One item to keep in mind, is that a mechanic by trade can write off the cost of the tools, so with the Mac and Snappy drivers visiting the shops on a regular basis that may be the way to go, but for the weekend mechanic many tools can be purchased in place of the aforementioned brands. Can't say I've never broken a Snap-on product, as I have one now waiting for a replacement, but their quality usually far exceeds other brands.

 

Exactly what I said. They do break also. There quality is up there. I own quite a few of them and it's much easier for me to stop by sear, home depot ace hardware then waiting for the snap on truck. I'm not expecting it to break so often cause they don't. My point is that the expense of buying it far exceeds it. All the other tools I've used are replaced no questions asked. True when come to more critical work I'd preffer to use the snap on sockets over the other brands because of their precision and rigidity. Overall choose what you preffer. My brother is certified mechanic as well and all his tools are now mines since he decided to go back to the Army so I can sleep better at night while he fights the bad guys and I use his tools. heheheh.

 

That's pretty much what I was saying. They're not worth it for the occasional home mechanic. Most of mine have been picked through and stolen over the years while the Craftsman have remained.

I keep one set of super clean Snap-ons specifically for engine building. Not even a whole set of tools, just the common ones for the 3.8L. There are certain tight areas where Snap-ons fit better like head bolts and my ARP rod bolts where the thinner wall of the Snap-on sockets fit much easier. One issue I had was the ARP hardware is true 12 point and other brands wanted to strip before I hit the torque spec.

My only point really was that Snap-ons aren't worth it for the average home mechanic but there is a HUGE quality difference.

 

I'm most techs / mechanics would agree.

 

My first post here. I bought my 05 TL 6spd exactly a year ago but took me this long to join the forum. I am also looking to buy a torque wrench to atleast use for the lug nuts. I was just wondering what the difference is between the different size drives and if it would make a difference for what I would use it for? Also, what would be the better choice, buying one from Advance Auto or a Husky from Home Depot?

 

If it makes a difference, I compared my cheap Harbor Freight Pittsburgh wrench to a friends Craftsman, and they broke the same on my lugs. Just a little piece of mind for me and my cheapo I guess.

 

The difference in the size of the drive is the usually the rated output of the torque values. In general you will get more torque from a 1/2" drive than a 3/8" drive. I am DIY'er who won't be working on any critical internal engine components and am not forseeing needing over 100 ft-lbs (lug nuts are 80-90 ft-lb) so I bought the Kobalt 3/8" drive from Lowes. Lifetime warranty and +/- 4% accuracy at the higher torque values.

 

Thanks for the replies. So it sounds like I'll be fine with a cheap wrench from Harbor Freight or Lowes etc. and I'll probably end up going with a 3/8" since I won't be working on the engine's internals.

 

I was just on the HF website and they also sell an "11 Piece 1/2" Super High Torque Lug Nut Impact Socket Set." Is that worth buying or would my standard socket set work just fine?

 

At 81 ft-lbs (or whatever it is exactly) you shouldn't necessarily need the strength of an impact set...however, having a deep well socket is nice for the lugs.

I've never used a standard socket on them actually, so you may only be able to use deep well, but I'm just throwing that out there.

 

Impact sockets are harder to get in the holes and more likely to damage the rims since they're thicker. Totally not necessary.

 

Another thing to keep in mind is generically speaking the narrower the range of the wrench the more accurate it's going to be.

 

I ended up passing on the impact sockets figuring I could always buy them later if the need came up. Also good point about the range of the wrench, I hadn't considered that

 

Yes a thread resurrection.

I noticed Harbor Freight has their clicker torque wrench on sale for 9.99 for all sizes. I have the 3/8's and 1/2 inch versions of this wrench and they're good and definitely worth their normal $34.99 sales price and more. HF also has a decent floor jack on sale for 69.99 too. Get the lug nut set and you'll be out the door with all three items for less than $100.

 

and if you don't want the car falling on you, it'd be another $25 for a pair of jack stands

 

the HF torque wrenches are definitely worth it if you can't afford the more expensive ones. Just bought one for torquing bolts on my bicycle and it works great. Just remember to spin up the torque adjuster up and down throughout the range a few times before using it.

I'm not so sure about using it on internal engine parts, but it should work fine anything else.

 

Yeah... I bought two HF torque wrenches on sale just to see how good/bad they were. Horribly inaccurate compared to a good Snap-On and even my Craftsman that gets more use. I wouldn't use the HF on anything remotely important.

 

$9.99 is hard to beat. At that price they become disposable - use 'em, wear 'em out or break 'em and buy a new one.

I'm still on Honey Moon with my Brownline Digital though.

 

^ That's a nice torque wrench.

I had my doubts 6 years ago about the HF torque wrench and compared my wrench to my neighbor's Craftsman. I tried 50, 80, and 100 lb settings and both wrenches clicked consistently. That soothed my concerns. I also tried my 3/8's against the 1/2 and these wrenches consistently click the same too.

I'd feel better if I could compare my wrenches to the Brownline and have them fare well.

I use the wrench mostly for lug nuts so it's great in that role and probably many others as well.

 

FYI: I just read the specs on the Brownline and it's rated at +/- 3.5% repeatable accuracy. The Harbor Freight wrenches are rated at +/- 4%- very comparable and impressive when you factor out of pocket costs. That's less than a 1/2 pound difference between the two wrenches at the standard 80lb lug nut settings

 

I agree .... at the current price the HF is pretty hard to say no to. I'd wonder about durability, but again, for the price you buy several and still be ahead on out of pocket costs.

 

Does that one do angles? I've been thinking about buying a 3/8" Digital. I've seen an Eastwood for $90 on eBay that does angles.

Maybe I should just go with the tried and true, Precision Instruments.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...0W7-001Z-00044

 

^^

Nice lookin' tool.

But at 2 - 37 ft-lb range there's a number of bolts (susp, brakes, wheels, etc) that it won't cover.

 

$79.99 if you are a Craftsman Club member, other wise $99.99. Good through 10/9.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00913919000P

 

I've done a bit of research and have come to the conclusion this is the "split beam" torque wrench would be my next purchase. You can adjust it with 1 finger. You don't have to minimize the setting after every use. And it's NOT super sensitive to bumps etc like digital torque wrenches. Not bad for $100 for the 3/8 20-100lb'ft C2FR100F.

I think this was the article that peaked my interest:
http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/t...wrench-FAQ.htm

 

Yup, I just picked up a 3/8" PI Split Beam for around $120 a couple of months back. They're nice and compact with a small head that flexes. Light weight too. Only thing it can't do is go in reverse for left hand threads.
Another thing to add, Snap-On re-brands these split beam torque wrenches and charges double for it. I'm not hating on Snap-On, I just wouldn't pay that much for a re-branded tool.

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

 

On sale again for $79.99 for CC members:

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_101...2_00913919000P

Good through 12/13.