.

 

[nutsnbolts]

He's currently torquing things with a breaker bar. The torque he's using right now is a total unknown and not consistent between fasteners. Any torque wrench even if it is not accurate but is somewhat repeatable would be better than that.



That test shows a HF vs a Snap-On. There's no Craftsman or Kobalt or Tekton in that video. Just because they cost more than 11$ does not necessarily mean they are a more reliable or more precise instrument. They could be much better, they could all ****. If you use that video to convince yourself to buy a Snap-On or a CDi or a PI or something that's one thing. Using that to decide to spend an extra 15-25$ on an equally mysterious quality torque wrench doesn't make much sense to me.

Maybe Real Tool Reviews wants to throw some of these torque wrenches across his Skidmore Wilhelm to find out?

All I'm saying is that video is evidence to me of what NOT to buy. It is a clearly flawed product. I also stated that I didn't necessarily think one needed to buy Snap On to get a good torque wrench. I didn't suggest Craftsman or Tekton or Kobalt. I don't know where you got that idea from. All I basically said was, "Watch this video. The HF one doesn't work properly. Buy something better."

 

[48548]

Since you've never used one before I'd probably recommend the HF or the Tekton as well. Or if you want to "buy once cry once" I'd recommend this sweet jobby that's on sale right now:
http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=PREC3FR250F

Mine just arrived today and it's really nice.

I have the snapon version of this and bought the prec 3/8 version of this and obviously they are awesome. I wish someone made a 1/4 splitbeam? Being said these are made in usa which keeps jobs here and is a lifetime product. The price is good in my opinion so I would jump on it. If I didn't have a techangle I would jump on this for a spare to my snapon splitbeam.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

All I'm saying is that video is evidence to me of what NOT to buy. It is a clearly flawed product. I also stated that I didn't necessarily think one needed to buy Snap On to get a good torque wrench. I didn't suggest Craftsman or Tekton or Kobalt. I don't know where you got that idea from. All I basically said was, "Watch this video. The HF one doesn't work properly. Buy something better."

I'm not one to defend HF... but for every bad video/review, there's a good one as well. What bothers me with the video is technique, so jerky. And I believe they even got one bad reading on the SO. In addition, your taking their word that they actually set both correctly (not implying they didn't). But without seeing it first hand, you always have to take things with a grain of salt.

For someone who's never owned a torque wrench and only really wants to torque lug nuts, (torque specs usually not tight), HF will do fine. Especially the 1/2" version, which seems to be the better of the three they sell.

However if you're willing to spending between $100-200 then their are a LOT of very good torque wrenches. Don't forget that even the best ones need to be calibrated/checked every so often.

I'd be willing to bet there are a lot of peope with "good" torque wrenches, but that never actually had them checked... so no better or worse than HF or doing it by hand.

 

[FigureItOut]

Maybe Real Tool Reviews wants to throw some of these torque wrenches across his Skidmore Wilhelm to find out?

That would be informative, and would likely sell me on a new upper-midrange torque wrench. Very few torque wrench tests I've seen are without biases or flaws, he does well with such things.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[Davefr]

I absolutely hate the HF torque wrenches and here's why:

1. The scale is very small. You go from the min to max in as little as about 1" on the scale. (I think they put in the shortest spring they could find)
2. The adjustment knob feels very rough as you adjust it throughout the range
3. Every time you turn the adjustment you have to back off the lock nut. (ie PIA)
4. The click at the lower end is real wimpy. You have to be real careful or you'll miss it. A quality torque wrench will make a nice crisp/definitive sounding click at any point in the range.

The feedback is that they're accurate enough but it's these other factors as to why I hate them.

You might want to check HD and see if they have any of the USA made Husky's still in stock. (made by Armstrong)

 

[JohnM45]

I bought the 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 HF torque wrenches a little while back as they were so cheap and I was more curious than anything. I've tested all of them thoroughly and they are surprisingly very accurate and consistent. Don't let that one video on YouTube deter you. They have a weak click at lower torque so an inexperienced user may not notice it and keep going until the fastener breaks.

If you want cheap and accurate, go HF. If you're a tool hobbyist and want a more accurate tool but don't mind spending the coin get a CDI.

I also have a good amount of experience with the USA Husky 1/2 clicker and its of very good quality and accuracy.

Accurate and consistent....how do you know? No one really knows if any of them are accurate unless they are tested with proper equipment...which is why some people buy a solid brand name.

I bought an SK...which didn't break the bank...solid company with a solid reputation. Also, it came with an accuracy rating clockwise and counter-clockwise. The adjustment scale is very legible and the notches are repeatable. The click is very evident as well.

A friend of mine picked up the Husky 1/4" for small fasteners on the motorcycles...seems a quality piece and at least has a company and reputation behind it...

HF just annoys me at a ideological level I guess.....it stands for everything I hate: do it cheap; do it quick; just get it done...certainly those things have there place, which is different for everyone. Meh - whatever... Sign of the times I guess...I'm sounding more and more like my dad every day. I'm too young for this to happen!

Buy the best you can afford...

 

[bcradio]

I guess I don't understand the "if you've never used one, buy a HF wrench". It's not like there's a learning curve where you might want to start out with a base model and eventually move up to something nicer.

I'm not a fan-boy for any particular brand, but if you need to go "cheap" maybe go with something a little better than HF. C'man...Kobalt...

Simple. If you have never cared enough to torque your lugs before, then a HF will be more than sufficient to get them pretty close. No sense in buying an expensive one when you never cared enough before to do it.

 

[JohnM45]

Simple. If you have never cared enough to torque your lugs before, then a HF will be more than sufficient to get them pretty close. No sense in buying an expensive one when you never cared enough before to do it.

I guess - my brain doesn't work that way. Since I have "always" cared, I think everyone has/does... lol ... I've been accused of being "particular" a time or two as well...

 

[bcradio]

I guess - my brain doesn't work that way. Since I have "always" cared, I think everyone has/does... lol ... I've been accused of being "particular" a time or two as well...

Oh I'm totally with you. I have always cared as well.

 

[Sal Bandini]

1 bad video.

Counterpoint:

http://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/torque-wrench-tester.585234/#post7569808

http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums/186267-post10.html

http://www.hdforums.com/forum/general-harley-davidson-chat/303685-chinese-torque-wrenches-2.html


It's up to buyer to decide.

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

I have a PI split beam and a SO micrometer style. They're different torque ranges, but given the choice, I would take the PI over the SO every time. Both are accurate according to audit, but the split beam is much more convenient. The PI wasn't very expensive either, got it from Amazon.

 

[Avplayer]

I have 3 CDI torque wrenches....all dual scale metal. Best place is toolsdelivered.com