Need torque wrench recommendations
 

i have the beam type and i don't like it. i'm going to get the kind that clicks.

There seems to be quite a selection out there.

I will need it for general automotive purposes except big time engine rebuilding. Additionally, I will need it for tightening the wheel lugs.

What size (in terms of torque range) should I get? 3/8 or 1/2?

Nothing puny and nothing He-Man but generally useful.

You really need one of each. Unless you will be doing engine rebuilding, don't go out and spend big bucks on a high dollar one. I have a 1/2 drive made in China special that I use mostly for lug nuts and less critical items. I bought a nicer 3/8 drive SK brand for other stuff - valve cover bolts, etc... Believe it or not, amazon.com has decent prices on some torque wrenches. Also tooltopia.com might have some stuff.

Scott

that sounds like good advice.

what 'range' should the 1/2 be? for wheels

what 'range' should the 3/8 be? for valve covers

Clickers are nice. Overkill for tightening lugs tho. Valve cover, cam rocker mounts, all OK w/ 3/8". 1/2" is better for torquing injectors. Buy it based on your needs for the next job that you do. Don't lie to yourself, you'll end up w/ both anyways.

If you can wait till day after thanksgiving, craftsman torque wrenches were doobusters at sears, less than 1/2 price I think.

Torque wrenches tend to be most accurate in the middle of their range, not at the very low or very high ends. So, I would get a 1/2 drive that is rated for no less than 100 ft./lbs., preferably more. I'm going to guess mine is 100 or 120. For the 3/8, something less - I know that isn't very specific. I think my 3/8 is rated for 250 inch/lbs which is really low but I bought it for torquing smaller size bolts. Its really not going to be too critical as to what you get. Like I said, its not like you are going to be rebuilding engines, or maybe you are?? :)

Scott

Craftsman digital is the way to go for engine building and such. Clickers are good for tires and random crap.

1/2 drive is the most useful. You can always use a 1/2 down to 3/8 adapter.
I would recommend one with no less than Sears Craftsman quality wise. One made in the US of by a good Japanese company. I have not seen an German or Euro made ones but if they are out there get a name brand one.
The more difficult choice is what torque range you need. I have a Husky 39104 click type that goes from 25-250 Foot-Pounds. So I cannot torque anything below 25 Foot-Pounds (I use my Beam type Torque Wrench for that or just tighten by hand).

My Torque wrench also has a Netwon Meter scale on it so I do not have to convert.

So you will have to decide how high you want your Torque to go.
You most often see Torque wrenches that go up to 125 or 150 Foot-Pounds but this may not be enough for some parts of Diesels.
I have been working on my suspension lately and the Eccentric Bolt of the Lower Control arm is torqued over 130 Foot-Pounds.
You might want to check some of the Torque values in the manual to help you dcide how high of a Torque you need.
Also there was a Thread about 3 weeks ago about Torque wrenches you might want to take a look there to.

I've got a Craftsman 3/8 and a Snap On 1/2. They both work great. Although you can really tell the difference in quality between the two.

I have a Harbor Freight 1/2 inch torque wrench and a 17mm socket in the trunk for the wheels. It's very useful in torquing the lugs, you could also use it as a breaker bar, but I also a breaker bar in the trunk for the wheels as well. It's accurate enough for lugs, and it doubles as a neat breaker bar, and it's usually on sale for $9.99.

If you want to spend more than 10 dollars on a torque wrench I would go for the used Snap On, S/K, etc used torque wrench on eBay for under $100. 1/2 drive is the most useful because it has the widest ranges it can torque things.

Calibrated elbow, it's about as expensive as a ratchet.

I am half kidding here...I would get something 3/8" 80-100ft/lbs for any spinning connections (wheels, driveshaft, etc), and gaskets. Everything else should be set to 'motorcycle tight'.

http://www.tohnichi.com/

The best, tried Snap On but this one is far better.

LOL, I have just the opposite!

Would that be a Craftswoman and a Snap-Off?

LOL, a 3/8 Snap-on, and a 1/2 Craftsman!
:icon_cheesygrin:

why has proto and precission brands been eliminated ? they are both great wrenches. . . . and have a warranty besides.