Torque Wrench
- Thread starter DR
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The clicker type are easier to use than the beam type. I like the craftsman models for affordable torque wrenches. There are nicer models available that are more accurate, and better made, but are much, much higher priced.
Snap-on's 'Techwrench' series torque wrenches are a great buy for the money, they are digital, but not as expensive as some electronic torque wrenches out there.
Snap-On Techwrench torque wrenches
quite a bit of money compared to your avg $60-$100 craftsman torqure wrench, but they are worht every penny in my opinion.
Snap-On Techwrench torque wrenches
quite a bit of money compared to your avg $60-$100 craftsman torqure wrench, but they are worht every penny in my opinion.
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- Jun 2, 2003
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I like Rahsol/Gedore torque wrenches. A bit expensive, but they make my Craftsman look like junk. I wouldn't waste any money on beam type. Cry once, buy well.
I wish I had beam torque wrenches. I will have to get my clickers recalibrated before I work on anything finicky. Clickers don't work very well for low values as they don't "click", they just yield a little.
Steve
Steve
The craftman clicker torque wrenches will work fine for you, go get one. I have both the beam and clicker type from them. I prefer the clicker. The only time the beam wrench is useful is for measuring break away torque, rarely useful. Used by some pro engine builders to measure the turning force of a new engine. I bought a chinese, greatneck clicker, even said iso 9001 on the package. Broke a small bolt in a automatic transmission on its 1st use, it was way out of spec. The best advice is not to drop the wrench, and if you have the clicker type, set it back to 0 when not using it.
Kestas
Staff member
For information, I bought a cheapie $25, 1/2"-drive clicker-type from JC Whitney. Luckily I can calibrate it at work. I found it was 10% off throughout most of its useful range... it undertorqued the bolts. So I just add 10% to everything I need to do.
It's cheap, but it's calibrated!
It's cheap, but it's calibrated!
I've used beam types as the calibration is pretty simple, but you can't really use then in some situations unless someone reads it for you or you somehow attach a mirror. I've had one Craftsman beam type for 25 years (?) now. Since the beam types are pretty affordable get one to calibrate a click type.
If you are are doing critical work and have a ready source of calibrating it, buy a clicker. If you have no way to calibrate it, better find one for critical work.
For occasional use, mounting tires and an occasional head gasket, get a beam type. Maybe 2, a second lower range one for spark plugs etc. The 0-150 lb ft I have had for 40 years doesn't give good readings at 18.
For occasional use, mounting tires and an occasional head gasket, get a beam type. Maybe 2, a second lower range one for spark plugs etc. The 0-150 lb ft I have had for 40 years doesn't give good readings at 18.
If you are only doing lug nuts, then not to worry (at least not much) about being 5-10% off.
Most important thing is that all the nuts are torqued to the same spec.
Most important thing is that all the nuts are torqued to the same spec.
I have a couple of Snap on torque clicker wrenches. I have had them about 25 yrs. I don't use them too often, had them recalibrated 2x.
Craftsmen does have an electronic torque meter Hooks into a breaker bar or long rachet wrench.
I might get one in the future. I don't think it needs to be calibrated ever. Correct me if I,m wrong.
Craftsmen does have an electronic torque meter Hooks into a breaker bar or long rachet wrench.
I might get one in the future. I don't think it needs to be calibrated ever. Correct me if I,m wrong.
Where can you take a Torque Wrench to get re-calibrated? I am in Central NJ it that helps any. I also have a less expensive JCWhitney or Harbor Freight Torque Wrench that I bought a few years ago and the calibration has not be checked since i bought it because i have no idea where i can bring it to get re-calibrated. thanks for the help.
Get the one that measures in inch-pounds if you want to do sparkplugs. In fact for most engine and transmission work and other specs that require a low foot-pound reading you are better of using an inch-pound torque wrench. For lug nuts, chassis components and other "big" and heavy duty torquing then the foot-pound wrench is needed. I find for the money and if you're not using the wrench everyday to make a living the Craftsman torque wrenches are more than adequate. At least they're made in the USA and not China
Whimsey
Tire Rack has a clicker for $29 FWIW.
Dave
Dave
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