[SubaruSTiMike]

Hey guys, I was looking for a torque wrench and got obsessed with research. Here are somethings I found.

It's a good idea to have 3 ranges of torque wrenches. The torque wrench works best around the middle of their range, as in it is more accurate. Most people have a collection of 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive with different ranges. Of course you shouldn't use torque wrenches to break bolts, only to torque.

For the dollar minded person, a Harbor Frieght torque wrench will get some jobs done, but I wouldn't torque engine stuff with it. Exhaust and other types of bolts would be good for it. Their 3/8 drive, 10-80 ft/lb are like 20 dollars so you can't really beat the price. I did find one thread though that after a guy had it for some years, the torque spec was WAY off , something like doubling the torque he thought he was putting down. I bought one anyways since it does get the job done.

For intermediate torque wrenches, I suggest you do not go with Craftsman's digitork or any craftsman torque wrenches. I've read numerous threads and reviews saying these will break easier since the quality isn't as good as what craftsman use to be (something about them changing manufacturing companies). They also come with a 90 day limited warranty (or a year, I forget, but it's not lifetime). These wrenches go for about 100. I would suggest a Home Depot branded "Husky" torque wrenches. I hear very good things about them and I bought one of these myself. I got the 50-250 ft/lb 1/2 drive and it feels really good and looks like it has better quality. They also have a lifetime warranty where you can bring it in and have them replace it for free.

Of course, if you have the money, go with Snap-on. Even if you don't have the money, it's a good investment since these should last you a long time. With torque wrenches, you don't want to go cheap since it's pretty vital you torque bolts to spec. These wrenches can be recalibrate while the other wrenches cannot. You can find some legitimate ones on ebay for a good price but ymmv.

Always set your torque wrench to zero or the lowest torque setting as to not put any strain on the wrench while it is in storage. Also never drop and handle your wrench with care.

[WESTI]

i only have 2....... a 3/8 thats good from 5-80 and a 1/2 inch one thats good from 25-150. I honestly see no need for a 1/4 inch drive torque wrench unless you're building little rc cars and need a torque setting of like .5 ft lbs. I have both craftsman ones and actually i read in the manual that anything under 12 ft/lbs is good enough to store it. You dont have to set it down to the lowest setting (it came set to like 8 ft/lbs or something). CRAFTSMAN FTW!

[nandanrp]

I have two:

Husky 10-110 and 50-250.

Covers the range I need, and Husky is affordable

[houdni]

1- mac 1/4drive dial type for rolling torque inch pound torque wrench
1- 3/8 drive snap on beam style torque wrench
1- 1/2 drive snap on adjustable click style torque wrench
1- 1/2 drive beam style torque wrench

the adjustable click style torque wrenches should be stored on the lowest rating your wrench torques too...beam style can be stored without putting it back to its lowest setting....

i prefer the beam style as theres a louder click and feel compared to the others....the dial torque wrench for valve bodies and rolling torque when doing differential work.

[topend]

snap on ftw.. used a friend's and it worked great. i have also used husky without problems. but i have broken a craftsman before. oops

[STidriver12]

Originally Posted by WESTI

i only have 2....... a 3/8 thats good from 5-80 and a 1/2 inch one thats good from 25-150. I honestly see no need for a 1/4 inch drive torque wrench unless you're building little rc cars and need a torque setting of like .5 ft lbs. I have both craftsman ones and actually i read in the manual that anything under 12 ft/lbs is good enough to store it. You dont have to set it down to the lowest setting (it came set to like 8 ft/lbs or something). CRAFTSMAN FTW!

agree with u

and i even do those way in my work to build and repair little rc

but hint.. u don't need 1/4 wrench for rc, just use the driller cuz they have the torque too

just put it in number 5 and it is similar to .5 ft lbs, like charm and never strip the screws and bolts

[blk rex]

I have a $20 WalMart 1/2" I use for wheels. It didnt break the bolts on the Z4 (which call for something like 25 ft/lbs), so it wasnt bad. Did 2 sets of springs with it.

Eventually Ill buy myself a pair of SnapOns..after I buy a decent tool set. (Trying to work in tight spots with only 1/2" Drive deep inpact sockets is quite a pain)