The torque wrench I got only measures 10-75 ft/lbs. The $160 wrench measures 40-200 ft/lbs. I got the 10-75 ft/lbs wrench on sale for cheap, but if you're supposed to torque your wheels to 90 ft/lbs, this wrench won't really help. Do most of you buy both or just settle for one or the other?

 

Bump.

 

My Sears torque wrench cost $25 plus tax and measures up to 150 ft lbs. Which one did you buy?

 

Crap, mine cost $50 (normally $70). It's the Craftsman 3/8" that measures 10-75 ft/lbs and has the long handle. How old is the one you got?

 

It's between a year and two years old....

 

I see, you probably got this one:

Craftsman beam torque wrench

I got this one:

Craftsman Torque Wrench 3/8" Drive

It's strange that a cheaper wrench has a better range. I know mine is probably more accurate, but who needs that much accuracy? I guess I'll go buy the cheapy one too.

 

You're exactly right. The first one is the one I have and it works great. You do NOT need the second one unless you're going to be working with highly sensitive components, so don't waste your money on it.

Oh, you might want to get the 1/2" to 3/8" adapter for smaller sockets....

 

I have 2 torque wrenches 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch. The 3/8 inch is a Dial Torque wrench is accurate from 0 to 180 inch/lbs, it is made by CDI and retails for $192.00, I got it new for $26.50 on eBay. The 1/2 inch torgue is digital and is accurate from 10 to 150 foot/lbs. I got it new for $15.00 on EBay. The 3/8 inch drive covers and overlaps the low end range of the 1/2 inch drive.
Be well!!!!

 

Check out JC Whitney - I just got a torque wrench from them for 24.99.
10 - 150 ft/lbs with a universal head that switches from 3/8 to 1/2 inch.

SWEET!

 

Wow, no such good deals on eBay right now. Guess I'll keep looking.

 

So, you've actually used the wrench? Is it pretty solid and seems like good quality? I'm going to check eBay, but if nothing is available, I'll get the same wrench, if you recommend it.

Either way, my $50 wrench is going back to Sears!

 

I got my torque wrench from harborfreight.com and it only cost me $15-20 shipped. Many people have the same wrench and it's even Daniel B. Martin approved 1/2" drive and goes from 1-150 (off the top of my head).
-hype

 

Whoa, it's DBM-approved? Do you know which one it was off harborfreight.com? (which model # maybe?) I wish there was a list of DBM-approved tools...is there a sticky/thread somewhere with a list of good tools? I need to start gathering at least the necessities for basic maintenence. All I have is the haynes to guide me.

 

Here's the threads that contain Daniel's comments The torque wrench isn't $9.99 anymore, but even at $19.99 it's still a good buy.

Torque wrench purchase opportunity
Torque wrench from harbor frieght - thanks Dan
Here's a direct link
1/2" CLICKER TORQUE WRENCH
There's also a smaller 3/8" torque wrench, but I just use my 1/2" torque wrench and use a convertor for smaller sockets.
3/8" torque wrench @ harborfreight
That should be all the info everyone needs
-hype

 

To back up Xhypex, I've got the Harborfrieght special too. It seems to work just fine.

ljl10: Your beam torque wrench is actually better. As long as you don't run over it with your car, it'll never require re-calibration.

Tanman: According the FSM, the nominal value for the lugnut torque is 80 ft-lb. 90 ft-lb probably won't hurt, but is a bit much. And not to be a jerk, but the units are not ft/lb.

 

albertt - jerk. hehe, j/k

Thanks for the links, Hypex! I'm still undecided on what route I want to gather tools by. I may just buy one of the ~160pc craftsman sets, and get extra little things as I go along. I still need to do research on quality (ie, craftsman = good?).

 

Plus that lifetime replacement warantee on hand tools makes them extra attractive.

Snap-on makes better tools, but you pay twice as much.

 

I got the Gorilla adjustable one - $30 from Tire Rack. Very nice indeed...

Tire rack wrenches