Which torque wrench do I need?

[jmack]

I don't have a torque wrench and need one to perform a variety of homeowner-type tasks (ex. light car maintenance - tire changes, tune ups, etc., lawnmower maintenace and such)

Need help on a suggestion of what torque wrench(s) (hopefully just need one) will work best for me.

I see that you can get 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drives and then within each there are varying ranges of ft/lbs. Also noticed that there are needle-type, clicker-type and digital wrenches. This all seems needlessly complicated.

What size and range will cover most of my tasks?

What brand is of decent quality without costing too much?

 

[tdkkart]

To cover the range needed for a variety of homeowner stuff you really need 2 wrenches.
A 1/2' drive "clicker" model in the 20-200ft/lbs range would be my first purchase.
For anything under 20ft/lbs(240in/lbs) you really need to go to a 3/8 drive in/lbs model.

The Craftsman Digatorque line are still good values for the money, I've had a pair of them for many years with no issues.

 

[Falcon67]

One like this is likely the most versatile - 1/2" drive 20-150 ft/lbs:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944595000P?keyword=torque+wrench

A "clicker" is easier to use - you set the wrench, then it will do a small "release" when you hit the torque setting. They sell a 3/8" that covers basically the same range but for tires/lug nuts I'd use 1/2" drive personally. Lawnmower stuff would be easier with the 3/8 drive. My box has both a 1/2 and 3/8 and I use a 3/8 in/lb for transmission work. I have not had any issues with the Craftsman wrenches. They check close with my electronic torque meter.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

I have a pair of Sears Craftsman torque wrenches. I have a Craftsman Microtork 3/8 that does 25-250 inch-pounds and a Craftsman Digitork 3/8 that does 5-80 foot-pounds. I also have a GearWrench 1/2 inch Micrometer torque wrench that does 25-250 foot pounds. The GearWrench is Made In The USA, by the way. These three fit my needs. I tinker around with motorcycles and ATVs and the torque requirements are varied. As a homeowner/hobbiest, the 3/8 that does 5-80 foot pounds is fine for most things but the 1/2 that does 25-250 foot pounds is needed a lot as well, especailly for some things like lug nuts or axel bolts, etc. I never did like using a torque wrench at the extremes of its limits so I got the different ones.

 

[tdkkart]

I never did like using a torque wrench at the extremes of its limits so I got the different ones.

Exactly, especially on the lower end. I think my 1/2" drive Digatorque goes down to 12 or 15ft/lbs but it gets really mushy down there, so in those torque ranges I drop down to my in/lb model and do the math.
Not to mention, when down in those torque ranges it seems like you're always space limted too, so the smaller wrench is easier to use.

 

[jmack]

Thanks to all for the advice - Sounds like it would be best to start with a 1/2 inch model since tire rotations is one of my primary needs.

Amazon has a model by some company called Mountain. It's a 1/2 inch drive with 25-250lb range. User reviews average 4.5 stars and it's only $63 - seems like a decent deal, yes?

The 3/8 Digitork from Craftsman seems nice, but I don't want to spend $100 just yet.

 

[benjamming]

I would go with a Precision Instrument Split-Beam. One reason is that you don't have to worry about resetting the spring everytime.

 

[3500]

seems like a good time for a first post. I have a husky (home depot) 25-250lb torque wrench. It gave out after 2 years (I believe it was a fluke).....went to local HD, handed them old one, picked out new one, back on my way. They sell for $75. Since they honored their tool warranty I am happy with it.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

If you're not in a hurry, watch E-Bay. I paid $20 + $5 shipping for my GearWrench 85054. It was new. The opening bit was $20 and no one else bid on it. I was stoked...

 

[compman25]

If you're not in a hurry, watch E-Bay. I paid $20 + $5 shipping for my GearWrench 85054. It was new. The opening bit was $20 and no one else bid on it. I was stoked...

I picked up a Wright 4478 for $60 on eBay, had it checked and it was still as good as new.

 

[ovilla]

For those of you that use the digital torque wrenches, is there a way to zero out the torque wrench before/after each use? Also, how exactly does it work? I mean I'm just curious as to the internals. Is there a little motor within the wrench that turns a spring and sets the predefined tension you've asked for? Also, what noise does it make when it hits the limit that you set (does it click or beep)?

By the way, I've got three torque wrenches. I use a long handled 1/2" for tires, a small 3/8" for 15-100 lbs, and an old school 3/8" one with a scale for going from 0-80 ft lbs.

 

[Skin]

I'm not a fan of the clicker/clock torque wrenches, easy to use but you have to be careful with them and you should never use it like a regular wrench or you can wreck the spring. Likewise you have to reset the spring after you're done using it. Never store it with tension on the spring. Lastly, more peices to break. Apparently the Craftsman ones also come with a 1 yr warranty now. No exceptions.

If you want to buy a foolproof one look into the Precision instruments C2s as mentioned above. Snap-On makes their own rebranded version which you can often find used on ebay for $75 or under. Its a split beam so you have no spring to worry about wearing out. The C2 and Snap-Ons can be set to click same as the spring loaded ones

Example
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...0448845442&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Most small engine stuff is in-lbs, automotive is often ft-lbs. You can use a conversion chart [its a multiple of 12s from ft lbs so 200 in-lbs is only ~17ft-lbs].

If you can find a short enough 1/2" or 3/8" for automotive [ft-lbs] that goes down to 0 you should be good for both, just make sure you're giving yourself enough leverage for lug nuts, not that they require serious cranking anyway though. I stipulate down to 0 because most small engine stuff uses a maximum torque of 200-250in-lbs so if your torque wrench starts at 40 ft-lbs [480in-lbs].... well you get the point..

 

[lazer50]

I just bought a wright 3477,10-100 ft lbs. It was calibrated by alltite and certified.i have to say,the craftsmanship is excellent! I got it for 70 bucks!


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[lazer50]

Ill add to that,i looked at cdi,and precision instruments but i seen so many rebranded variants from taiwan identical to both companies,i went with with wright.its not a new one,and its usa made just like my armstrong from the 80's!

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[sberry]

For common home stuff a simple beam wrench would do.

 

[ford fanatic]

I would hope after seven years he picked a nice torque wrench...

 

[tvtaurus]

For the home owner, you really can't go wrong with Harbor Freight.
If you wait for a sale you can pick these up for $9.99 a piece. They have them in 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4" drive. Stay away from Auto Zone torque wrenches.

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

 

[stang2007]

How much are you willing to spend?

based on your intended use hard to beat a HF clicker for 10~ish bucks when they are on sale. if you need it now its 15.99 with a 20% off cupon.

3/8 should cover most of what your stated uses.

Just noticed the OP posted Q in 2010.

 

[ms fowler]

For common home stuff a simple beam wrench would do.

A beam wrench is pretty good for most stuff...and little to go wrong. The only problem is having to see the scale. Sometimes your head just isn't in the right spot for that.

 

[timothylockhart]

For the home owner, you really can't go wrong with Harbor Freight.
If you wait for a sale you can pick these up for $9.99 a piece. They have them in 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4" drive. Stay away from Auto Zone torque wrenches.

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

Why stay away from AutoZone ones?

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[Trey T]

3/8" torque wrench is my recommendation, the Husky from HD.

 

[pmiranda]

I would hope after seven years he picked a nice torque wrench...

Lazer had to brag

Personally I have a 10-120 1/2" drive I use all the time, and an inch-pound 3/8" that I only use if I'm doing something delicate or in a spot that the 1/2" won't fit. Both clickers, both easy to use.