Torque Wrench(s)

[Shora]

Guys, I am sick of using my needle style torque wrench.

I went to Sears asking about the different wrenches that they offer (Craftsman) but none of the employees knew anything about them.

They didn't know how to set any of them, how to make sure they are calibrated correctly or anything else.

I am looking for a torque wrench that is reliable, good quality, and easy to use (maybe even a digital?).

Lastly, does anyone know of a formula that converts Ft. Ibs. to In. Ibs.?

For example, what would 90 In. Ibs be in Ft. Ibs?

So many of you do some much work on your cars, you must know your stuff about torque wrenches.

[Taemian]

Guys, I am sick of using my needle style torque wrench.

I went to Sears asking about the different wrenches that they offer (Craftsman) but none of the employees knew anything about them.

They didn't know how to set any of them, how to make sure they are calibrated correctly or anything else.

I am looking for a torque wrench that is reliable, good quality, and easy to use (maybe even a digital?).

Lastly, does anyone know of a formula that converts Ft. Ibs. to In. Ibs.?

For example, what would 90 In. Ibs be in Ft. Ibs?

So many of you do some much work on your cars, you must know your stuff about torque wrenches.

I bought my TR from Mac Tools, dial indicator setting that "snaps" when you hit the desired torque. Cost about $200 waaay back when. They guarantee it accurate for a year, then you can always have it recalibrated if needed (ie aviation mechanics) for a minimal fee.

Check a measurement conversion site for all your formulas, there's hundreds of them. Google is your friend.

[Shora]

I bought my TR from Mac Tools, dial indicator setting that "snaps" when you hit the desired torque. Cost about $200 waaay back when. They guarantee it accurate for a year, then you can always have it recalibrated if needed (ie aviation mechanics) for a minimal fee.

Check a measurement conversion site for all your formulas, there's hundreds of them. Google is your friend.


Thanks for the info. Will check out Mac Tools.

So far the best one that I found is this sucker by K-Tool International

Cannot make a mistake setting it and it works in BOTH Ft. Ibs. and In. Ibs. WOW.

Please, if someone knows of a better one, do let me know. I want to buy a new one ASAP.

KTI:

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t327/ShoraMarauder/KtoolInternational.jpg

Digital torque wrench eliminates the possibility of human error with a series of lights and alarms that immediately alert the user to torque readings that are "over or under" entered values. Easy to use, exceedingly accurate (plus/minus 1 percent CW, plus/minus 2 percent CCW) and featuring a high contrast, backlit LCD screen display, users press only four buttons to operate the tool: power on/off; unit of measurement (ft./lbs., in./lbs., N-m); torque target up; and torque target down. Technicians can quickly switch among three types of measurement, eliminating the need to have three separate tools.

[GetMeMyStogie]

Multiply ft·lb by 12 to get inch·lb.
Divide inch·lb by 12 to get ft·lb

Any torque wrench is going to be more accurate in the middle of it's range, than at it's extremes. So, trying to measure 1¼ ft·lb on a 0-250 ft·lb torque wrench will not work too well.

[fastblackmerc]

Guys, I am sick of using my needle style torque wrench.

I went to Sears asking about the different wrenches that they offer (Craftsman) but none of the employees knew anything about them.

They didn't know how to set any of them, how to make sure they are calibrated correctly or anything else.

I am looking for a torque wrench that is reliable, good quality, and easy to use (maybe even a digital?).

I have a Craftsman click-type that I've had for years. As much as I use it (3 or 4 times a year) it's a good deal at less than $80.00.

Lastly, does anyone know of a formula that converts Ft. Ibs. to In. Ibs.?

http://www.onlineconversion.com/

For example, what would 90 In. Ibs be in Ft. Ibs?

90 pound inch = 7.499 999 999 8 pound foot

So many of you do some much work on your cars, you must know your stuff about torque wrenches.

[Shora]

Multiply ft·lb by 12 to get inch·lb.
Divide inch·lb by 12 to get ft·lb

Inch·lb is usually used to indicate small torque values. Any torque wrench is going to be more accurate in the middle of it's range, than at it's extremes. So, trying to measure 1¼ ft·lb on a 0-250 ft·lb torque wrench will not work too well.


Good info.

The one I have pictured above is rated from 10-100 Ft. Pounds. Does that mean that I should not use it for things like changing spark plugs which need to be torqued to 11 ft. ibs.?

[Shora]

Fastblackmerc,

Thanks for the info. You wouldn't have a link to that TR would you? Looking for one that easy to set. What range is yours in?

[fastblackmerc]

Good info.

The one I have pictured above is rated from 10-100 Ft. Pounds. Does that mean that I should not use it for things like changing spark plugs which need to be torqued to 11 ft. ibs.?

Yes, I'd get a 3/8 drive torque wrench in inch pounds for that.

Bigger wrench I'd get in a 1/2 drive.

[fastblackmerc]

Fastblackmerc,

Thanks for the info. You wouldn't have a link to that TR would you? Looking for one that easy to set. What range is yours in?

Foot pounds:
Craftsman Microtork® Torque Wrench, 20-150 ft. lbs., 1/2 in. Drive
Sears item# 00944595000

Inch pounds:
Wrench, 25-250 in. lbs., 3/8 in. Drive
Sears item# 00944593000

I'd also invest in a case for $8.00. Good protection.

[Paul T. Casey]

Multiply ft·lb by 12 to get inch·lb.
Divide inch·lb by 12 to get ft·lb

Any torque wrench is going to be more accurate in the middle of it's range, than at it's extremes. So, trying to measure 1¼ ft·lb on a 0-250 ft·lb torque wrench will not work too well.


Sage advise.

[GordonB]

Shora,
I have 2 Sears Craftsmen Torque Wrenches -- one 1/2 drive and one 3/8. The big one is in a plastic Permatex case; the small one is in its orig. cardboard case. Should be able to buy BOTH for about $150 total or less.
GordonB

[Shora]

Foot pounds:
Craftsman Microtork® Torque Wrench, 20-150 ft. lbs., 1/2 in. Drive
Sears item# 00944595000

Inch pounds:
Wrench, 25-250 in. lbs., 3/8 in. Drive
Sears item# 00944593000

I'd also invest in a case for $8.00. Good protection.

Which would you use for spark plugs rated at 11 ft. ibs.?

[FordNut]

I like the click-style torque wrenches.
I know it's not the best way to use one, but the minimum setting on mine is 10 ft-lb and I use it for spark plugs, intake manifold bolts, etc. You can BARELY feel the click at the low end of the range.

[justbob]

I bought a 1/2 Craftsman digitork in its own hard case ten years ago or more. I am really bad at getting it calibrated however. Check the one you buy for storage settings, most but not all need to be stored at 30 ft pds.

As much as i HATE craftsman, this has been a great unit!

[imorb1994]

If you really want an electronic torque wrench (http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=hand&Group_ID=17226&store=snapon-store) I would go with Snap-on. The prices on the website are high compared to what I bought mine from my local Snap-on dealer.
IMHO you can't beat the quality, and you get what you pay for.

[Cobra25]

I have a Sears Craftsman TQ wrench now for 3 plus years , no problems at all.

[BAD MERC]

I have a 3/8" drive that goes to 150 ft lbs and it is about as useful as I ever need. A 1/2" drive would be great for wheels but the one I have is fine. I was told that a torque wrench will stay calibrated longer is you wind it back down every time to put it away. I have no idea why but I cannot live without it.

[Shora]

If you really want an electronic torque wrench (http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=hand&Group_ID=17226&store=snapon-store) I would go with Snap-on. The prices on the website are high compared to what I bought mine from my local Snap-on dealer.
IMHO you can't beat the quality, and you get what you pay for.

I heard snap-on's are really good. However, 360 bones is a lot of money. As you can tell, I do not make a living using a TR.


I have a 3/8" drive that goes to 150 ft lbs and it is about as useful as I ever need. A 1/2" drive would be great for wheels but the one I have is fine. I was told that a torque wrench will stay calibrated longer is you wind it back down every time to put it away. I have no idea why but I cannot live without it.

I heard the same, set them back to 0 before storage.

[Dragcity]

I have had a Craftsman for years and years. So many years in fact, the lock collar broke and I brought it in for free replacement several years ago, so now, a new model with fresh calibration sits in my toolbox.

Might want to think about a 1/2 in drive for big stuff and an inch Lb for the plugs and little stuff. My experience has shown me to rely more upon the higher end of the scale than the lower end.

My Craftsman 1/2 inch wants to be set to 30 ft Lb for storage per instructions.

[larryo340]

I have a 3/8" drive that goes to 150 ft lbs and it is about as useful as I ever need. A 1/2" drive would be great for wheels but the one I have is fine. I was told that a torque wrench will stay calibrated longer is you wind it back down every time to put it away. I have no idea why but I cannot live without it.


I heard the same, set them back to 0 before storage.

My Matco torque wrench requires it to be set to the lowest torque setting for storage. It's been a while since I last used it, but I think the lowest setting is 20 or 25 ft-lbs.

It's also has a flex-head which comes in quite handly.

[Shora]

I have had a Craftsman for years and years. So many years in fact, the lock collar broke and I brought it in for free replacement several years ago, so now, a new model with fresh calibration sits in my toolbox.

Might want to think about a 1/2 in drive for big stuff and an inch Lb for the plugs and little stuff. My experience has shown me to rely more upon the higher end of the scale than the lower end.

My Craftsman 1/2 inch wants to be set to 30 ft Lb for storage per instructions.

I wish that craftsman was the same company that they once were. Now, there is only a 1 yr. warranty of their torque wrenches and from what I read it reviews, the lock collars brake very often.

Half my sfuff from craftsmans is no longer made in the USA but rather, China.

[fastblackmerc]

I wish that craftsman was the same company that they once were. Now, there is only a 1 yr. warranty of their torque wrenches and from what I read it reviews, the lock collars brake very often.

Half my sfuff from craftsmans is no longer made in the USA but rather, China.

If the lock collar is broken, that won't affect the operation of the wrench.

[Phrog_gunner]

FWIW as aviation mechanics we dont use the bottom or top 10% of the range of the wrench. With minimal use, you shouldnt need to calibrate it for a very long time as long as you dont drop it.

[Hotrauder]

This is a great thread. We need more like this. I picked up the Sears 3/8 in. # recommended by Jim, this afternoon. Nice tool, great price and everything I will ever need for the smaller stuff and it now comes with the heavy plastic case included at n/charge, AND for applying for Their Gold card (took 3 minutes) got an immediate $15.00 discount. You know...when the card comes, it get the cut and goes in the trash. Love this stuff. :banana2:Dennis

[omarauder]

FWIW as aviation mechanics we dont use the bottom or top 10% of the range of the wrench. With minimal use, you shouldnt need to calibrate it for a very long time as long as you dont drop it.

+1 on above. See if you can get a Calibration Cert when you buy one.

12 in-lb = 1 ft-lb

I always check to see that any tool I buy is made in usa, europe or Japan by a well known mfg. Snap-on, Proto, Mac etc are all good, but my preference is Snap-on. Avoid the 'Happy Sun' clone brands if possible.
Also +1 on storing wrench set to the minimum torque setting. There is a spring inside which gets compressed as you increase the torque setting, and compressed springs tend to 'set' over time.

[fastblackmerc]

FWIW as aviation mechanics we dont use the bottom or top 10% of the range of the wrench. With minimal use, you shouldnt need to calibrate it for a very long time as long as you dont drop it.

Correct. The 1/2" ft pounds is good for torquing the lugs (90 ft pd) and the 3/8 inch pounds is good for spark plugs. As with any precision tool alittle care goes a long way. I suggest getting the case for each wrench.

[GetMeMyStogie]

How would I find a place to calibrate my torque wrench?

I tried 'torque wrench calibration' and 'wrench calibration' at yellowpages.ca, but it only came up with some kind of industrial tool supply in another town.

[Paul T. Casey]

How would I find a place to calibrate my torque wrench?

I tried 'torque wrench calibration' and 'wrench calibration' at yellowpages.ca, but it only came up with some kind of industrial tool supply in another town.

That would be the place to call first. If they don't do it they'll be able to point you in the right direction.

[GetMeMyStogie]

That would be the place to call first. If they don't do it they'll be able to point you in the right direction.

Whaddya know! I shot them an email, and they said they can do it :)

[omarauder]

How would I find a place to calibrate my torque wrench?

I tried 'torque wrench calibration' and 'wrench calibration' at yellowpages.ca, but it only came up with some kind of industrial tool supply in another town.


I believe the Snap-on guys could point you in the right direction or even get it done for you.