Ok, so I'd like to expand my small tool set by adding a torque wrench. I live in an apartment and don't even have space to warrant purchasing a floor jack or jack stands, so I'm pretty sure I won't ever be doing any major work. I would like something well suited for spark plug, oil plug, other various maintenance tasks that are best suited for a torque wrench. Is there a small one you guys can recommend or is it not even worth buying one if I only plan on doing light DIY maintenance?

 

I know that you can get a Kobalt 3/8 in drive torque wrench at lowes for a pretty good price. they also have a 1/2" drive that a little bigger and a little more expensive. I will probably be buying both soon. but I do a lot of work to my car, and I already have a pretty big tool collection, so I like to have everything even if I don't need it.

but for most people getting the 3/8" drive would work great.

 

Excellent, I live right next to a Lowes. I will take a gander at their cheapest, smallest 3/8. Thank you!

 

I don't know if you have looked at torque wrenches before, but they're not cheap. even there cheapest one is still going to be around $80-100

 

I saw one at an auto parts store for $30... Their pricing is usually a little high too... Would you not purchase this or would this be a good deal?

 

^ that just sounds like a pos. I bought the craftsmen 3/8 inch microtorque. Its awesome I got it on blackfriday for $40 but sears sells it for $70 i believe

 

i have one from harbor freight
works great, i don't know the price though

 

I bought a GreatNeck torque wrench from AutoZone for like 20 bucks. Is this a super-cheapo wrench that isn't reliable? I haven't had any issues with it so far, and I've rotated my tires as well as lent it to some friends to change their tires.

 

20 bucks is pretty cheap for a torque wrench. My craftsman gauge-type one was $40 used.

 

I just have the old school pointer type. They were made by Craftmans, I think I bought them about 20 years ago.