How to Choose A Torque Wrench?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

#11

09-23-2008, 05:10 AM

Shaklee3

HCF Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Aug 2008

Posts: 37

Quote:

Originally Posted by civicexracer

i picked up an AmPro 1/2" 10-150 FT-LBS tq wrench from Adavanced Auto on sale for like $30. been using it for over a year or so and i use it A LOT, esp on my lug nuts since i swap wheels from racing a sh*t ton. if i can find tq specs, i'll use it each and every time...the sound of the wrench clicking is quite satisfying to me. i like the feeling of knowing a bolt is very unlikely to fail under stress because its tq correctly. its def one of my favorite tools.

Most of the engine bolts I've seen are 1-10lbft torque. Should I get one of those metered ones to do low torque settings, and a different one for the bolts that require more torque? I haven't seen to many click ones rated from 0 torque up.

Oh, and all my current sockets are 3/8. Is it better to buy an adapter for the 1/2 or just get a 3/8 wrench?

#12

09-24-2008, 11:24 AM

Mr Mobsta Man

HCF Member

Join Date: Jun 2006

Location: West Virginia

Posts: 3,086

I don't know of many engine bolts that are below 10ft-lbs. Valve cover bolts maybe, but snugging them up with a ratchet works better for me, I have heard of lots of people breaking them while trying to use a tq wrench.

If you need to tq something that low in ft-lbs just convert it to inch-pounds and use a in-lbs wrench.
1ft-lb = 12in-lbs

#13

09-25-2008, 07:32 PM

Shaklee3

HCF Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Aug 2008

Posts: 37

FYI - I went to sears today and Craftsman do NOT have a lifetime warranty. Their ratchet torque wrenches have 90 days-1 year warranty. The one with a needle and meter have a lifetime warranty.

#14

11-13-2008, 10:40 AM

my99lx

HCF Member

Join Date: Nov 2007

Location: SoCal

Posts: 193

Quote:

Originally Posted by trustdestruction

craftsman ftw

but yea, also take into account what type of things you're gonna use it for... you might want to get 2 torque wrenches, a large one and a small-medium sized one

what if you are installing a new cat-back exhaust system, what kind of torque wrench do you typically need for that?

#15

11-13-2008, 11:57 AM

trustdestruction

Moderator

Join Date: May 2007

Location: FL

Posts: 11,417

Quote:

Originally Posted by my99lx

what if you are installing a new cat-back exhaust system, what kind of torque wrench do you typically need for that?

I would just tighten the bolts to the point where they're real tight. It would probably be hard to use a torque wrench in such an odd space such as the area where the exhaust pipe runs.

#16

11-13-2008, 12:55 PM

my99lx

HCF Member

Join Date: Nov 2007

Location: SoCal

Posts: 193

i asked cuz for some reason i remember reading somewhere that a torque wrench was required for installing a new cat back. i guess i misread it or i was thinking of something else. thanks.

#17

11-13-2008, 07:12 PM

trustdestruction

Moderator

Join Date: May 2007

Location: FL

Posts: 11,417

Quote:

Originally Posted by my99lx

i asked cuz for some reason i remember reading somewhere that a torque wrench was required for installing a new cat back. i guess i misread it or i was thinking of something else. thanks.

no you're right a torque wrench is highly recommended, but it's a major PITA to get a torque wrench in such a small area. You can achieve the same thing by using a regular ratchet and just guessing when you think it is tight enough

#18

11-13-2008, 11:56 PM

my99lx

HCF Member

Join Date: Nov 2007

Location: SoCal

Posts: 193

so if i was to get one it would be best to go with 1/2" ft/lb when installing the exhaust?

#19

11-14-2008, 04:07 AM

Forty04

Laced with Sarcasm

Join Date: Mar 2005

Posts: 15,280

The needle and meter ones are junk man. I spent ~$75 on one of these guys a few years ago and it handles everything from small jobs to crank pulley bolts..