Torque Wrench

[pdizzleinmt]

what brand of torque wrenches do you guys prefer? i dont use one very often but i am looking for a decent one. i would mainly use a 1/2" for head bolts

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Firstly, what torque range and what price range?

 

[pdizzleinmt]

i would say up to 250ft lbs is all i need. dont have a price range in mind really just wondering what options were out there for quality torque wrenches. i could hop on the tool truck tomorrow and shell out 300 but for something i dont use all the time i dont think thats really what i should do haha

 

[Moose-LandTran]

If it's mostly for headbolts, then you probably won't get a very low range if you want 250lb/ft at the top range. They're usually 50-250lb/ft with that upper range. You'd probably be better off getting two torque wrenches, a 3/8" and a 1/2".

I have 7 torque wrenches, it still isn't enough.

 

[pdizzleinmt]

what brand would you suggest for a 3/8 and 1/2?

 

[nate379]

Armstrong (Matco), CDI, Craftsman

I'm not a fan of the Snap On. They look nice, but are expensive and in my experience they don't hold calibration well compared to the others I have listed.

 

[mrholeshot]

I have some older Snap-On with the locking dial (dont have to be zeroed) and I also have a Williams I like but it has to be zeroed afte each use

 

[tw33k2514]

Let's not forget Precision Instruments

http://www.torqwrench.com/

 

[vssjim]

don't forget Proto also, PI or Proto are both good.

 

[dseybert]

I have a 1/2 drive SK that goes up to 250 ft-lbs that I bought from Tool Topia about a year ago. I use it a lot to swap tires on my car for the track. It's been great, but I'm not sure if you'll be able to find any SK right now. I also have a 3/8 drive Craftsman that goes to 75 ft-lbs that I've used a few times under that hood and it's been ok as well. Beware, if you buy a Craftsman though, they don't have the same warranty as the other hand tools.

 

[scotte]

For 1/2 get the Pi split beam or if you want a red handle and don't mind paying double the snapon version ( made by pi)

If you are working on gas engines (esp. Modern ones with TTY head bolts) get a 3/8 digital with a angle capability

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

For a split beam, get a PI. For a regular "clicker", get a CDI. For late model, torque to yield (torque plus angle) head bolt, get a Snap-on Tech Angle.