Torque Wrenches
#16
Practical question. If you assume that your cheap-azz HF torque wrench is out of spec due to use, then which way is it likely off? I'd like to use mine for lug nuts, etc. where absolute numbers are less important than evenness. Does a setting of 60 lb/ft start to click at 50 lb/ft, or does it go bad the other way?
On the other hand, its your call.
#17
Rennlist Member
For what we are doing torque wrenches are cheap if you suspect something is wrong with it get a new one.
#18
Mr. Excitement
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
My current 3/8" drive torque wrench, a Kolbalt wrench, is feeling a little wonky. The handle is getting a little loose and setting indicator is no longer lining up accurately, so it's time to replace it. I have a couple Snap-On QD wrenches, an in-lbs & big 1/2" drive model. They are nice wrenches, so I'm considering getting the QD2R100 or the Techangle ATECH2FR100A to replace the Kolbalt. Is the Techangle worth the extra $$ or overkill? I'll be rebuilding a spare trans this fall and may have an engine rebuild coming up.
Some click at value T wrenches do not require you to release the setting between uses. I think they are worth a look just for this aspect alone. The electronic units with tone or vibration are handy for repetitive work.
I learned that how you use a T wrench likely has far more impact on a final torque value / clamping pressure than brand. Some aspects like wet or dry threads make a big difference. I do not drag my good motor/trans building T wrenches to the track or use them on lug nuts. No way do I ever use one to break things loose or beyond it's setting. I had an $8 HF t wrench for track use for years until it came back broken after a loan out.
#19
Find the December 2009 Grassroots Motorsports issue online....IIRC they compared HF, Craftsman and Snap-On click-type wrenches and the HF did surprisingly well.
Gary
Gary
#20
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Lot of good advice given by others already. Both torque wrenches you mention are 100 pound range. You might find you need more range both at the top and bottom of the range. I have the Snap-on click head version that runs to 150. It has worked well over the years but I also have more than one T wrench. Check the values will you need for the work you have planned and find a t wrench or set that hits the values mid range for the wrench. You might need more than one wrench as a 100 pound wrench will not be accurate at 8 pounds and the like. An accurate beam type small range in inch pounds, a 100 and a 250 will cover most things other than high number items like some wheel bolts and the like. I also have a $20 type T wrench for lug nuts.
Some click at value T wrenches do not require you to release the setting between uses. I think they are worth a look just for this aspect alone. The electronic units with tone or vibration are handy for repetitive work.
I learned that how you use a T wrench likely has far more impact on a final torque value / clamping pressure than brand. Some aspects like wet or dry threads make a big difference. I do not drag my good motor/trans building T wrenches to the track or use them on lug nuts. No way do I ever use one to break things loose or beyond it's setting. I had an $8 HF t wrench for track use for years until it came back broken after a loan out.
Some click at value T wrenches do not require you to release the setting between uses. I think they are worth a look just for this aspect alone. The electronic units with tone or vibration are handy for repetitive work.
I learned that how you use a T wrench likely has far more impact on a final torque value / clamping pressure than brand. Some aspects like wet or dry threads make a big difference. I do not drag my good motor/trans building T wrenches to the track or use them on lug nuts. No way do I ever use one to break things loose or beyond it's setting. I had an $8 HF t wrench for track use for years until it came back broken after a loan out.
#21
The Penguin King
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I have the 1/2" Precision Instruments wrench and really like it a lot. Very easy to adjust, and there is a lock on the adjuster so once it's set it's not likely to move.
Here's a good deal on the 3/8" version: http://www.tooltopia.com/precision-i...-c2fr100f.aspx I've had good experiences buying from Tooltopia FWIW.
Here's a good deal on the 3/8" version: http://www.tooltopia.com/precision-i...-c2fr100f.aspx I've had good experiences buying from Tooltopia FWIW.
#22
Mr. Excitement
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
It is hard to beat the bender bar type for lifespan. Downside is you have to look at the scale every time.
#23
Rennlist Member
X2 on Precision Instruments torque wrench. I bought the 1/2" model about a year ago, and been very happy with it. Used a lot! Split beam design allows set & forget; don't need to dial back as with the spring loaded wrenches. Came with a nice case, too.
Here's a link to the 1/2" model:
Here's the 3/8" model:
Here's a link to the 1/2" model:
Here's the 3/8" model:
#27