Nurple question

"The Lurktastic Opponaught" (oppolurker) 07/10/2016 at 22:19 • Filed to: nurple, torque, tools

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So on the very first day of my very first wrenching project, it’s become painfully obvious that I’m one tool short to do most of this project properly: a torque wrench. Can you give me an idea of what to look for that won’t break the bank? Thanks.

Urambo Tauro > The Lurktastic Opponaught 07/10/2016 at 22:25

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You’ll probably end up needing multiple torque wrenches, but start out with something that has a decent range. My first was a 1/2" Craftsman clicker that ranges from 20-150 lb-ft. It won’t handle all jobs, but it’s pretty versatile. Here’s a link to a newer version of the same product. They also offer a 3/8" that goes up to 250 lb-ft, but you lose a little more low-range flexibility (25lb-ft min).

Eventually you’ll want something more suitable for low-range/lb-in torquing, and you may find yourself needing a beam-type one at some point. But clickers are easier to use, and pretty affordable as well.

The Lurktastic Opponaught > Urambo Tauro 07/10/2016 at 22:29

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I have several very low range fixed and adjustable ones for bicycle maintainance, but I’m lost on the higher range tools used on cars and motorcycles. I figured I’d be better off asking instead of going to harbor fright.

Urambo Tauro > The Lurktastic Opponaught 07/10/2016 at 22:34

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HF’s Pittsburgh Pro tools actually aren’t that bad; in fact, they offer the same ±4% accuracy rating.

dogisbadob > The Lurktastic Opponaught 07/10/2016 at 22:37

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Harbor Freight :)

They often have them on sale for $10 or a little more than that

The Lurktastic Opponaught > dogisbadob 07/10/2016 at 22:38

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Oh, I was just kidding. As a generalization, I try not to let perfection stand in the way of the good enough. :-)

Clown Shoe Pilot > The Lurktastic Opponaught 07/10/2016 at 23:05

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I’m a big fan of split beam torque wrenches, but they’re usually more expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, your first torque wrench will probably be one that’s got a big spring in the handle. Make sure you store your torque wrench w/ the torque set to the lowest setting. Failure to do so could cause your calibration to get shot to hell.

If you live in a decent sized city, watch craigslist for some split beams. Precision Instruments is the major manufacturer, and SnapOn sells them too. The SnapOn version is a PI torque wrench assembly w/ a SnapOn ratchet on the end.

Birddog > The Lurktastic Opponaught 07/10/2016 at 23:15

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A good torque wrench is worth it’s weight in gold. Find a middle of the road unit pricewise and have it calibrated every few years.

Believe it or not.. The Harbor Freight units aren’t terrible.

The Lurktastic Opponaught > Birddog 07/10/2016 at 23:19

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Thanks for the advice. I just don’t know these sorts of tools well enough to know the difference.

Learning a new field of study isn’t about learning the fundamentals- it’s about learning the tools that enable us to manipulate the fundamentals. And as I’m still learning the tools, I’m questioning every decision. I want to learn how to do this right.

AdverseMartyr > The Lurktastic Opponaught 07/11/2016 at 02:11

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I can’t verify the accuracy, but they sell digital torque gauges that are designed to calibrate torque wrenches and/or just add to a ratchet. I picked up a Pittsburgh one for a decent price off ebay.