Torque Wrench Recommendations
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 141
Likes: 4
From: Pine Plains, NY
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!
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!
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 6
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
Nordschleife Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,326
Likes: 77
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.
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,544
Likes: 108
From: Northern NJ
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.
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.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,326
Likes: 77
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.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,326
Likes: 77
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.
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.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 10,424
Likes: 229
From: SOcialist republic of CALifornia
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.
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.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15,860
Likes: 1,629
From: Clifton, NJ
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.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 796
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From: Capital Region of NY
As for Velveeta, all the money on this green earth couldn't make that stuff appetizing.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,137
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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.
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.