Torque Wrenches
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 42
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Torque Wrenches
Any suggestions on brand name and what increments to get? Both ft. pounds and in. pounds. Just recieved Fix My Hog dvd and will mostly be using these wrenches for the work on the dvd. Haven't had time to watch it yet to get idea on what I'll need. Thanks.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,029
Likes: 449
From: Michigan
RE: Torque Wrenches
Craftsman makes some good ones at a reasonable price. Snap on or Mac have some but they can get pricey. Just remember to back off the scale to 0 everytime you get done and never loosen a bolt with it and they'll last you a long time.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 554
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From: Western Washington State
RE: Torque Wrenches
Always pull the wrench (never push), if you get the dial (not deflecting beam)type don't double click a value, and be sure as you apply a torque that you are using the correct thread lock, sealant lubricant or if required dry threads. On larger values draw the fastener in incremental steps to ensure the components are not distorted or misaligned. Torque is an easy way to measure a value, which the engineers have determined will provide the correct fastener preload and the condition of the threads (lubrication etc) has a significant effect on the resulting preload.
FBL
FBL
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
RE: Torque Wrenches
ORIGINAL: 03RKC
Any suggestions on brand name and what increments to get? Both ft. pounds and in. pounds. Just recieved Fix My Hog dvd and will mostly be using these wrenches for the work on the dvd. Haven't had time to watch it yet to get idea on what I'll need. Thanks.
Any suggestions on brand name and what increments to get? Both ft. pounds and in. pounds. Just recieved Fix My Hog dvd and will mostly be using these wrenches for the work on the dvd. Haven't had time to watch it yet to get idea on what I'll need. Thanks.
(indicated=actual)
Thorsen: 50=58, 100=104
Snap-On: 50=43, 75=70, 100=95, 150=140
Harbor Freight 3/8": 50=50, 100=101, 150=149
Harbor Freight 1/4": 200 in/lb=200 in/lb
As you can see, the cheap Chinese-made HF wrenches are far more accurate than the other two, even the $250 Snap-On. They seem well-made and I've had the smaller HF wrench for probably 10 years without problems, the 3/8" for only about a year. HF warranties their hand tools for life, which makes them the bargain of the century, IMO. The Thorsen is 37 years old and I don't think you could break it with a maul. What makes me mad about the Snap-On is that it costs 10x more than an equivalent HF wrench and Snap-On wants $40 to re-calibrate it, which is the same amount as two new HF wrenches. It's U.S. made, but I don't sanction mediocrity, so I'm going to sell that one. I've used it maybe twice and it's never been dropped or abused. Go figure.
I would buy one inch/lb. and one ft/lb wrench, the latter going up to at least 100 ft/lbs. (preferably 150). The torque on the compensator nut is 150, I think, and that's about all you should ever need.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,296
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From:
RE: Torque Wrenches
I use 4 overlaping torque wrenches - start at around 40 in-lbs and go up from there to over 120 ft/lbs. They're usually only accurate in the middle of their ranges. I also think that Craftsman are good middle of the road values.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Montana & Arkansas
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,552
Likes: 3,954
From: Vermont
RE: Torque Wrenches
I use the clicker type....just remember to always put it down to zero when done with it. My inch pounder is from Pit Posse on ebay for $35 and my foot pounder is a more expensive one that I got from Ace Hardware for about $65. For the minimal use that I use them for they work well.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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RE: Torque Wrenches
I'll second the Harbor Freight wrenches. I talked to a guy that worked in a calibration lab. He said they were as good or better than some better known brands. I have both in and ft lbs ones and use them quite a bit. I have checked them against other wrenches and always found them to be accurate.