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View Full Version : torque wrenchs ---opinions

pdspeh
11-12-2003, 07:41 AM
I need a workable...ok--- cheap torque wrench...
0-150lb. or less.
for sparkplugs , etc..
any recommendations?

...I found a snap on 0-75lb. on e-bay that i'm lookin' @ for $12......
pdspeh
11-12-2003, 07:49 AM
0-150 ft. lbs.
Al Johnson
11-12-2003, 02:01 PM
I like the bending beam type that are cheap at the tool stores. They are accurate as need be, and do not need calibration. Many people never get their click type torque wrenches calibrated, and they really do need it once in a while. So while you think it's so neat to hear and feel the click that says your torque is good, you don't really know that it clicks at the right time if it's not calibrated.

My $.02, after 30 years in the mechanical inspection job.

Al
Rogue
11-12-2003, 03:30 PM
al makes a very good point

[ November 12, 2003, 10:33 PM: Message edited by: RogueStar ]
HeepofaJeep
11-12-2003, 03:34 PM
That being said, how DO you calibrate the clicking type torque wrench?
Rogue
11-12-2003, 03:54 PM
I take mine out to the Snap-On truck....LOL - I don't really have a clue other than there is a spring inside that you can adjust the tension on
bigun
11-12-2003, 04:41 PM
the nice thing with the clicking type is you don't have to concentrate on the needle if you are torking something that takes a lot of tork. Plus needles can get bent.
DieselSJ
11-13-2003, 09:19 AM
Clickers are great for general stuff where you typically have a range of values (74-97 ft/lbs for a caliper mounting bolt on my Ranger). Set it to the middle of the range and it is OK if you are slightly off. For more precise values, such as engine building, use a beam or dial indicator style.
will e
11-13-2003, 01:13 PM
My friend swore by the clicking snap-on type. Said my Craftsman was not going to be accurate enough. The trick it, always, always, always reset it to zero when you are done.

You don't need a torque wrench to do spark plugs.
paddyp
11-13-2003, 09:16 PM
Like Al and Will E said the secret is calibration and resetting it to zero everytime. Also, if it gets dropped, it needs to be calibrated again.
AMX factor
11-14-2003, 01:27 AM
I have the Craftsman torque wrench that is one model below their digital LED readout wrench. I've had it for a few years. I always reset to zero when done and twice a year I take it back to Sears to have it recalibrated. Usually takes a week or so but they do it for free.