http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...Itemnumber=239

On sale for $10 with coupon (circular available in store). I believe it's an in-store special only but can't hurt to call them.

They have stores all over the place: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/retail_stores.taf



Looks exactly like the one I bought from TireRack a few years ago.

 

:ibyouneeda$200wrenchtogetanaccuratereading:

Lots of decent to good reviews out there for it, and the opposing ones almost always are not backed up by anything but opinion.

 

I have one. Works good enough and they have a lifetime warranty so you can't go wrong. I only use it to torque the wheels. I'm sure anyone torquing engine heads will tell you to go with something more reputable but it works for what I need it to do.

 

^
I used one to perform a LIM repair on a GM 3.4 V6 a couple years ago with no issues thus far. It's a decent tool.

 

Can you guys help a torque wrench noob out. I need one to swap to my summer wheels. What is the difference between 1/2 drive, 1/4 inch drive, etc.. etc..

How do you know which one to get?

 

^ It depends on what kind of sockets you have. If you have a smaller size socket, then you need an adapter to fit this wrench. See pic:

 

I thought I scored a nice deal on a craftsman today for $60, 25 to 250 ft. lb

 

Are you referring to torque wrenches or drives in general? For the most part, it depends on your applications, whether it be for drives for sockets or torque wrenches. A one-quarter inch drive works well for small applications, but not for larger work. For example, a one-quarter inch drive is fine for removing or tightening small fasteners, but not for larger ones. It would be very difficult to work on a car with only a one-quarter inch drive. A three-eights drive would be better suited to all around applications. And of course you can always use a three-eights to one-quarter inch adapter for your small sockets. It's also a little difficult to find a one-quarter inch torque wrench. A three-eights is more common, and the better ones also have a scale for inch/pounds as well.

Half inch drives or torque wrenches are better suited to larger work. In regards to using a torque wrench to removing or tightening wheels, a half inch drive torque wrench would be better suited and more precise in this specific application. A half inch torque wrench often has a measurement scale for over 100 foot/pounds which works fine for wheel tightening.

I have five torque wrenches, either Snap-on or Husky, and all suited to various applications. My situation demands the use of all of them, but in your case I would probably look for one that can take care of most of your basic needs.


Terry

 

Depending on what city and state you all are, Harbour Freight giving out some freebies:

LED Flashlight
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/html...es/flash_c.jpg

6 pieces screwdrivers
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/html...ewdriver_c.jpg

 

Thanks

 

I'm a reformed Sears Craftsman purchaser that now goes to HF instead.
HF has some decent tools and are probably every bit as good as Craftsman. With the savings, I bought both the 3/8 and 1/2 inch wrenches. The breaker bar is is good too and worth a look. For the Home mechanic, I don't think you will go wrong with those tools. The rechargeable LED trouble light is also a great deal when it's on sale- we use those at home, working on the car, and even camping.

 

You may get lucky, you may not.

I am on my third one, soon fourth. I have used each wrench less than ten times before the "twistable" portion (that is, the assembly used to set the desired torque value) completely seizes up.

I gave up and bought a new Snap-On torque wrench instead. Been very, very pleased with the Snap-On product. The Precision Instruments Split-Beam torque wrenches are also fantastic and extremely durable, even the local Discount Tire uses them.

Please don't buy any of that Harbor Freight garbage.

 

Bought mine a while back and finially used it yesterday to torque my lawn mower blade.