What kind of Torque Wrench should I buy

[Wickd89]

Yes it is time for me to add a torque wrench.

What do you recommend?
Should I buy a regular head, or a flex-head?
Should I buy a 1/2" or a 3/4" ?
What brand (Craftsman, Snap on, Matco, etc)?
Digital versus traditional?

Looking for good and cheap, so welcome comments on anything you are familiar with...

I expect to use it primarily for Pcar related stuff (tighting the wheels, tightening parts on the car, etc....

Thanks in advance!!

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I use the Craftsman DigiTorque models (both 3/8" and 1/2" drive). They've proven pretty good and I had the 1/2" one recalibrated a couple months ago after two years of ownership and occasional use - it was pretty close to spot-on (better in the middle of the tension range, a bit off at the lower end, but nothing I'd lose sleep over).

[Nutmeg911]

+1

[on2wheels52]

You shouldn't need 3/4" unless you're working with some pretty big fasteners.
A 3/8 & 1/2" should take care of what you are working on. You'll get sticker shock on the Snap-On or Mac truck but if you appreciate a quality tool they are a pleasure to work with. I've been fortunate to aquire most of my TR's second hand, have way more than I need but I enjoy working with nice tools.
Stay away from Harbor Freight types, they're just too coarse for that work.
Jim

[id10t]

Don't get the one where you dial the desired torque. Get one with the analog gauge that simply moves as you twist...

[Porsche-O-Phile]

That's very true - the beam-style wrenches are historically more accurate, but they also won't reach into a lot of places.

[dad911]

Or you could buy one from out host......

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/TOOL/POR_TOOL_CAT198_pg2.htm

1/2" 20-150 should be good for most of the work you will do, unless you plan on digging into the engine.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by dad911

Or you could buy one from out host......

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/TOOL/POR_TOOL_CAT198_pg2.htm

1/2" 20-150 should be good for most of the work you will do, unless you plan on digging into the engine.

I second this recommendation. Start with the 1/2" 20-150. SK is a great brand. I then ended up buying a 3/8", but that was much, much farther down the road.

Not to mention, Wayne needs the extra cash to fix the 959!!

[rammstein]

From what I've heard, if this was Rennlist wouldn't the guys recommending Sears get banned?

[Porsche-O-Phile]

If this was Rennlist, anyone not recommending a torque wrench (good or bad) from a high-dollar paying sponsor would be banned.

It's all about vendor politics over there.

I haven't tried the SK ones, but I would trust Wayne's recommendation - he typically doesn't push crap. AND he'll stand behind his products. Might be worth a look and post your results. . .

[berettafan]

i bought a Snap On digital model via ebay. i'm not a mechanic (tho i play one on weekends in my garage) but it seems nice and i like the vibrating function.

[NICKG]

I have sk, snap on and matco torque wrenches...they are all pretty nice. but you get what you pay for. especially here. GENERALLY I prefer matco to snap on, but I have mainly Snap on tq wrenches and angle guages

[Wickd89]

Found someone selling a pair of Snap ON Torque wrenches:

1) 3/4" Digital
2) 1/4" Digital

Can I use the 3/4" to tighten my wheel lugs ?? Don't I need a 1/2" to do this?

What would I need the 1/4" for?????

HELP. Good deal on two Snap ON Digital Torque wrenches but do not know if I need them both?

Thanks, Luis

[legion]

You need them both. I have a 3/8" and a 1/2".

[Jays72T]

3/8" and 1/2" are what I use the most but a 1/4" would be nice, never needed a 3/4" that I can remember. If you can do it buy Snap-On.

[cashflyer]

I bought a Precision Instruments brand split-beam on the recommendation of another Pelican. I love it. It is without a doubt the best torque wrench I have ever owned.

http://www.torqwrench.com/Products/SplitBeam/SplitBeams.html

[Wickd89]

I have a chance to get a 3/4" and 1/4" Snap on digital torque wrenches with case and instructions; never used, for $225.

Should I just go ahead and get it???

[Wickd89]

Would I still need to look for a 1/2 to torque down my wheels??

[304065]

Stahlwille. No substitute.

[masraum]

I'd pass on the 3/4" and 1/4"

Get a 1/2" and that'll cover 80% of your needs, a 3/8" should cover 18 of the remaining 20%, and if you want, you can get the 1/4" and 3/4" to cover the last 2%.