I see 1/2 Torque range: 10 to 150 ft. lbs , 3/8 Torque range: 0 to 80 ft. lbs., and 3/4 Torque range: 50 to 300 ft. lbs, and 1/4 Torque range: 20 to 200 in. lbs. clicker torque wrenches. Im sure when we do springs, struts, sway bars, lug nuts, etc we're going to need one. What size torque wrench would we need to do these jobs?
The specs that i got for these torque wrenches came from harborfreight.com
For everything you mentioned, you want a 1/2"-drive torque wrench (10-150ft/lbs should be fine). Most sockets you'll buy that deal with bolts used by the aforementioned parts come in sets for 1/2"-drive, although some may also be available in 3/8"-drive, but you'll want 1/2"-drive to handle the amount of torque. Plus a 1/2"-drive torque wrench should be longer than a 3/8"-drive, and it should be perfect for that type of work.
I highly recommend also buying a breaker bar, even if it's a cheapo Autozone one. I used to use my torque wrench to loosen all tight bolts, but a torque wrench isn't designed for that (and when you have REALLY stuck bolts, i.e. lower strut mounts, a torque wrench has too much internal flex to it--you need something solid)
for suspension work and most bolt-on-mods work, the 1/2" will be great. if you're going to be rebuilding your engine, then I highly recommend picking up a 3/8" wrench as well, as they can be a little more accurate and start at lower torque.
As for brands, if all you're doing is wheels and suspension work, the cheapo at harbor frieght will get you by. if you plan on doing anything else, I recommend buying craftsman or better (snap-on, Proto, etc).
I just happen to have a brand-spanking-new 1/2" craftsman Digitorque wrench for sale if you're interested. I had to have one for a project and I was too far from the house. I used it once or twice and put it back in the box.. paid $100+ tax for it- I'll let it go for less than that, (but I'm not going to take it hard and dry). I'm thinking like $85+ shipping or something.
I have a Craftsman 3/8" torque wrench myself. It's nice for the low torque bolts, especially when you working primarily an aluminum block. However, The 1/2" one should work fine....just not as accurate in the lower torque ranges.
Thanks for the offer matt93se but I don't plan on doing any major engine work. Just basic bolt on for me. Maybe someone else will take the torque wrench off your hand if you post it in the for sale forum.
I have a Craftsman 3/8" torque wrench myself. It's nice for the low torque bolts, especially when you working primarily an aluminum block. However, The 1/2" one should work fine....just not as accurate in the lower torque ranges.
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You're right. Most people simply assume bigger is better. 1/2" is what I have, but the sockets are killer in price. A nice S*K socket set SAE would run about $130. hehe I bought a Craftsman made in USA for $14, but it stops at 7/8 which doesn't cut the mustard all the time. I also have a metric socket set that goes up to 27mm in a 1/2 drive, not cheap.
1/2 is nice, but 3/8 is broader in application. If you say you deal with HVAC then fine, you probably use 15/16, 1 1/8, and larger all the time, and 1/2 is a necessity.
Another tip--get 6-point sockets as they tend to not strip the bolts as much.
You're right. Most people simply assume bigger is better. 1/2" is what I have, but the sockets are killer in price. A nice S*K socket set SAE would run about $130. hehe I bought a Craftsman made in USA for $14, but it stops at 7/8 which doesn't cut the mustard all the time. I also have a metric socket set that goes up to 27mm in a 1/2 drive, not cheap.
1/2 is nice, but 3/8 is broader in application. If you say you deal with HVAC then fine, you probably use 15/16, 1 1/8, and larger all the time, and 1/2 is a necessity.
Another tip--get 6-point sockets as they tend to not strip the bolts as much.
If you're gonna be pushing a lot of torque through those sockets, you won't appreciate the 3/8" when the 3/8" drive stud snaps off while loosening the bottom strut mount bolts... (or something similar). Of course if it's a Craftsman you could always exchange it for a new one, but the bottom line is, there's a reason most people use 1/2"-drive sockets for that kind of stuff.
I have the same one $15 shipped, I keep it in my car for my lug nuts
Same here. Got it for $9.99. With free shipping on orders over $50, you can get the 1/2" drive (10-150 ft lbs), 3/8" drive (0-80 ft lbs), and 1/4" drive (20-200 in. lbs) torque wrenches from Harbor Freight for around $55. They're supposedly accurate to +/- 4% which is good enough for most jobs. Been very satisfied with mine.
If you're gonna be pushing a lot of torque through those sockets, you won't appreciate the 3/8" when the 3/8" drive stud snaps off while loosening the bottom strut mount bolts... (or something similar). Of course if it's a Craftsman you could always exchange it for a new one, but the bottom line is, there's a reason most people use 1/2"-drive sockets for that kind of stuff.
A lot of torque? The lug nuts only need about 85 ft. lbs.
If I could only have one, I'd go 3/8". But like I said, a full socket set runs about $130 discount for the 1/2" drive unless you're gonna do the Wal-Mart Taiwan thing. I'm not knocking tools, as my set is comprised of Snap-on, S*K, and Craftsman. But you get into cyl. head stuff and you'll appreciate the 3/8 drive. Dang I got a full polish SuperKrome SAE wrench set that you almost don't want to use because it looks so good. I should sell it on eBay for $250 buy it now.
I just got mine in the mail from ebay, got it from this guy: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=43994
He is selling another one. Shipping was very quick. It is a 1/2 with 3/8 adapter and extension. Used it this morning to tweak the lugs. So far so good.
Get a 1/2" tq wrench and a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter since most of the tools you'll use on the max are 3/8". I say that cause most if not all 1/2" sockets seem to be 12pt and many 3/8" are 6pt which gives less chance of stripping bolts and such.
$15 shipped, I keep it in my car for my lug nuts
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