Torque Wrench Recommendations?
#1
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I use a half inch drive adjustable torque wrench I bought at Harbor Freight for around $15. It works well and since it cost so little, I don't really have to worry every time I loan it out [if it is not returned]. Harbor Freight usually has them on sale for around $10 or so, making it a really good bargain.
#6
I use a half inch drive adjustable torque wrench I bought at Harbor Freight for around $15. It works well and since it cost so little, I don't really have to worry every time I loan it out [if it is not returned]. Harbor Freight usually has them on sale for around $10 or so, making it a really good bargain.
If you are only going to use one once in a while, this is the way to go.
Just treat it very gently and it should last.
#7
I use a half inch drive adjustable torque wrench I bought at Harbor Freight for around $15. It works well and since it cost so little, I don't really have to worry every time I loan it out [if it is not returned]. Harbor Freight usually has them on sale for around $10 or so, making it a really good bargain.
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#8
#9
The Craftsman wrenches are nice. They have some simple needle style torque bars for around $20 for a 1/2". The HF ones are good too. Good bang for the buck, just don't let them get wet.
I bought the fancy digital Craftsman wrench for around $300, neato and all but really no better than a needle or adjustable dial style. Sure enough, I loaned it out, and it never came home. So, I would say, go with someone cheap. Just make sure you are happy with the length of it. 18" to 24" is more than enough for anything we would do with our MINIs including adding a sway bar.
The other biggie, make sure you have a good set of sockets to match the bar. Since you will be applying all of this torque, you want to make sure the sockets don't break, or strip a bolt.
I bought the fancy digital Craftsman wrench for around $300, neato and all but really no better than a needle or adjustable dial style. Sure enough, I loaned it out, and it never came home. So, I would say, go with someone cheap. Just make sure you are happy with the length of it. 18" to 24" is more than enough for anything we would do with our MINIs including adding a sway bar.
The other biggie, make sure you have a good set of sockets to match the bar. Since you will be applying all of this torque, you want to make sure the sockets don't break, or strip a bolt.
#10
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actually a good quality torque bar will never need calibration. unlike a ratcheting style or digital style. At least that is my understanding.
#12
The HF torque wrenches have a dial in the handle that is used for calibration...you turn the handle until the torque setting you want lines up with the arrows., set the spring at the bottom of the handle and fit the socket, clicking it to torque by using a steady [fluid] movement. I never use a torque wrench for breaking loose tires, etc., as it's my understanding that it is to apply the right torque to a TIGHTENED nut. Just releast the end nut when you are finished to release the spring pressure.
I have heard about the needle type being very inacurrate and that's why I purchased the other kind.
If a torque wrench never needs to be adjusted, then, how do you ever know you are torquing at the correct setting? That makes NO sense to me.
Just my 2c.
I have heard about the needle type being very inacurrate and that's why I purchased the other kind.
If a torque wrench never needs to be adjusted, then, how do you ever know you are torquing at the correct setting? That makes NO sense to me.
Just my 2c.
#13
The beam style ones are actually the most accurate I've been told due to the torque acting directly onto the bar. If you get one a click style, MAKE SURE TO RETURN IT TO ZERO WHEN YOU ARE DONE! The difference between the units is usually build quality, range of ratings, and warranty. My old man has a click style Craftsman. It always does the job for me.
#14
Could you guys post a link to the one you have. I need a wrench that will probably only get used once on each tire when I paint my rotor hats. I plan on taking the tires off & painting the rotors while they are still on the MINI & I have no clue what I need to get the job done wrench-wise
I have no clue what to buy so could ya please post a link to the HF one you are talking about so I will know what to get
#15
The beam style ones are actually the most accurate I've been told due to the torque acting directly onto the bar. If you get one a click style, MAKE SURE TO RETURN IT TO ZERO WHEN YOU ARE DONE! The difference between the units is usually build quality, range of ratings, and warranty. My old man has a click style Craftsman. It always does the job for me.
#16
2nd Gear
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Westerville OH
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I have the Harbor Freight click-style torque wrench in 1/2" drive. It works fine. I also have a an old needle type as well. They are "very close" to the same results. The click-type is just so easy to use. I am looking for a 1/4 or 3/8 drive to do in/lbs soon.
I also have some impact sockets in 1/2" drive (for my air impact wrench - also from Harbor Freight). They are deep well, and I know they are not going to split on me.
I also have a 24" breaker bar - I don't use my torque wrench to break loose my wheel lugnuts.
Yeah, I always return my setting to 0 before I put it in the box, but I'm OCD that way.
I also have some impact sockets in 1/2" drive (for my air impact wrench - also from Harbor Freight). They are deep well, and I know they are not going to split on me.
I also have a 24" breaker bar - I don't use my torque wrench to break loose my wheel lugnuts.
Yeah, I always return my setting to 0 before I put it in the box, but I'm OCD that way.
#17
Could you guys post a link to the one you have. I need a wrench that will probably only get used once on each tire when I paint my rotor hats. I plan on taking the tires off & painting the rotors while they are still on the MINI & I have no clue what I need to get the job done wrench-wise
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...Itemnumber=239
there yo go.
#18
#19
I have the Harbor Freight click-style torque wrench in 1/2" drive. It works fine. I also have a an old needle type as well. They are "very close" to the same results. The click-type is just so easy to use. I am looking for a 1/4 or 3/8 drive to do in/lbs soon.
I also have some impact sockets in 1/2" drive (for my air impact wrench - also from Harbor Freight). They are deep well, and I know they are not going to split on me.
I also have a 24" breaker bar - I don't use my torque wrench to break loose my wheel lugnuts.
Yeah, I always return my setting to 0 before I put it in the box, but I'm OCD that way.
I also have some impact sockets in 1/2" drive (for my air impact wrench - also from Harbor Freight). They are deep well, and I know they are not going to split on me.
I also have a 24" breaker bar - I don't use my torque wrench to break loose my wheel lugnuts.
Yeah, I always return my setting to 0 before I put it in the box, but I'm OCD that way.
Use a breaker bar (this helps to free up the bolt or nut with least effort due to better leverage of longer handle and you don't use the torque wrench for that job).
See
http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/.../tools_all.jsp
Gorilla extendable power wrench from $7.99
Adjustable torque wrench from $29.99 up to 150 ft-lbs.
Check your bolt or nut sizes and see if you need to add any thin walled sockets to fit in the recessed areas of the wheel. 17 and 19mm are common sizes. If you have 1/2" sockets then get tools to fit that size or you will need adapters.
I have my impact wrench, breaker and torque wrench all to match 1/2" sockets then I don't use adapters.
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If you are in Huntsville check out the HF store. The walk in store and online store offer different pricing. If you ever want something from one of their flyers you better take it in. They will honor the price, but need the SKU # on the add for the pricing. I was in last weekend to get a couple of clamps and ended up spending ~ $125. I picked up their brake caliper tool, a 3/8" adn 1/2" torque wrench all on sale. I'm thinking I've got maybe $30 in both wrenches.