Sarki

Thanks guys, looks like some good suggestions listed here.
I see suggestions for 3/8" as well as 1/2". Just wondering why some recommend to purchase both sizes as I see they both appear to be rated similar as in range of ft/lb (i.e 10-250).
Calling for 12"-18" snow here in NE so perfect day for tool surfing! Hope to order one (or two) by day's end!

extanker

maybe they have changed now days but asking one tool to be accurate 10/250 imho is asking too much besides i like 3/8 drive for the multiple light fasteners and 1/2 drive for heavier [lug nuts] work. i have an old I-beam 1/4 drive one ,3 3/8 drive,3 1/2 drive ,2 torque angle dials and a rod bolt stretch mike . of all of them i keep an old I beam socket read for lug bolts at all times....that is it only job......i am re-miss none have been sent back for true in YEARS . get both 3/8 and 1/2

Ahsai

3/8" can get into tighter space and less awkward to use when you have limited space to swing it (e.g., working under a car on jack stands). Also, agree with extanker's comment on size vs range. For 3/8" the snapon is the best because it's optimized on everything. Size, weight, length, proper range 75ftlb and and accuracy. Those 100ftlb ones are usually too long for the smaller bolts. For suspension and lug bolts you use 1/2" which gives you higher range (most likely you won't need anything over 200ftlb), longer with higher leverage.

fpb111

Armstrong is another brand to consider.
The reason for multiple torque wrenches is that they are the most accurate in ~the middle third of the rated range.
I.E. Even if the range goes down to 5 ft lb don't try to torque your water pump bolts to 7 with your 1/2" drive 5 - 250 wrench. You will likely torque them right off or strip the threads in the aluminum block.
I have a 1/4" drive, inch pound wrench for low torque, a 3/8" for middle torque, and a 1/2" drive for higher values.

Ahsai

The thing with cheaper torque wrenches is when they work, you get away with it but you never know when they will stop working or become grossly inaccurate. You may then strip or break a bolt...with damage and hassle you never wished to deal with.

Sarki

Frank, extanker & Ahsai
Excellent explanation and thank you, now I understand 100%. Cool, I have a legit excuse to buy multiple tools which is always fun.

JayG

Wow 2 pages and not a single mention of HF

Flame on

Ahsai

The only HF tool I used on the 996 is the extra long 1/2" ratchet (Pittsburg pro) for turning the crank pulley...with a snapon socket

The reason is the snapon socket bites the crank pulley bolt very tight so I can control the TDC position with precision confidently when I timed the engine.

5CHN3LL

My torque wrench is one of the few things I won't trust to HF. I did have an HF torque wrench a few years back. It literally fell apart while I was torquing wheel lugs on my 986 for an autocross.

I have had great luck with HF stuff, but with some tools - like the one you use to ensure your wheels don't fall off - maybe using the cheapest one available isn't always the best choice. When it comes to air tools, welding accessories, etc., HF is hard to beat.

RngTrtl

there are two things i will never cheap out on. 1) torque wrench, 2) velvetta

Quadcammer

HF torque wrenches have been tested to be just fine in terms of accuracy, comparable to craftsman and the like. I've used them for a while and haven't stripped anything. They ain't snap on but for average diy use, they are just fine....and $10 each.

KoB

Every tool has its best use. HF stuff is perfect to give to your tool-borrowing neighbor. And remember ... if you loan a friend a tool and never see him again, it was probably a good investment.

As for Velveeta, all the money on this green earth couldn't make that stuff appetizing.

sugarwood

No need to buy used.
No need to buy Snap-on.

Don't borrow from Autozone. Buy yourself some decent tools. You're not 16.
Tools make or break this hobby. Period.

A basic Tekton or HF version will be fine for you.

marc abrams

I'm normally don't stray from the 944 pages. I picked these up last year:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1-2-...ench/999960867
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-3-8-...ench/999960865
The only bad thing with these torque wrenches it records the last highest reading rather then letting you know when torque is reached so it takes a little longer to torque down a bunch of bolts. But it's accurate. Keep away from the HF torque wrench.

JayG

Any torque wrench can be accurate or inaccurate regardless of cost