- Location
- Western Massachusetts
I'm looking for input on torque wrenches. I don't own one, but I should; and therefore I am in the market for one.
I'll really only be using it for automotive purposes on my X and on my wife's Focus, or if my in-laws need help on their cars (Corolla and Camry), so I don't need massive torque. It's not like I'll be working on farm equipment or semi-trucks, I really just need a solid general purpose torque wrench. I think the highest torque I've seen/used is the nut on the pitman arm of the X, 235 lb/ft. IIRC.
That being said, I want something with up to 250 lb/ft. range, but also something that goes down pretty low, like 25 lb/ft.? I'm not sure if this range can be had in one tool, so this range has some give to the limits.
Here's my thought process:
Bar & scale type:
PROS:
- Most-affordable
- Decently accurate
- Seem to have the broadest scale range
- No adjustment needed from one torque setting to the next
CONS:
- Usually non-ratcheting
- If you can't see the scale, you can't accurately torque the fastener
- Somewhat bulky
Micrometer "click type":
PROS:
- Ratcheting head
- Moderately affordable
- Don't have to be able to see a scale or readout
- Easily adjusted
- Accurate
CONS:
- Possibly limited torque range (depends on wrench I guess)
- Possibly more delicate moving parts in adjuster ring
Digital:
PROS:
- Ratcheting head
- Most emit a vibration and/or beep when torque is reached (Don't have to see scale or readout)
- Easily adjusted
- Probably most-accurate
CONS:
- Possibly delicate parts (Electronics)
- Need to replace/recharge/buy batteries (ongoing cost)
All I really need:
- 1/2" drive. I only own 3/8" and 1/2" sockets, but 90% of the time I only use the 1/2" set over the 3/8" set.
- Large torque range up to ~250 lb/ft.
- Durability, I want this to be the last torque wrench I have to buy. I'm gentle with and take care of my tools. So if I buy the right one now and take care of it, I want to be good to go from here on out.
- What am I missing?
- What torque wrench(es) do you own/use/recommend and why?
- What should I avoid and why?
I'll really only be using it for automotive purposes on my X and on my wife's Focus, or if my in-laws need help on their cars (Corolla and Camry), so I don't need massive torque. It's not like I'll be working on farm equipment or semi-trucks, I really just need a solid general purpose torque wrench. I think the highest torque I've seen/used is the nut on the pitman arm of the X, 235 lb/ft. IIRC.
That being said, I want something with up to 250 lb/ft. range, but also something that goes down pretty low, like 25 lb/ft.? I'm not sure if this range can be had in one tool, so this range has some give to the limits.
Here's my thought process:
Bar & scale type:
PROS:
- Most-affordable
- Decently accurate
- Seem to have the broadest scale range
- No adjustment needed from one torque setting to the next
CONS:
- Usually non-ratcheting
- If you can't see the scale, you can't accurately torque the fastener
- Somewhat bulky
Micrometer "click type":
PROS:
- Ratcheting head
- Moderately affordable
- Don't have to be able to see a scale or readout
- Easily adjusted
- Accurate
CONS:
- Possibly limited torque range (depends on wrench I guess)
- Possibly more delicate moving parts in adjuster ring
Digital:
PROS:
- Ratcheting head
- Most emit a vibration and/or beep when torque is reached (Don't have to see scale or readout)
- Easily adjusted
- Probably most-accurate
CONS:
- Possibly delicate parts (Electronics)
- Need to replace/recharge/buy batteries (ongoing cost)
All I really need:
- 1/2" drive. I only own 3/8" and 1/2" sockets, but 90% of the time I only use the 1/2" set over the 3/8" set.
- Large torque range up to ~250 lb/ft.
- Durability, I want this to be the last torque wrench I have to buy. I'm gentle with and take care of my tools. So if I buy the right one now and take care of it, I want to be good to go from here on out.
- What am I missing?
- What torque wrench(es) do you own/use/recommend and why?
- What should I avoid and why?