Torque Wrench
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 59
From: Chicagoland
there are lots of goods things to buy @ harbor freight, they have plenty of inexpensive junky things, for $1-$3, but i have to say they have plenty of things are work well and excellent value, i buy all my sockets there, they have some cheap sets and some better sets, the torque wrenches, i bought one at an auto parts store, paid $65 for it, the harbor freight one is identical and $19.99, i am in the import business, and i am convinced and can tell harbor freight has many items that look and feel identical to lots of tools i find at sears and others, the only difference is no name on the harbor freight ones, and yes their torque wrenches are just fine for a part time wrencher, and I have plenty of their tools in my case.
Banned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 651
From: null
There is another thread that I started concerning changing the transmission fluid. After checking my Owner's Manuel, I see that you are supposed to tighten the drain plug bolt between 14-21 ft lbs. Well, I don't own a torque wrench; and have simply gotten by with minor repairs and such by tightening according to "feel." However, it occurs to me that you want to be careful not to under tighten the drain plug (so as to avoid leaking) as well as over tighten and possibly snap off the bolt. So, before I run off to Harbor Freight or the Home Depot, can someone recommend the type of torque wrench I should get, understanding that I'm not a professional mechanic, and I am only going to perform minor repairs and maintenance. Therefore, I don't need the best/most expensive torque wrench. Thanks in advance.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
It would be a lot easier to develope a feel for the right torque.Most fasteners only need to be adequately tighened.(meaning, not pull the threads,or tight enough to not leak or loosen)Certain fasteners should have a torque wrench,head bolts,(in automobiles) crankshaft caps, connecting rods,etc.Serious racers,maybe all fasteners.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Eastern utah
Yes you can convert it by times your inch lbs by 12.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Im not a professional tool man by any means, but I would recommend staying away from harbor freight for precision tools like torque wrenches and gauges. I would pay the little extra money and get a tool with a lifetime gaurentee, i.e. Craftsman, Snap-on, Duralast. Just my two sense.
Second, Craftsman and Snap-On do not have lifetime warranties, but I don't know about Duralast. However, HF torque wrenches do have a lifetime warranty, just like all HF hand tools.
Last edited by iclick; May 22, 2010 at 06:30 PM.
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, AZ
The bar-type (needle type) torque wrenches are great -- as long as you can see it. For quite a few applications, you can't. I have two types: bar and click. And I have the click-type in two sizes ft-lb and in-lb. I'd love to get one of those digital Snap-On wrenches with the audible tones. Those are extremely cool!
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
(Indicated/Actual, all in ft/lbs except the 1/4" wrench)
Thorsen: 50/58, 100/104
Snap-On: 50/43, 75/70, 100/95, 150/140
Harbor Freight 1/2": 50/50, 75/75, 100/101, 150/149
Harbor Freight 1/4": 200/200 in/lbs (test device couldn't test lower)
I said earlier the 150# HF wrench was only 1# off at one point, but in fact it was 1# off at two points, well within its ą4° spec. I'll edit that post to reflect this. That test was done about three years ago and I'll do another soon for comparison, although I no longer have the Snap-On wrench.