I will need to purchase a torque wrench in the near future. I don't have an impact gun, so torque sticks aren't a possibility.
Initially, I will use this torque wrench to change the timing belt on my 97 Accord. The instructions I am following state that I will need one that can torque up to 181 lbs/ft. This excludes a lot of cheap ones that only go up to 150 lbs/ft or less. I also plan to use it to tighten lug nuts on my cars when I rotate my tires and basically any other time I need a specific bolt tightness.
With that in mind, should I opt for a 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch torque wrench?
1/2 inch advantages:
Seems like a 1/2 inch would be more solid, sturdy and able to handle the strain of 180+ lbs/ft.
3/8 inch advantages:
Less expensive
I already have a complete set of 3/8 inch metric sockets
Easier to get into tight spots?
I would appreciate your thoughts on the matter. Thanks.
Initially, I will use this torque wrench to change the timing belt on my 97 Accord. The instructions I am following state that I will need one that can torque up to 181 lbs/ft. This excludes a lot of cheap ones that only go up to 150 lbs/ft or less. I also plan to use it to tighten lug nuts on my cars when I rotate my tires and basically any other time I need a specific bolt tightness.
With that in mind, should I opt for a 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch torque wrench?
1/2 inch advantages:
Seems like a 1/2 inch would be more solid, sturdy and able to handle the strain of 180+ lbs/ft.
3/8 inch advantages:
Less expensive
I already have a complete set of 3/8 inch metric sockets
Easier to get into tight spots?
I would appreciate your thoughts on the matter. Thanks.