Hey guys, just putting this out there to get some feedback. I've been thinking of buying a torque wrench. What kind of features or options do I look for? Does it matter what I plan to use it for? If so, guess what you think I may be torquing down most often....hahaha. Lugs nuts right?! Nah, but seriously, I have no idea what to look for, but have always thought it would be a good idea to have, especially being how often I take off and put back on my different wheels and stuff. I know I've seen 1/2" and 3/8" ones. But is there a specific range that's best suited for general automotive use? And also what brands? I'm sure snap on will come up, but does it really matter? Thanks in advance

 

It really depends on what you plan on using it for. I have two craftsman torque wrenches, they work great for what I use them for. I have a 1/2" that goes from like 40 to 140 ft/lbs I think (I've used it once). I have a 3/8'' that goes from 10 to 80 ft/lbs. I use it for everything from the seat bolts, to the exhaust bolts. For what I use it for, I need the smaller ft/lbs, hence why rarely use the 1/2"

 

i have a husky one (30-100 ft/lbs?) that i bought from home depot like 2 years ago that is solid. i chose that over the craftsman one, which was flimsy like. but it's always in my car if you want to check it out xP

 

Haha, you're not from Hawaii, so that's probably why you don't already know what I'll be using it for mostly. Nah, it would be mainly for torquing lug nuts for my new wheels. Well, new for that week at least. But seriously, so for most general automotive stuff, a 3/8" one is good then? Is there really anything that we'd need to torque over 100 foot lbs, or is that the max I'd need?
Thanks for the info Anthony. I figured for the amount of times I'd really use it, a decent one is all I'd need. A Snap On would be over kill and I'd be paying for just the name.

 

yeah, mine's a 3/8" and used to torque lug nuts at 90 ft/lbs

 

Unless you're fooling around with axle nuts, I don't think you need anything over 100 ft/lb. Knowing that it'll pretty much only be used for lugs, the 3/8" one is probably good enough. It just depends on the size of the sockets you have for your lugs. I use 1/2" on mine because my socket for the lug key is 1/2" drive. Hope this helps.

 

I would get the 1/2 inch just because if you ever do need to torque something 100+ you will be able to and not have to run out and get or borrow a bigger one. Not sure about brands but I use my dads 3/8 snap-on. I have been looking at getting my own also; what my dad has told me is that expensive ones like the snap-on one will just be super accurate and last longer. I plan on getting a cheap 1/2 incher though because it will be used mostly for lugs. Hope it helps a little. Good luck.

 

One with a warranty. hahah

 

If you want quality doesn't matter brand just make sure it's calibrated

 

I keep my Husky in my car at all times. It goes to +250 ft./lbs. got it from Home Depot in 2007 for 60 bucks. Solid build, simple use, and always gets put away in its box after every use. You can check it out if you like.

 

To me, you get what you pay for. I bought a cheapy Gorilla one that broke within a year. My Craftsman one is still working great after 5+ years.

 

if your just using it for torque lug nuts you dont need something good because its going get abused really fast. i use a craftsman one for torque lugnuts only everything else i use either my old snap on click type or this guy

http://www.tooltopia.com/precision-i...-c3fr250f.aspx


this one is the same exact one as the Snap on model but half the price. split beam type is good because you dont have to turn it down after use. click types you gota make sure you turn it down ( setting it to the lowest setting) after usage or else you damage the internals/spring...


Electric ones are sweet if your doing Head work, engine overhauling for torque angles etc ...

 

I have both a 3/8 and a 1/2...tend to use the 1/2 one way more often and it is generally the one I use for lug nuts.

Can't believe YOU don't have one with all the wheel changes you do. Tsk tsk...but anyways, yeah go get one and torque your lugs appropriately :P

 

I have a 1/4". 3/8", and 1/2"


all depends what you are using it for, i mainly only use the 1/2" one for lug nuts, and the 3/8" one for everything else. You can get some for a resonable price at harbor freight.


http://www.harborfreight.com/catalog...=torque+wrench

 

Great info...thanks!

Haha, I know right? I figured it was about time to finally do it right. Nah, I've been meaning to get one, just never got around to it. Been hoping this "addiction" would slow down, but going on 8 sets for my GS300 in less than 1 year already........I guess not.