aaddpp

Was looking to add a 3/4 inch torque wrench to the tool box since my 1/2-inch stops at something like 150 or 185 ft-lbs, and there are at least two bolts on the car that need higher torque - crank shaft bolt ~235, and rear wheel ~330.

Any suggestions on a wrench that wont break the bank...Amazon has several that go to 600 ft-lbs, but are between $400 - $600, and Craftsman is $600 - $1,200 - all too much for such a limited use item. Also looked into HF, but their 3/4-inch wrench, stops at 300 lbs.

Thanks,
Dave

hacker-pschorr

It's not a 3/4 but this Husky 1/2in goes to 250 ft.-lb. - plenty for the crank bolt.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

Local parts store might have a 300+ unit in their loaner program.

pjg

3/4 in. Drive 100-600 Ft/lbs. Torque Wrench US$340.95

http://www.shoptoolsshoptools.com/sh...id=15891&bc=no


New Neiko 3/4" Drive 700 Ft Lb Automatic Torque Wrench 229.94 +30 shipping

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Neiko-3-4-Dr...item439d01ea2e

Mark SF

For the wheels just get someone 165lbs to stand 2ft front the centre on the bar, or for other weights do the calculation. I have done large torques like that myself. You know +/- 5% accuracy wont make any difference, right?

aaddpp

That's a pretty appealing option price wise. Does not get me where I need to be on ft-lbs for the rear wheels, but is probably enough to drive the mile to a mechanic I know to tighten up the rest of the way. Bonus here is that I avoid having to spend the $$ on a set of 3/4-inch sockets. Total bill at HF was about $80 for the wrench and $50 for the socket set...plus Uncle Sams cut.

Definately cheaper than what I found, but still a bit too pricey for me, especially after adding a new set of sockets.

Thanks,
Dave

blown 87

I just bought another 3/4 Snap-On, good tool, but they are very proud of it.

Rob Edwards

+1, though for me it was somewhat less than 2 feet... So far the stroker has not loosened the RR axle nut despite my best efforts.

123quattro

There is no cheap way to come up with that kind of torque wrench.

You could use a torque multiplier with your current wrench to get 3x the torque.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...5001_200315001

AO

+1 for the rear wheels. I think my calculations were 16.5" and sadly, it hasn't changed much.

Just in case you're math challenged, Take the torque you need and divide it by your weight.

Ex: Need 330Ftlbs/200lbs = 1.65 (ft)

Now take 12 inches and multiply it by your result.

Ex: 12inches * 1.65 = 19.8 inches.

So in this case if you were 200 lbs and needed to exert 330 ftlbs of torque, you would take a socket with a breaker bar and put a piece of pipe on it, then measure 19.8" (almost 20") from the center of the socket out onto the pipe. Stand there with one foot and all your weight (no holding on to something). and you will have torqued the nut/bolt to 330 ftlbs.



Oh... it's beer o'clock. Gotta run!

123quattro

Or....go out to the bar and find a smoking hot 110 pound girl. Get her to come to your garage and stand on a 3' breaker bar for you. Then photograph her on the hood of your car.

aaddpp

Mark, Rob, Andrew, thanks for that tip on the breaker bar method. Can't believe that actually works...not b/c it shouldn't, but b/c nothing in life is ever that free! Big thanks Andrew for the example, makes perfect sense.

Mark Anderson

I have a new one in the case you can have for $150

aaddpp

Now that would be an original pickup line!

blown 87

In theory that works, in the real world they always come up a bit shy due to deflection, not enough to matter here though.

dr bob

Mark, if it's a name-brand wrench I'll take it.