Torque Wrench

[AnniversaryMan]

What kind of torque wrench is needed for basic maintenance on a 911. Harbor Freight has them for around $20.00, is that adequate? Also, what is the most commonly used size? Do I need to get a 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" Thanks, Jon

[rnln]

I think the first one would be the bigest one, 1/2", to torque your wheel lugs/nuts. Then the next one would be the 1/4", smallest you can get, for your valves cover nuts; which I don't have yet. I wish I can get something smaller than the one at HF. I also have some in between, which I rarely use.

[redstrosekNic]

+1 on getting a 1/4in and a 1/2in. I have a 1/4 and 3/8in from HF. They work fine. I only use the 3/8in for torquing my oil drain plug, headstuds, and fan nut. My 1/2in drive is my dad's, which is some other brand. The 1/4in from HF is big for a 1/4in, but in/lb measurments are handy for things like the alternator strap and oil level sending unit. With some good small 1/4in drive torque wrenches costing above $100, the HF is a good compromise for most general stuff.

[Noah930]

Like rnln says, I also have 2: 1/2 in for the heavier stuff like wheel lugnuts, and a 3/8 in for most other things. I have Craftsman, myself. I've had them for about 10 years. There are better (more expensive) ones. There are cheaper (?less reliable/durable?) ones. The inexpensive ones often can't be rebuilt/repaired. Course, they're cheap so you just throw them out and buy another.

[RWebb]

a torque wrench is not just a wrench; it is a precision instrument

I would never use a cheapo Harbor Freight one on my car - esp. on the wheels which could easily kill you if too loose

but there is no need to get a 1/4" one for the valve covers - just make them snug - search up the thread active in the last 2 weeks on this; I think Peter Z. posted, not sure

search up the numerous threads on torque wrenches for much much more info

Bottom Line:
get a good 1/2" one for the lug nuts; get 3/8 for engine or trans. rebuilds, and test them periodically for accuracy

Craftsman used to be fine; no idea nowadays

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by RWebb

a torque wrench is not just a wrench; it is a precision instrument

I would never use a cheapo Harbor Freight one on my car - esp. on the wheels which could easily kill you if too loose...

+1

And remember the golden rule of tools acquisition, buy cheap buy twice...

[rnln]

talking about perfect torque, it is recommended to check/calibrate every month or so. I use to write documents for a limo manufacture years ago. They have all good/expensive torque wrenches and they can't skip this rule.
I went through several torque wrench and still get the HF because I figure for this price range, if it go bad, just get another one. Later, I realized that they went bad because it was my fault, didn't release them after each use. The last set I have (cheapo HF) lasted me years. Periodically, I checked them with a friend of mine. Can't remember what his was, but not HF.

[Grady Clay]

Here are 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" and 3/4".

Originally Posted by Grady Clay

There is a size for every job.

The critical one for the small torque wrench is rocker arm shafts.
Note the calibration decals.




Best,
Grady

[911dean]

Originally Posted by Grady Clay

Here are 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" and 3/4".

What brand wrenches are they?
Dean

[Nine9six]

+1 on Grady's post.
Multiple torque wrenches are needed depending on the application and torque requirement. Torque wrenches are most accurrate at +/- 60% of the respective wrench mean value. I.e, if you have a troque wrench rated for 25-100 ft lbs; it is most accurate +/- 60% of the midpoint (62.5 ft lbs)
Personally speaking, I would not use a HF torque wrench for any critical engine assy.
My experience and training are in aircraft / aerospace applications. Earthbound applications can and should be less stringent.
Some of the better torque wrenches are Snapon, Matco, Proto...Before I tossed away money on a HF torque wrench, I'd look for a good quality used wrench on craigslist or fleabay, and have them calibrated/certified at a local calibration shop.

[mtndawg]

I buy things like, gloves (for example) at HF. For precision tools I might buy new or used if it looks like it's a legit buy on eBay. I realize it's tough to know when buying used online. That said...I have a Mac that goes up to 150 lbs that I bought for $200 used and it looks like new. It is a beautiful tool that feels much different than a lesser quality tool. If funds are limited and you have to save bigger spending for the car, that's understandable. Been there and done that too.

[HarryD]

Interesting thread: Is a Harbor Freight Torque Wrench Really Bad?

Personally, I own both a 1/2" HF and Craftman clicker type plus a 1/2" Craftsman beam type unit. Periodically, I check them against each other. So far they agree well enough to make me happy.

[mercury26]

I recommend torque wrenches from CDI Torque (CDI Torque Products, America's Largest Manufacturer of Torque Equipment). The company is owned by Snap On and they make a quality product at a very reasonable price. You can purchase them from Amazon at a very good price. I have a selection of CDI Torque and Hazet (love me some German tools) torque wrenches. You won't be disappointed. As the other poster mentioned, torque wrenches are a precision instrument and as such you should invest accordingly.

Regards,

Chuck

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by RWebb

a torque wrench is not just a wrench; it is a precision instrument.

Bingo! Its unfortunate few see it that way.

I'd suggest he gets a 20 to 100 lbf.ft. 3/8 ich drive unit made by Precision Instruments who I believe make them for Snap-On. Its a flex head ratchet click type.

After that one, a 1/4" drive unit that takes care of all torques below that one.

Personally, I own three that cover from 3.5 to 250 lbf.ft....they're also calibrated.

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by rnln

I went through several torque wrench and still get the HF because I figure for this price range, if it go bad, just get another one.

How do you know if it has gone bad?

[timmy2]

My 3 Snap-On torque wrenches have worked for me for 25 years without needing to be re-calibrated due to proper care and use. I have checked them regularly, and they are still 100%accurate. They will last longer than I will....
Quality and accuracy in precision tools, you get what you pay for....

[winders]

Like Traveller, I prefer the Precision Instruments split-beam torque wrenches....

I have the C2FR100F and the C3FR250F. I like the flex heads.

These are the same as the Snap-On torque wrenches that look like them. Just cheaper.....

Scott

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by timmy2

My 3 Snap-On torque wrenches have worked for me for 25 years without needing to be re-calibrated due to proper care and use. I have checked them and they are still accurate.

That is what I have, three Snap-On wrenches as well.

I bought my first one in 1975. It wasn't till I had the chance to personally calibrate it in our labs in 1992 that I knew how accurate and precise it was. Of course proper use and storage make a big difference.

In fact it was good over the full 5 to 75 lbf.ft. range and repeatability was incredible (I took 5 readings at every 5 lbf.ft over the full range). Repeatability is the most important factor. I don't care if I have to dial in 52 to get 48 as long as I get 48 every time I dial in 52...that is called repeatability and time enters into that as well. A good wrench stays in calibration.

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by winders

Like Traveller, I prefer the Precision Instruments split-beam torque wrenches....

Scott

I don't actually own that brand. I just recommend them since they are the same as those from Snap-On, just a bit cheaper.

[911s55]

Originally Posted by winders

Like Traveller, I prefer the Precision Instruments split-beam torque wrenches....

I have the C2FR100F and the C3FR250F. I like the flex heads.

These are the same as the Snap-On torque wrenches that look like them. Just cheaper.....

Scott

I have those two as well, purchased here.Wesco Tools