Torque Wrenches

99silveradoz71 · October 1, 2002

Looking for a torque wrench to do my shocks(probably a 1 time thing with this truck). I know when Rob(on here somewhere, not sure what exact sn he uses here) and I did the fluids underneath we torqued some of the plugs and the rear diff cover on using lighter settings. Here are my options:

Sears- 3/8" 10-75ftlbs $60, 1/2" 25-250ftlbs $100, 3/8" 25-250ftlbs (shorter length shaft) $60

Home Depot-Husky- 1/2" 25-250ftlbs $59, 3/8" 10-100ftlbs $54.

I know the lugnut spec is 140ftlbs, so I'd want something to get that high, which so far can only be a 1/2". Rob also suggested getting a 3/8" as the wrenches with the larger ranges may not be as accuracte with the lower numbers. Any thoughts? Leaning towards at least the 1/2" Husky.

GreenRado · October 1, 2002

Just started researching this myself as well. I'd definitely get one that would at the least do lug nuts, w/ some to spare, and also I think I'd want one w/ metric and english calibration as well.

Haven't gotten into brands yet, but I read some things I liked about the Husky, although it's been too long to recite the specifics now - something maybe about NIST certification for the calibration. My 2 cents is to go for quality over price.

Good idea on the smaller 3/8" for the lower torques, too!

carguru · October 1, 2002

I have a 1/2, a 3/8 and 1/4 in drive ones. The 2 larger ones are made by S-K and the small one is a Snap On. It is true that if you do lower torques (spark plugs, etc) it will not be as accurate with the 1/2 in drive wrench (could be off by 30% or more). 3/8 should do fine for the lower torques. 1/4 is best for very low torque. The 1/2 in drive is good for wheel lug nuts and engine work requiring high torque. Both of my larger wrenches are the click type. The small one has the indicator. The 1/2 in wrench is a good all around one. Pick up the 3/8 later if you need to do much low torque stuff.

MarkD · October 1, 2002

I started with a 1/2". I now have a 3/8" and a 1/4".

Craftsman and Snap-On.

CMNTMXR81 · October 1, 2002

Sorry, I'm Snap-On (BTW, the Mac Tools Top Fuel Dragster LOST to the Snap-On T/F dragster this weekend during qualifying in the battle of the tool cars ).

I would go 1/2 inch when working on chassis components. I wouldn't even look at anything that maxes out at 75lbs-ft. Most stuff especially on chassis are a minimum 100-125lb-ft. So defintely go with a maximum 250lb wrench.

I'd save 3/8's drive for inch pound torque wrenches.

Import Hater · October 1, 2002

Looking for a torque wrench to do my shocks(probably a 1 time thing with this truck). I know when Rob(on here somewhere, not sure what exact sn he uses here) and I did the fluids underneath we torqued some of the plugs and the rear diff cover on using lighter settings. Here are my options:

Sears- 3/8" 10-75ftlbs $60, 1/2" 25-250ftlbs $100, 3/8" 25-250ftlbs (shorter length shaft) $60

Home Depot-Husky- 1/2" 25-250ftlbs $59, 3/8" 10-100ftlbs $54.

I know the lugnut spec is 140ftlbs, so I'd want something to get that high, which so far can only be a 1/2". Rob also suggested getting a 3/8" as the wrenches with the larger ranges may not be as accuracte with the lower numbers. Any thoughts? Leaning towards at least the 1/2" Husky.

If you're on a budget...why not get a dial type torque wrench. They're fairly accurate and usually only about $20-30 at Sears. For limited use, I'd say they're fine. If you're using them all the time, then a click type would of course be better. And going to the "truck sold" brands like Snap-On is sure a pricey way to go. There is no other choice for a professional, but for someone who just works on their own car, Craftsman is fine. I've never used Husky tools, so I'm not willing to put my personal stamp of approval on them.

You don't have air tools do you? If you just want something that has 140 ft. lbs. for the lugs, then you could get what's called a torque stick for your impact gun. They're only about $35.

Rob

99silveradoz71 · October 1, 2002

Went with the Husky 1/2" 25-250 I believe. That ought to do what I need for now. Also picked up a Craftsman 6hp 30gal vertical compressor, so I ought to be good to go for the shock project if I can hook up with Rich(one of the city's mechanics). Just need impact sockets if anyone can recommend sizes/brands...nothing too pricey, today was already a taxing day on the Visa