What kind of torque wrench do you use?

[eclipse012]

Just wondering What kind of torque wrench everyone uses. I am in the need to buy a new one since the one i currently have is a old craftsman beam style with the pointing rod tip. It's hard to use in tight area's since you can't see the gauge and how far your torqued. I have looked at the new click type from craftsman, and i can't say i would put a lot of trust in them. The same goes with a few other brands i looked at. The quality looks like shit, and they are made in other places either than Canada or the States. What would be a good accurate / reliable torque wrench that a person can rely on? This is not for lug nut only use.

 

[4g63Tpower]

My school only offers snap-on tools, so all my tools are snap-on

 

[rw87tt]

1/2" craftman

 

[SniperMatt59]

gotta love the school discount

 

[1990AWD]

I have a Westward 3/8 and 1/2". I think Westward is about the best bang for your buck. Snap On is obviously better but its not worth the HUGE amount they want.

 

[whiteboyz]

Snap-on 3/4 click - 1/2 flex click - 3/8 click

 

[talontsi1216]

Craftsmen break type3/8. Dont like the snap-on digital kind bc batterys die and its to easy to hit the buttons to adjust the toque and next thing you knw your torqueing somthing with the wrong torque.

 

[eclipse012]

i think i might go with precision instruments. I'm debating between the split-beam click type in a 1/2" fixed head 40-250 ft. lbs and a 3/8" split-beam click type flex head 20-100 ft. lbs. The good thing about this wrench is that you dont have to take the load off when you are finished. So they claim it should stay in spec longer. I can't seem to get this 3/8" in a fixed head. What your thoughts on that? Also for the 3/8" would you rather have a wrench in inch lbs or ft lbs?

 

[bertrenolds]

Here's mine. Not the easiest to adjust for different bolt sizes.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

I sometimes use this as well, it works good if you have a good feeling for when a bolt is tight.

Otherwise a good snap-on brake angle torque wrench is great, the handle breaks once you reach the correct torque not click like cheapies do. A 3/8 5-75ftlb wrench should be good. For stuff under 5ftlb's you could get an Inch/lb snapon the goes from 30-200inch/lbs. (example) and use 12inch/lbs for every ft/lb. Stay away from the harbor freight and other cheapies if your doing anything that requires 0-20ftlbs because they will read wrong and you will strip out bolts.

Here is an example, SNAP ON 3/8" TORQUE WRENCH QC2FR75 | eBay

 

[bossmanbing]

I use an old craftsman bar type. and the stick if need be.

 

[minimoose]

To be a little helpfull find a 3/8 with about 200 foot pounds or more and call it a day. I havent found anything i cant torque with mine and it goes to 250.

And get the click style they are alot nicer that the needle.