I'm looking to pick up a torque wrench set.

Does anybody have a recommendation on a great wrench? I'm assuming I'll have to buy separate wrenches for in/lbs and ft/lbs.

Thanks in advance!

TD

 

What range you are trying to achieve? 12 in-lbs = 1 ft-lb. Looking for small fasteners, or large. Most 3/8" torques wrenches go from as low as 10 ft-lbs, to as high as 100 ft-lbs. 1/2" from 25 or 30 to 250.

 

Ah, excellent point. I assume I will need several different wrenches for different jobs - for example I was reading that injector wire connector nuts are torqued to 11 in/lb, while connector tubes are usually torqued to 37 ft/lbs? Not to mention lug nuts are 100+ ft/lbs.

So I'm guessing use a 3/8" for most engine jobs (heads, etc) while the 1/2" would be better suited for the large jobs, tires, frames?

 

With engine jobs, its about equal duty between a 3/8" and 1/2". Depending on the type of engine, fasteners are either a straight torque value, or a torque turn procedure. The Deere 8.1L's head bolts are 60 ft-lbs plus 90*, plus 90*, plus 90*. That last 1/4 turn sucks, and I've seen many cheap long handle ratchets and breaker bars fail due to it. Oil pans, front covers, rocker arm hold downs, items like that will be a 3/8" job.
Injector wire connector nuts do have very, very low torque values. As you listed 11in-lbs, they are just under 1ft-lb. I have contemplated getting a screwdriver style torque wrench for this application only.
QDRIVER4, Screwdriver, Torque, Adjustable, 5 to 40 in. lb. (56-451 N•cm)
I don't know how many dozens of nuts I have tightened on injector wires without one, and never had an issue. I use a 1/4" ratchet and socket, and be very careful. I generally apply some purple (low strength) Loc-Tite to the threads as well, for added security.

This is what I use for a 1/2",
TQFR250E, Torque Wrench, Adj. Click Type, U.S., Flex-Ratchet, 40-250 ft. lb., 1/2" drive

my 3/8",
TQR100B, Torque Wrench, Adj. Click Type, U.S., Fixed-Ratchet, 20-100 ft. lb., 3/8" drive

and I also have an electronic 3/8" torque wrench as well. I can find it on line, so I will briefly explain it. It is a 5-100 ft-lb torque wrench, capable of reading in ft-lb, in-lb, and N-m(Newton-Meters). It has a digital display and 4 buttons to adjust the desired torque, change units, and of course turn it on. It will beep and vibrate when the desired torque is achieved. Sounds cool, eh? It get better! The digital display shows a live value of the torque you are currently at. I primarily use the tool for setting up bearing preload and rolling resistance. Other then that, it sits in its case. I had a 1/2" version, and bought it for the "cool" factor. Big mistake. It had issues when pulling the higher torque ranges, 180ft-lbs and over. Something would twist just wrong in the handle, and the unit would reset. The 1/2" that I posted a link of and have now is an amazing tool. Deadly accurate, and you don't have to zero it when you are done. Same for the 3/8".

Hope some of that helps. If you have any questions, feel free to ask here, or via PM.

 

RA, really - thanks.... this is exactly what I was looking for. Now I just need to save up my pennies

I figured that the most expensive part of my toolkit would be the things like breaker bars, torque wrenches, and the like. I'm a very inexperienced beginner wrencher by every definition of the word.... my dad is a millwright and he taught me your basic maintenance stuff, rotate tires, change oil, etc. I'm just looking forward to learning more and getting my hands dirty

Thanks again

 

snap on matco, or mac

 

There is a company that makes the Snap On torque wrenches and sells them for way less than half of what Snap On charges. The mane escapes me at the moment but Mr. Myagie or Uncle Bubba will know...

You certainly dont need an expensive torque wrench to change oil, or rotate your tires - just a little common sense.

 

I get all my snap on tools for free cause I've been on craigslist for years buying peoples complete tool sets and tool boxes and I take everything I want out and sell the rest for what I paid I have about 50grand in snap on mac matco tools at truck price for about 1200 with my gator nationals SE mac toolbox and its filled to the max

 

Sounds like you've got it figured out.

I don't know if a Snap On will really be necessary for my projects, but I've always believed in buying quality stuff instead of cheapo crap which eventually breaks and gets replaced anyway.

That being said, I probably won't spring for a Snap On torque wrench but maybe if my wife feels particularly charitable this Christmas....

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If you can think of it, let me know!!!!

 

ok found the thread -

https://www.dieselbombers.com/shade-...ggestions.html

CDI (Consolidated Devices Inc.) apparantely makes the Snap On torque wrenches....

Another one that is supposed to be good is Precision Instruments which can be had here:

Great deal on Precision Instruments C3FR250F at ToolTopia.com

Bottom-line pricing on Precision Instruments C2FR100F at ToolTopia.com