The torque for (all types, including aftermarket?) wheel lugs is 72-87 ft/lbs, correct?

I just bought a torque wrench from Sears, and it goes from 10-75 ft/lbs, and it cost me $70. I want to torque the wheel lugs to 80 ft/lbs, but it's not possible. Should I just return the torque wrench then? The only other one that has a greater torque setting cost $90, and I am not willing to spend that much. Thank you.

 

Follow D. Martin's suggestion and consider ordering the 1/2" torque wrench from Harbor freight. It is only $20 and is a very good quality for the money--even comes in it's own plastic case. s/h is somewhat pricey but palatable if you can come up with $50 in goods to order. if you have a 3/8" socket set, just get an adapter.

You can do a search for past commentary.
With use of the torque wrench, it is now clear to me that my previous guessing the appropriate effort was way off for me. In virtually all cases, was probably over tightening.


If i were you, I'd return the sears t.w. and compile of list of tools you can order at www.harborfreight.com.

 

Harbor Freight seems to put this item on sale for $10 + s/h about one week out of every four. Watch their Web site www.harborfreight.com HF waives shipping (but not handling) charges on orders which exceed $50. At $10 apiece maybe you can buy five and give away four as Christmas gifts! I bet you can think of some guys who would much rather receive a torque wrench than another necktie!

 

what is the difference between a 3/8'' and 1/2'' torque wrench?

 

The 1/2" models typically have a higher torque range which is especially important in many automotive applications. Although you will no longer get the very low torque range, you probably can safely guess these.

 

That describes the size of the square drive tang. A 3/8" torque wrench fits 3/8" drive sockets. A 1/2" torque wrench fits 1/2" drive sockets. You can use an adapter to go either way: 3/8" to 1/2" or 1/2" to 3/8".

 

I picked up one at home depot for $54. Its a 3/4" click style 10-100 lbs. the 1/2" has 25-250 lbs and is $59.

 

Not really...

 

Go the Harbor Freight's site and find the store nearest you. Then go there and buy one for $12 and save the shipping. Thats what I did and it worked perfectly when I installed a FSTB.

 

I think another important difference is the 1/2" drive handle is typically longer than the 3/8" one. You will greatly appreciate this extra length when tightening a nut at large ftlb setting.