those of you that have torque wrenches, what size/style did you go with? this will be used for tire rotations, misc filler plugs and other minor jobs.

 

I've seen some pretty good deals on Crafstman, but the reviews say they break with limited use and are not lifetime warranty - so be careful there.

I've been using an AutoZone loaner each time, but it's getting to be a hassle. That tool is something like 25 lb/ft - 250 lb/ft. That range is fine for the majority of routine jobs.

Highest torque you'd likely need is 180 lb/ft (not often); lowest is ~7 lb/ft. Most jobs are in the 25 lb/ft - 80 lb/ft range. The lower torque seems fairly easy to estimate - 7 lb/ft is hand tight; 16 lb /ft hand tight plus a modest pull, etc.

 

I have Craftsmen click & release in two sizes. Lower scale 3/8" drive & a high scale 1/2" drive.

 

I have three. A "short" one (maybe 14") measured in inch/lbs which I use for my oil pan drain plug. A 100 ft/lb (max) which gets used for wheels and a few sundry items. And a 150 ft/lb which I have not yet used on my '04 or '05 TL.

 

AutoZone rent-a-tool!

But if the OP really wants to buy one then get only one and get a big one (200+) and a breaker bar.

 

For taking off your bumper and stuff use a 10mm socket. There are many things on our cars that require a 10mm socket.

 

My torque wrench is regular size with a 150 lb/ft max, I think. I got it at one of the chain auto stores. It wasn't expensive and it works really well.

 

You headline is hilarious.. what happened?? lol..

 

True, thankz. But the question is "What Torque Wrench?"



I am curious what people recommend too. The AutoZone loaner is OK, but not "in hand" when you might want it. I've thought about not returning it - they just leave it charged off on the CC you secured it with.


I'd just hate to buy something you expect tobe good for basic DIY/home use (Craftsman, for example) then the damn thing breaks in 2 months.

 

Like Bearcat has said, I read a bunch of poor reviews on the Craftsman torque wrenches. I actually bought one and ended up returning it after reading even more poor reviews. Ended up getting a 3/8" drive Husky from Home Depot. I'm sure there are better wrenches but I found this one clearly better than the Craftsman I originally picked up, and I think it was even cheaper. Can't remember the torque range but so far it covers all of jobs I use it for.

 

I like doing the AutoZone route b/c in the case the torque wrench does fail I can just exchange it. Sears has some 1/2" drive TW's on sale and Harbor Freight & Amazon have some real cheap too ($20-$50). To be honest, I don't know the failure rate of the torque wrenches or what is the most reliable & accurate.. I definitely couldn't find one that was warrantied longer than 1 year.

I did read reviews say out-of-spec or complete failure. So I'll stick to AutoZone for now.

 

Nothing lately. It's a line from Cowboy Bebop by one of the recurring bit characters. I always liked the character (reminds me of myself), I always liked the line (his delivery and the subsequent "discussions" between him and his buddies are priceless), and my luck, unfortunately, lends itself to me saying just such a thing.

 

Not sure if they have changed in recient years but I have never had an engine I built fail due to improper torque values using a Chraftsman wrench. One of the keys to long life on a click release wrench is to unload it after you are done using it.

 

Unfortunately, Sears has decided to play the "Made in China" card, like many other retailers and quality has gone to shit! This coming from a 1/2 Chinese guy ... China needs to work on their QC.

Good advice about unloading after use ... always do this routine with a click release torque wrench Unloading will extend accuracies and service life.

I do own a lot of Craftsman tools but my TW's are all Snap-On, Matco or MAC(and one Proto) ... there just isn't a substitute for a quality torque wrench.