torque wrenches?

[Wally19]

I am planning on buying a Ft/lb torque wrench, and would like some preferences on brand, size(3/8 or 1/2), and range in ft/lb. Any info is greatly appreciated. What is the lowest rating I will use and the highest. Thanks

Jason

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2001 2500 6 speed no mods yet

 

[C Schomer]

I have one of the first Protos' - they had the first 'clicker' wrenches. It's never needed repair and is still(calibrates)right on. I had a Sears once and it didn't have a definate, sharp click. I've used new Protos' and they still have the good feel. You can pick whatever range and drive size you need. I had a 3/4" drive Proto when I worked on big diesels. I,ve gotten by with just a 1/2" for a long time. I think it goes to 170 ft. lbs. Craig

 

[QRTRHRS]

Jason,

I can't find the post in the archieves about torque wrenches that I started when looking for a micro torque wrench. (For the low number fuel lines, etc. ) But the general consensus was Snap On and Proto as I recall. Stay away from Craftsman as they won't warrenty them. Like a lot of tools, hard to have one size fits all with a torque wrench.

 

[QRTRHRS]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/ubb//Forum3/HTML/002265.html

I went back and looked again. Bingo!

 

[Wally19]

thanks guys. I know to stay away from craftsman even though i was leaning that way. i guess i will apend a little more for a better tool.

Thanks again, Jason

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2001 2500 6 speed no mods yet

 

[illflem]

For the price Proto is very good another good brand is ATS. Check out www.use-enco.com for good prices and excellent fast service.

 

[Pete Peterson]

The TQ wrenches from Sears Have a 90 warraanty and thats it. The snap on TQ wrenches have a lifetime warranty on the head and I think 1 year on the rest. Plus you can send the TQ wrench back to Snapon and they will calibrate it for $35. 00 Pete

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Your best bet is a 3/8 (you will rareley need a 1/2 for normal maintenence). Go with a "CLICK" type Tourqe wrench in Ftlbs. They are the most durable, most accurate and easiest to use, set it, when it clicks, stop. I personally dont like the "Beam" style wrenches. They are not as accurate and too large for all applications. , they are also more easily knocked out of spec. "Dial" style wrenches also are sensitive and you have to look at the dial to know when to stop. As far as what brand, It really depends on how often you will use it and what you are using it for. If your only use will be torqueing your drain plug and maybe another bolt or 2 once a year, Craftsman will do the job. Its crazy to spend $400. 00 for a Snap on you will rarely use. If you have the money, and will be using it often, go for Snap-On, Proto, or Mac. Very pricey, but very accurate. I do alot of mechanical work on an almost daily basis, so i have use for my 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 and my monster 3/4 Torque wrenches. I also do alot of assembly work where exact torque specs are critical. Oil drain plugs, Alternator brackets etc, are not going to fail if your wrench is not Super Accurate. Just use your common sense on how much to spend and how much it will see use.
Whatever brand you buy, make sure you get a hard case for it and treat it with great respect. Always set the Torque setting to zero when finished with it (click type). Aother way to preserve thier calibration is dont use them to start long bolts, use a regular ratchet to start tightening nuts and bolts, then once snug, use the Torque wrench to tighten it. Also, using extensions decrease the accuracy, avoid using them if you can. The longer the extension and the tighter the torque setting, the more off the reading will be. Using adaptors that go to 1/4' or to 1/2" also throw the accuracy off. Also, forget using a universal joint adapter, they will totally throw off the setting. And lastly, DO NOT break nuts and bolts free with your Torque wrench, very bad for them. Good luck in what ever you choose.

 

[Deezal Man]

Like anyone, I love Snap on tools.
I simply can't justify the additional cost.

Anyway, I decided to buy Craftsman mainly because I'm able to have them calibrated at work once a year, along with my multimeter and various other tools. Our company has so many tools requiring calibration, the company does it on-site. (even our tape measures have to pass calibration testing #ad

Anyway, so far they are still as accurate as they day I bought them.

I've used both, and can't say that the extra money for a Snap on would have been worth it thus far.

Doesn't mean I wouldn't want one. . #ad


my 2 cents.

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98. 5' Emerald Green 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285-75-16's on Alcoa's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk), AMSOIL air filter.

 

[QRTRHRS]

My biggest complaint about Craftsman's torque wrench is not having the parts to repair the ratchet assembly. They are not available no matter who pays. It works as long as you hold the directional piece otherwise it slips into "nuetral". That wrench is relegated to torqing wheel lug nuts at this point.

 

[24V-DSL]

EMDDIESEL... .

Thanks very much for the torque wrench info. I'm one of those who will rarely need and havent' a clue on how to use,etc. , so this really helps. I have printed for my hard file for future reference.

This is the kinda stuff that makes TDR membership worthwhile.

Joe

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White 2001. 5 2500 ST, SWB, 4X4,QC, AUTO, 4. 10's, LSD, 285/75/16 On Weld Outbacks, PIAA 510's, Line-x, Tinted glass, Redline 85+, Blow-by-bye, RE-0880 & 25-0880,muffler fell off,level truck with 2" tuff country kit, Bilsteins at the corners, Di Pricol egt and boost, Mag-hytec "original flavor" transmission pan and Dana 70 diff. cover. Custom Plate 24V-DSL

 

[BV]

Get what you pay for sometimes:
Harbor Freight

[This message has been edited by BV (edited 04-11-2001). ]