First off, I am sorry if this is in the wrong section but I didn't know where else to put it.

Anyways, I am in the market for a torque wrench but I have a few questions....And I need it to be relatively cheap, so I am not going with a power or air wrench.

-I am looking at this one (link below), is it sufficient for jobs around the TL, such as dealing with the manifolds and whatnot?

-It says that it has a 3/8 head....Is this a changeable size?

-I have never used any of these before, how do you adjust the torque output, is it just by using that dial?



http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...=torque+wrench


I appreciate any and all help

 

It goes from 0 to 75 ft lbs which will work for a lot of bolts on the TL.

The 3/8" head indicates what size sockets you can put on it and no, it's not changeable.

A torque wrench doesn't output torque, it measures torque. You use it just like a socket wrench. You put a socket on the 3/8" drive, put the socket on a bolt or a nut, tighten the bolt/nut until the pointer on the scale reads the proper torque value for the bolt/nut.

I prefer this type, Click Here, where the wrench clicks when you reach the torque value you set on the wrench. Much easier than having to read a pointer on a scale.

 

Also, there's a difference between a torque wrench (the URL you posted) and an impact wrench. Two different kinds of wrenches for different tasks. While the description of each mentions torque, a torque wrench is used to tighten a bolt/nut to a certain torque value. An impact wrench is rated on how much torque it can apply to a (usually) frozen bolt/nut. You almost never (I never do) use an impact wrench to tighten a bolt, unless you're on a Nascar pit crew.

For example, I had to use an impact wrench to remove the transmission fill hole bolt just this past Friday when I drained and refilled the fluid. It was so tight, a 1/2" socket wrench and a cheater bar wouldn't budge it. (It was the first time the bolt was removed). But I'd never use the impact wrench to tighten the bolt. Way too easy to strip the threads.

 

Thank you VERY much.
Very good and clear answers.

 

Click type is better as Mike said. Sears oftens has them on sale. It's worth the price difference.

 

Get the click type. I hate those type (for any thing other than inch/lbs) You will thank yourself in the long run with a click type. Also find one that goes above 75 so you can accurately tighten up your lugnuts.

 

Also-FYI- torque wrenches need to be tested periodically for accuracy. If you use one with an extension it throws off the torque. Its also not recommended to use it as a ratchet. I always keep mine in the lowest setting when not in use (not sure if that matters)

Ive had my Craftsman 1/2" drive torque wrench and Impact Gun for 10 years...still work great!

 

 

good, concise info in here

 

yup. great info. thanks for the replies to the o.p. of this thread. i'm 'bout to go out & buy a torque wrench so i can tackle some maintenance jobs before it's too late (getting close)

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944595000P has a poor rating though, hrm..that's the one i was interested in getting.

 

You'll find a 1/2" drive torque wrench more useful than with a 3/8" drive one, especially using it around the car.

 

oh....thanks