Help me buy a new torque wrench. I rotated my tires today and checked my brake pads. I think my front pads are close to needing replacement. So I read up on how to replace them and got all paranoid about wrapped rotor from improperly torquing the wheels since my current torque wrench might not be accurate any more. Most likely, I can't afford a Snap-on piece, though I wish.

There is this one with good reviews on Amazon.com.

A Craftsman torque wrench. I have heard the low end torque wrenches by Craftsman are junk. True/False?

Or a Habor Freight torque wrench that cost about 16 bucks? This option is most likely going to be vote down by your guys.

Right now, I am using a Craftsman beam torque wrench. Problem is that the beam is slightly bend, so it might not be accurate any more.

What do you use?

 

I don't own a torque wrench, but you may want to check out this thread about torque wrenches in Car Talk: https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/torque-wrench-snap-techwrench-747914/

 

I have the Harbor Freight torque wrenches and they are fine for the last 2 years I have owned them. For < $40 you can get a 3/8, 1/2 and maybe even a breaker bar as well. I'm no professional mechanic, but the Harbor Freight tools are more than adequate for what I'll be doing.

My only issue with HF tools was an Impact driver that had the bit shatter while taking my rotors off- that's it. I like the 6-point sockets, and ratchets too.

 

I own four torque wrenches: Two Snap-on, one Husky (Home Depot), and one Craftsman (calibrated in in/lbs. I use my two Snap-ons for engine rebuilding and equipment servicing. The Husky branded wrench from Home Depot is used for basic stuff, and I've been pleasantly surprised with it's performance. A good torque wrench is a good investment, and a quality piece will last for years to come. For what you have described, I would either take a look at the Husky or an upper end Craftsman. You should be able to purchase either for under a hundred dollars.


Terry

 

I have four torque wrenches (one 1/2" craftsman, 1/2" Husky, 3/8" harbor freight, 1/4" harbor freight). All are great to use, I'd recommend the harbor freights torque wrenchs they work very well. At work we have some precision torque meters, and I'm going bring in my wrenches to see how accurate all of them all.

 

If you're just doing it to torque wheels, get one from Home Depot or Lowes. No reason to spend a ton of money.

 

I brought my old Craftsman beam torque wrench to the local Sears today, asking if it can be re-calibrated. The salesman swapped it out for a new one. I didn't expect this! According to him, it is the only torque wrench that Craftsman has a lifetime warranty on. Every other torque wrenches have 90-day warranty. That was news to me!

On the way home, I visited the Lowe's near my house. They carry a 3/8" Husky torque wrench, listed at $78.

I'll be visiting the local Home Depot next.

 

Remember for torquing wheels it's more important to have them the same than at an exact number.