Torque Wrench
 

I was researching in getting a torque wrench. Is there a particular kind that is better then others? What should I be looking for in a torque wrench?
I see there's the adjustable clicker kind as well as a needle gauge one. Very confused about this. Any advise would greatly be appreciated.
I'm going to change the valve gasket as well as install a front upper strut tower bar on my 88 W124, to give you an idea of what I plan on using it for.

thanks again,

~Cali

I got mine, a cheapie clicker type, from JC Whitney for $25. It's off by 10% across the usable range. Luckily I have access to instrumentation that calibrates my torque wrench. I can tweak the setting to get the exact torque I need.

Theres lots of info here:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/search.php?searchid=280755

The link didn't work for me. But it has been discussed before in these threads:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/general-information/109820-torque-wrench-recommendations.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/117408-what-brand-torque-wrench-buy.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/118883-torque-wrench.html

Oops.
Your right... got to rember not to post those search links... unreliable.
Thanks Kestas.

Thanks for the links, it did help me out alot.

~Cali

There are several types; simple deflection beam (very cheap), split-beam, conventional click-release and dial. Of these, the click-release is probably what you're looking for because they are common and fairly cheap. From personal experience I cannot recommend Craftsman. Their torque wrenches are the only hand tools they sell that are not lifetime warranty. If they break they are not worth fixing, and they do break.

Snap-on sells some of the best. Snap-on has several click-release models varying in cost according to their accuracy. The 1% wrenches are more costly than the 3% wrenches. I prefer their split-beam wrenches and have two, a 3/8 inch drive and a 1/2 inch drive. Very much worth their cost and it is nice to not have to reset to zero after using, which must be done with the regular click-release models, regardless of which brand is used.

Deflection beam wrenches in inch-pound sizes are good for measuring rotating torques, like bearing drag. The dial wrenches are very accurate and have a dial and needle register. Good ones are expensive.

Some models have dual scales, ft/lbs and newton/meters.

I suggest checking the Snap-on on-line catalog to research the various offerings. Choice is yours, you can spend a lot or just a little. I'd recommend getting the best quality you can afford.

FWIW,

230/8

I agree with the above post. I have a bunch of snap on torque wrenches and think they are excellent. One wrench will not do it all. You need to decide how much or little torque you will be using it for and buy the correct wrench. For wheels, up to 125 ft lbs is fine. For little stuff, an inch pounds 3/8" drive wrench is desired. You can get some good deals on them on ebay.
Steve

Griots sells torque wrenches with a lifetime calibration service.

If you buy a used one, you have no idea about its accuracy. By the time you pay to have it checked and adjusted, you might as well have bought a new one.