spta97

iTrader: (1)

I recently installed my FSTB and I borrowed my friends torque wrench for the job. It was a 1/2 drive which really gave me a lot of leverage when removing / installing the bolts. I figure it was about time that I added one to my collection, but I'm confused as to which to buy? I'm leaning toward getting a 3/8 inch drive one because most of my sockets are that size.

I am going to get a Craftsman one (but open to other ideas) and they have torque wrenches that have varing scales:

3/8 in. sq. drive beam-type; 0-75 ft./lb (1 lb increments) = $29.99

3/8 in. Drive; manual turn type; 25-250 ft./lb (1 lb increments)= $69.99

3/8 in. Drive; digital read out type; 5 to 80 ft. lbs (.5 lb increments) = $89.99

The advantage (other than price) of the beam type (with the needle on a scale) is that they can be calibrated. The other 2 I beleive "click" when you hit the selected torque, but cannot be easily calibrated.

Another concern is what range I should get? For just normal maintanence stuff (tires, oil changes, light modding (RSB), etc). I know that I needed 34 lbs (FSTB) but how much higher or lower do I have to go?

Also, other than the tires and RSB how much use will I get out of this thing? Am I better off going with the cheap one?

Thanks.

Colonel

I have the digital one myself. I went through the research and decided based upon the FSM (I read a LOT of pages) that unless you are pulling apart your suspension pieces (arms and linkages) up to 85 ft/lb tq is good enough. I got the digital one because it goes very low also. I use it on my motorcyle which require tq'in below 25 ft/lbs.

You will read peeps that say it to costly, not costly enough and so on. That is a personal decision. But when it comes to tools, I have witnessed more than once "you get what you pay for". The $$$ value though is up to you.

As for calibration, I am not sure how/what to address on that. Yes, the non-beam type "click". I have used beam type and dont prefer it. My .02.

BTW, the digital is merely a number on a label wrapped around the inner sleeve in a window versus a stamped value on the outer sleeve of the adjuster. Its not really "digital". No LCD display.

ducky

Isn't the $69.95 25-250 wrench in in-lbs from craftsman? My mother-in-law bought me that one for Christmas thinking it was ft-lbs.

Blackgums100

3/8 in. Drive; manual turn type; 25-250 ft./lb (1 lb increments)= $69.99

And the lifetime warranty helps.

Colonel

69.99 The stock number Sears Item #00944593000 Mfr. Model #44593 3/8 in. square drive wrench measures 25 to 250 in. lb. in 1 in. lb. increments Micrometer-type scales stamped into housing show torque settings in both English and metric units.

69.99 The stock number Sears Item #00944594000 Mfr. Model #44594 3/8 in. square drive wrench measures 10 to 75 ft lb. in 0.5 ft. lb. increments Micrometer-type scales stamped into housing show torque settings in both English and metric units

89.99 The stock number Sears Item #00944596000 Mfr. Model #44596 3/8 in. square drive wrench with digital readout. Our easiest to set and most accurate. Measures 5 to 80 ft lb. in 0.5 ft. lb. increments

spta97

iTrader: (1)

Oh wow, I guess I was fooled to. Good lookin' out. Yes, I just checked and it is in/lbs. My wheels probably would have fallen off if I got that one!

spta97

iTrader: (1)

That's the stuff. I thought it was weird that the range on that one was so great. I guess the thing to decide is the beam type or the "digital" type.

spta97

iTrader: (1)

When you put it that way it seems like the "digital" one is overpriced. What didn't you like about the beam type? I can imagine there would be times where it would be hard to see the scale as opposed to listening for the "clicks" but I really wonder what I'll use this on and how often?

ducky

yeah, I hadn't even noticed until I was torquing my wheels with it and the lugnuts could still come off with no grunting.. the thing only torques to 21 ft/lbs.. needless to say it's sitting in the corner for now

Colonel

Price is a tad high, but it goes goes much lower for me (measurement), which I need.

Also keep in mind % of error. Looking will give a undetermined % of error. It just was not my preference to use a beam overall. To each their own.

Rich96

iTrader: (2)

Also check cummins and harbor freight. They have decent quality tools at good prices.

MichaelAE

iTrader: (1)

Keep in mind that pulley bolts are spec'd to 240 ft/lbs....so if you do something like a UDP, you'll need something that handles the big numbers.

I have two...one which handles the low numbers very incrementally and the other hits the big 250 number.

Maximax2

My $.02: Don't get the beam type, get the "click" one. I've had a "needle" torque wrench, and it never gave me confidence that it was accurate. Now that I have the "click" type, once I hear it click, is stop pushing (instead of watching the needle...did it reach the number? Give it another push...?

Also, I would buy the 1/2" drive and just buy an adapter. It should be stronger, and an adapter is <$5.

TimW

iTrader: (6)

ha, I got mine from harbor frieght. Not really a tool I use daily. 4% is close enough for me.. and the price was right

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...itemnumber=239

I use it mostly on the wheel lugs...

Obviously it doesnt compare to the craftsman tool in terms of quality.. But if you really doing life or death work with one, you'd really need to get them calibrated anyway.

spta97

iTrader: (1)

4% are really all that the Craftsman ones are good for. What are the increments of this one?

Most of the Craftsman hand tools are great quality (and nice that they are backed by the lifetime warantee). However, not all are made by Craftsman, many are just other companies with the Craftsman name and a 50% markup stamped on them (ie: Gear Wrench).

If the increments are good on this one are small (ie: 1 ft/lb.) I might get it instead. I'll probably only use it for tires as well.

Thanks

TimW

iTrader: (6)

ummm, it's standard fare torque wrench.. as you turn the handle, you dial in 10's, on the part that turns are 1's... so you can dial in exactly. then you can lock it there by turning the **** at the bottom. Pretty much like many other 'clickers' I've seen. its a hefty tool, doesnt feel cheap. I'm not sure if I would use it to rebuild the internals of an engine, but for wheels/suspension, heck, I even use it for 25ft-lbs on my oil drain plug

spta97

iTrader: (1)

Ooooo...it comes with a case (the MAJOR downer about Craftsman tools is they hardly ever come with one). Yea, for $20 I'm gonna pick this sucker up. Thanks TimW! Oh, thank you to everyone else too.

clipse

iTrader: (5)

So this 1/2" clicker torque wrench is good for all-around use? (ex:suspesnsion,lugnuts,light-jobs,etc.)

wild willy

iTrader: (10)

I have had one from harbor ft for about 10 years..I think I paid 15 dollars..it has been fine...for as much as I use it I did not need a good one

Uconn411

Coupon Codes for harbor freight if anyone is going to order this:

061-723-858 is for free shipping no minimum order, expires 7/1/2003

35233-0RVD is for free attache case + $5 off $29.99 min purchase expires 5/1/2003

445-567-199 is for free shipping + $5 off, $29.99 min purchase expires 2/1/2003

you may have to order by phone to use these.
800-423-2567.

woosh

I got the 1/2" microtork from craftsman. part # 944595, range 20 - 150 ft-lbs or 33.9 - 210.1 N-m. Think I paid $69.

Haven't had a problem. As for usage, that all depends how much you work on your car. Just think of it as a level of comfort that you tightened the bolts to the proper spec.

As for my regular usage:
- wheels (very important to me)
- FSTB
- oil pan bolt

SHIFT_woosh

luckee2bhere

iTrader: (1)

do you ABSOLUTELY need a torque wrench to put on the FSTB??
I just ordered a RSB and I'm getting a FSTB in the next day or so...

foodmanry

iTrader: (15)

No absolute need. I didn't use one on my FSTB or RSB.

spta97

iTrader: (1)

Oh GREAT! Now I get these after my order!

I called for a status on my order and let me just say that the 2 people I spoke with were incompetent a-holes. I will never order anything from them again.

Also, they ship USPS so no tracking number for my order. I may have to tell them it never got to me (if it ever does) and demand a new one just for spite.