I want to buy a torque wrench so I can apply the proper torque when changing rims- what is the most recommended within reasonable cost? I notice several "click type" snap on brand wrenches on ebay for the mid-upper $100 range, as well as digital snap on brand wrenches (I've heard snap on is one of the best, but it's only for home use, so any other recommendations welcome).

Is it overkill to get a torque wrench? In the past I've changed tires for flats and made it pretty tight, knowing I was going to the tire place to have a damaged tire repaired and installed by them (assuming they use a torque wrench- it's a pretty good tire shop).

The reason I'm interested in purchasing this is we just bought a cayenne, and I bought a seperate set of rims for the winter months- now that I have two sets of rims (the 19 inch in the truck plus the 18 inch set with tires I just bought) I'd like to be able to change rim sets myself through the seasons.

I'm asking in the 911 forum since there's a lot more traffic in this forum (plus I can use the wrench on my 911 too )

Thanks for any input-
Andrew

 

Hi Andrew,

It is good, sound mechanics to have a torque wrench for lugnuts, IMHO ...not at all overkill. For a good home-use one (don't go cheap with tools as these are an investment in your safety) that isn't going to break the bank, I'd personally go with a Craftsman click type. I've had my Craftsman Tq wr for years and it still feels as solid and "positive" in its action as when I first got it. Can't go wrong with Craftsman, IMHO. Hope this helps you.

Edward

 

The craftsman is pretty accurate? I looked on their website & the cheapest is almost $300...would I be better getting a good condition (appearing to be lightly used) snap on on ebay? Something along the lines of this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Excellent-Snap-O...QQcmdZViewItem

 

I bought a very large one from Home Depot. You need one that will go up to at least 130 N.m for the lug nut torque spec. I also used it to torque down my cam shaft nuts and internal tranny nuts. I think it was about $70.

I don't think it is overkill for a DIY guy. They say our problem is not too little, but applying to much torque. I noticed my mechanic just uses an air tool. Another mechanic at Gerber Motorsport in Seattle used a torque wrench.

 

Just purchased my second Craftsmen torque wrench last year.. Click type and I know I did not pay 300 for it?? My first Craftsmen torque wrench lasted approx 20 years....
You cant beat Snap on Tools, they are a bit pricey..And using a torque wrench is not overkill at all on aluminum wheels..

 

$300?!! Their website's whacked! Mine is a Digitork 1/2" drive, 25-250lb range. Sears number on it is: 944597. Cruise over to your local Sears and they should have one as these are common ( I see one and it's 3/8" brother everytime I check out the tool aisle, anyway).

Edward

 

Tightening lug nuts is probably the best argument for owning a torque wrench; it certainly isn't overkill. When tightening 20 nuts at a time at the same value, a clicker is the only way to go.

Sears is fine for this application. I do have one Snap-On - it's a 3/4", 600 ft/lb with a four foot handle. Not for lug nuts...

Steve
84 Carrera
64 356C

 

Excellent feedback. I may get a lightly used snap on on ebay in the coming weeks- unless something seems good over at Sears. I can't help but wonder how accurate these things however- when I was trying to get a few good air tire gauges (for each car), they all had different readings!!!

 

By the way, is the 1/2 inch drive the way to go? The one I used as an example is 1/2 inch drive, range of 30-200 ft/lbs, and is 21.5 inches in length. I don't necessarily have to buy this one in particular, just using it as an example.

 

Doesn't matter. Depends on what sockets you have at home.

 

Actually, it DOES matter. A 1/2" drive torque wrench will have right range for doing the lug nuts. a 3/8" will probably not go high enough; and a 3/4" or 1" drive will not be accurate as such a "low value" for those sizes.

Torque wrenches need to be operated in the middle of their range to be at all accurate. Snap-On gives two ranges on mine - one is for 2% accuracy and the other, larger range is for 4%.

Search on Pelican for long discussions on torque wrenches.

 

Oh, I didn't know that. Thanks Randy!

 

Snap-On...you can pass it on to your children someday.

 

The Snap-On ones are made by somebody else - & can be had cheaper from the manf. -- it's in one of the Pelican threads.

I bought the used electronic Snap-On ones on eBay and then sold the Sears one I had.

 

I've had my Craftsman 1/2' drive click type torque wrench for 10 years or so. I got it on sale for $79. Randy is 100% correct on using 1/2" drive for lug nuts. If you can't find a Snap On in nice shape, watch for a tool sale at Sears and you'll do just fine with one of those.

As an aside, 94 ft lbs. is the torque value for 911 lug nuts.

If you've got the coin, Snap On or Matco are good tools and will last a lifetime...