Torque wrench recommendation needed

[Papa smurf]

As I prepare to receive my AS in May I realise I will need tools that I do not have. One of them is a torque wrench. When choosing one what should I be looking for. Do they all offer more or less the same level of precision +/ - 4% or are some models more precise and does that even make a difference. Should I opt for a model with a range that covers the need of the AS and TV or is there any advantage to have one with a larger range. Pass those general considerations do you have a specific model to recommand .

[Wayne&Sam]

Depends what you'll use it for. If it's just for lug nuts any torque wrench will do. If you're going to rebuild engines, then you'll need a precision wrench.

Generally things measure more accurately near the middle of their range. So I wouldn't get one that means you'll usually use it at either extreme of its range.

[markdoane]

Don't spend more than $80 US or less than $40 US.

[Protagonist]

Don't forget that torque wrenches come in different sizes as well, just like sockets. You may only need a 1/2" drive, or you may need multiple drive sizes.

[PaulnGina]

I have one of these that I use for torquing lug nuts on our Avion. It'll go up to 150 ft/lbs. Not good for torquing the hitch receiver head.
Sears.com

[hhendrix]

For lug nuts a Sears 1/2 inch wrench is fine. Avoid the temptation to buy one from Harbor Junk. Don't make the mistake many do by setting the wrench to the desired torque and leaving it there. When done, always set the wrench to its lowest setting. Leaving it at a high setting distorts the tension spring over time degrading its accuracy.

[khollister]

For lug nuts and smaller hitch hardware, the 1/2" model at Harbor Freight is just fine. For larger hitch fasteners, Home Depot sells a Husky brand 1/2" that goes up to 250 ft-lbs. Of course it will also work fine for wheels - it's just long and somewhat more expensive than the Harbor Freight one.

For what you are going to use it for, don't spend the money on the Snap-On, Matco, etc stuff.

An important tip to prolong the life and accuracy of any torque wrench is to back off the tension setting all the way when it is being stored. Don't put it away with the dial set to 110 ft-lbs.

[khollister]

Originally Posted by hhendrix

For lug nuts a Sears 1/2 inch wrench is fine. Avoid the temptation to buy one from Harbor Junk. Don't make the mistake many do by setting the wrench to the desired torque and leaving it there. When done, always set the wrench to its lowest setting. Leaving it at a high setting distorts the tension spring over time degrading its accuracy.

The Harbor Freight one has tested pretty well, and comparing it to my more expensive wrenches show it isn't as far off as you might think.

[akjam]

I have always had pretty good luck buying one off tools at pawn shops. The last torque wrench I bought came from one at a very good price. I couldn't tell the difference between the one I bought and a new one condition wise, it came with a case and the calibration certification. After I bought it, I checked it against a wrench that a quality tire shop uses and it was spot on.

[Rgentum]

You'll need a 1/2 inch torque wrench for lug nuts, on trailer & truck. I bought one at Harbor Freight, for $20 less 20% off with one of their coupons, & haven't had any problems with it (although I have had problems with more complicated Harbor Freight tools). You'll likely also need a 1/2 inch extension bar, preferably around a foot long, also inexpensive at Harbor Freight. I share others' displeasures with Harbor Freight items, although it's hard to mess up simple tools like wrenches, sockets, etc., and Harbor Freight has quite a supply of them at ridiculously low prices.

[J. Morgan]

I have acquired a few good ones over the years.

1/2" drive 250 ft lbs

1/2" drive 250 ft lbs w\ gyros for "torque to angle"

1/2" drive 100 ft lbs

3/8" dive 250 inch pounds...

However, if I was just working on a trailer, i would buy a cheapie.


Brevi tempore!

[B00merang]

Do I really need a torque wrench? I thought about it this year when I switched to the 16" Sendels/Michelins, but ended up using a regular tire iron. I do check the lugnut tightness a number of times each trip, however. jon

[J. Morgan]

Fwiw, even though I have a multitude of torque wrenches, I never torque my lug nuts. I know what feels right.

Those who don't know what right feels like should use a torque wrench.


Brevi tempore!

[EarlM]

Snap-On

Earl

[Papa smurf]

Thanks everyone. Since i am new at this and do not know what feels right as J.Morgan mention I intend to get one , it will be used exclusively to torque the the lug nuts on the TV and AS so I assume one that has a range that goes up to 250 ft lbs will have me using it at half it's range. I was looking at a Tekton 24340 1/2 inch with a 25- 250 foot pound range. Any of you has the same one?

[Elbo]

No one can "feel right" at #85 foot lbs + or - #2 lbs. Torque is more then making something tight, it is so that all nuts are tighten the same to pervert distorting the wheels. If two are at 90 & two at 80 & two at 60 the 60s will start loosen up. Ask any man in a tire shop why they torque wheels or ask anyone who has lost a wheel if the torqued the wheels. If they say no then it's their fault for any property damage. Ask the state police.

[ChuckFeldt]

Don't forget the 24" breaker bar, 6" extension and correctly sized deep well impact grade sockets

[CRH]

Originally Posted by khollister

The Harbor Freight one has tested pretty well, and comparing it to my more expensive wrenches show it isn't as far off as you might think.

This is my experience as well. I did my homework on the Pittsburgh brand 10 years ago and found they tested very well according to a calibration lab. I bought an inch pound and foot pound model for top end and cam work on Harleys. I checked them against a couple of expensive brands and found them spot on. I used them for a lot of motor work with no issues.

[blkmagikca]

I use http://www.amazon.com/Precision-Inst...+torque+wrench - it does not have to be zero'ed between wheels. When I had my AS LY diesel pusher (and came close to losing a wheel), I bought http://www.amazon.com/Precision-Inst...+torque+wrench. I still have it, and use it to torque my hitch ball. I had spoken to one of the suppliers of the Precision line, and was told that they made the split beam wrenches for Snap On.

[J. Morgan]

Originally Posted by Elbo

No one can "feel right" at #85 foot lbs + or - #2 lbs. Torque is more then making something tight, it is so that all nuts are tighten the same to pervert distorting the wheels. If two are at 90 & two at 80 & two at 60 the 60s will start loosen up. Ask any man in a tire shop why they torque wheels or ask anyone who has lost a wheel if the torqued the wheels. If they say no then it's their fault for any property damage. Ask the state police.

There is always a critic right?

I imagine I have a few mounted more wheels than the average person, I have never had a wheel I have tightened fall off.... (Nor have I distorted or otherwise ruined any rims)

With all DUE respect, I kinda do know what feels right. Beleive it or not, it IS possible to learn to feel when a fastener at its "sweet spot".

That aside, how many vehicles come with a torque wrench in the tire change tools?

#JustSayin...


Brevi tempore!