Buying a Torque Wrench...Quick Question

[Grand Moff Joseph]

I'm going to buy s torque wrench tomorrow. What size do I need for most jobs related to Ws?

 

1/2 inch, or 3/8?

 

Thanks!

Joe

[ManicMechanic]

3/8ths should do just fine. But either one will work well.

[Brian P]

If you have to choose only one, get a 1/2" with ability to adjust between 10 lb/ft and 150 lb/ft. Can't really torque much with 3/8 especially lug nuts.

[Crazy K]

i disagree. plenty of engine work you need to do with a 3/8. only thing that I can think of that MUSt be 1/2 inch would be lug nuts.

 

 

chasing the Sears torque wrench huh?

[Andrew]

the 1/2 prolly has a higher limit, which is good for suspension and lugnuts that require lots of torque. the 3/8 prolly has a lower limit, but prolly has more increments, which is good for precise engine stuff.

[Crazy K]

the 1/2 prolly has a higher limit, which is good for suspension and lugnuts that require lots of torque. the 3/8 prolly has a lower limit, but prolly has more increments, which is good for precise engine stuff.

agreed, but 100 ft pounds on a lug nut means half my wieght on a 1 foot bar. the engine wrench is most important.

[Grand Moff Joseph]

i disagree. plenty of engine work you need to do with a 3/8. only thing that I can think of that MUSt be 1/2 inch would be lug nuts.

 

 

chasing the Sears torque wrench huh?

 

Yeah, but I can't afford both of them at the same time!

[gpchris]

Get a 1/2 and an adapter that will allow you to use 3/8s sockets.

[ManicMechanic]

What will you be using it for, Joe?

[Grand Moff Joseph]

What will you be using it for, Joe?

 

Probably for tires (lugs), some brake components, and a few "easy" engine items, such as dogbone bolts, etc.

[ManicMechanic]

1/2" then.

[Grand Moff Joseph]

Thanks for the input!

[Chancho]

yea, a 1/2 inch will allow you to do any suspension work wheels, tires, axles, and all that good stuff, the only reason you would need a 3/8 in or one that measures in in/lbs would be for engine rebuilding and such

[1990lumina]

1/2" ...that's what I bought from Sears last winter and it's worked perfect for everything I've used it for. I won't lie though, you use a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter quite a bit with small things..still seems to torque everything properly.

[Crazy K]

crazy k has.............. bought the mid level 10 to 150 lb craftsman 3/8ths wrench. woot!!!!

[GP1138]

crazy k has.............. bought the mid level 10 to 150 lb craftsman 3/8ths wrench. woot!!!!

 

Two of them, right?

[ismellrealbad]

i say 1/2. make sure you buy it from snap-on so that ur sure to overpay by at least $100

[Brian P]

i disagree. plenty of engine work you need to do with a 3/8. only thing that I can think of that MUSt be 1/2 inch would be lug nuts.

 

 

chasing the Sears torque wrench huh?

 

Yes, like others I have a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter and have used my 1/2" TQ wrench on many engines. 3/8 may be easier to maneuver in some spots, but it does work, and mine drops to 10 lb/ft and a touch below. So as I said, if only one has to be chosen, get the 1/2"

[Chancho]

However i have to say i was loking at the new craftsman torque wrenches, and they are Plastic at the head... who the hell concieved the idea that to save money plastic should be utilized on a torque wrench that needs to be percisly calibrated... wow, just my rant for the day

[Robby1870]

My vote is 1/2" as well. More versatile.

[Crazy K]

the craftsman 1/2 torqs started at 25 lbs or more already......

[AWeb80]

All My Susp components i hand torque. lol always have with no problems ever. i do torque lugs though. who torques dogbones? hand tighten ftw!

[Brian P]

the craftsman 1/2 torqs started at 25 lbs or more already......

 

Don't get a Crapsman then

[ManicMechanic]

All My Susp components i hand torque. lol always have with no problems ever. i do torque lugs though. who torques dogbones? hand tighten ftw!

 

Such a manly man...

[AWeb80]

O Yeah!