Need info on torque wrench

[Big Rig]

I have never owned or used a torque wrench. From what I have read it seems I ought to own one to check the torque on the wheel nuts especially after rotating the tires or putting new tires on. I have read some horror stories of what has happened because the garage didn't torque the nut to specs & I don't want something nasty to happen like studs breaking & tires falling off.

I am looking for recomendations on what to look for in a torque wrench. Looks like it should be able to torque to the 120 to 160 lb range.

How about it. Any recomendations???

Big Rig

 

[SRadke]

Mine is the basic Craftsman 1/2" drive. Goes to 180-200# If I remember right. Not a bad price at about $70. When I do transmission rebuilds on the NV4500 I have to go borrow a friends Snap on because it goes up to 300#. Not much need to torque a 1/2" drive that tight though.



-Scott

 

[RustyJC]

If you just want a torque wrench for occasional use, catch a 1/2" drive Craftsman during a Sears tool sale. Are the Snap-On, Mac, Proto, etc. torque wrenches better? Yes. For the occasional user, can the difference in price be justified? Probably not, in terms of value for money.



Unless, of course, you can find a professional quality torque wrench in a pawn shop... . Even then, I'd have the calibration checked if it's not a bending beam wrench.



Rusty

 

[AFrisina]

Just like the other guys said. I also use the Craftsman Torgue Wrench. I'd advise you to get the one that clicks when you achieve you'r desired settings, the ones with the pointers suck as you have to watch the indicator needle which is sometimes difficult to do.

 

[Bertram65]

Home Depot sells Husky tools which are made by Stanley, they sell a pretty decent 250 lb torque wrench for $60. Stanley used to make Craftman tools until about 5 to 10 years ago when they lost the contract, they still make some tools but the majority is not made by Stanley. I have some of the newer stuff and have broken several rachets including a 1/2" one. Husky seems decent, also warranteed forever.

 

[txhawg]

Lowes sells the Cobalt brand, which is made by Snap-On. Good stuff

 

[opjohnny]

Bigrig I use the craftsman 20-150 ft lb 1/2 drive and the 25-250 inch lb 3/8 drive and have yet to find myself needing more. You have to get a torque wrench to keep from breaking things or leaving them loose if your going to start working on the truck. There is a correct torque on everything. Your truck might have some driveline items that would need to go to the 250 ft lb range but you should not have that stuff worn out yet!