What type and brand of torque wrench do you recommend?

[McGyver]

Hi everybody,

What type, brand, and size of torque wrench do you guys recommend? I have read many reviews with mixed results... Originally leaning towards the digital torque wrench instead of the normal click only style... was leaning towards the 3/8" size to be able to get the lower ft/lb readings... seems like the 1/2" wrenches typically start at 25 ft./lb.+... also came across the torque wrench adapters where I could use with my existing tools. Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[docraymund]

Choose Snap On torque wrenches. If you could find a combination click and dial type, the better.

 

[stamp11127]

For the home mechanic using Snapon is a very expensive option. If you have deep pockets go for it.
Keep in mind that the upper rating is more sales bs than anything - they are only reliable up to 85% of rated capacity. Beyond that they become "wonder wrenches", and should be calibrated annually. That means you would need two of each.

One important feature to consider is the clicker type of wrench - it allows you to reach the torque without having to look at an indicator.

In the end you will end up with all three automotive sizes plus that angle bs gauge.
I use a very old Craftsman 1/2" and two Tektons. I could also use a torque multiplayer for the 1/2" occasionally.

 

[GAINMOB]

Pittsburgh...lifetime warranty and u can get them at harbor freight and their website always on sale...I think I paid $25 for 180 ft lb torque wrench

Mr. 10K

 

[1955moose]

I had a sears craftsman one for years, 1/2 inch drive. Mine started at 10 ft lbs. I bought a new 1/2 inch one from Napa auto parts. Paid around $80.00. Works fine for what I do these days. Mostly check wheel lug tightness and simple stuff. Over the years the only things I've torqued were cylinder head bolts, intake manifolds, flywheels on standard transmission. I guess my arms and hands became a human torque wrench. Some people like to torque every bolt on a car. I was usually in too much of a hurry to look up specs.


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[Habbibie]

I have 7 torque wrenches in my tool box currently though I don't use them for automotive needs but rather for my work (field electrical & iron work)

In my opinion for your needs Tecton & craftsman, I've used those two plus many more but those two brands seem to hold out the longest and while craftsman is easier to use the plastic parts on it wear out quicker making it harder to read the dials.

Currently I'm using 1/4" craftsmen, a tekton 3/8" & 1/2" drive wrenches for small jobs and a bessey JM-2000 (I think) 1" drive for big jobs but that one you need 2-3 guys & a 1/4" steel pipe to torque 1000+ ft/lbs. it did set me back $1799 4 years ago and constantly has to be recalibrated but it's a proven product and it's only going up in price

Ps. All my wrenches are click type I don't like the new digital type.

 

[devadip]

I have had old Craftsman beam type and Harbor Freight clickers. The Harbor Freight was very hard to read. I know have a range of Tekton clickers. They come with a nice case and much easier to read.

 

[GAINMOB]

Craftsman and Pittsburgh... both have lifetime warranty

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[johnboneske]

Pittsburgh...lifetime warranty and u can get them at harbor freight and their website always on sale...I think I paid $25 for 180 ft lb torque wrench

Mr. 10K

I will second that... I had mine tested to see how accurate it is. I was within 3%! 3% is irrelevant when it comes to that...

 

[gixer2000]

Craftsman and Pittsburgh... both have lifetime warranty

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Craftsman's lifetime warranty does not cover their torque wrenches. I've been down this road multiple times trying to return and its a no go. I've started using Pittsburgh because they seem to be accurate and no questions asked when I return them

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

++ also a craftsman 1/2" which starts at 20 ft/lbs.

 

[Habbibie]

I’ve sold most of mine, kept only two, one tekton 0-50ft/lbs 3/8 drive & one snap-on 50-250ft/lbs 1/2 drive. both click type

 

[2019ExpeditionMax]

So I would say get the nicest one you can afford. I have had the HF, Huskey, and Gearwrench. Unfortunately, after a year of solid use, they were all out of spec. Now if this is for tires fine you're probably fine. That said, if you do any internal engine work, you need to spend the money (this saves you money) and buy a snap-on. My HF & Huskey's were off by 30-60% within a year, especially on the low end of the torque ranges. So an 18 ft-lbs water pump bolt was being tightened to 36-42 ft-lbs. Again not the end of the world typically but why bother. The Gearwrench was consistently off by 20%, again if you're doing lug nuts you're probably fine.

The real issue is if you ever tighten head bolts and they need you to go through a torque sequence you can be way over-torque and snap a bolt or worse strip one out. Not worth the loss of sleep in my mind. Just get you're self a nice one once and take care of it. You can find them used on eBay or craigslist, especially this time of year, from a one-year tech that is quitting and just wants the cash. If you want range I would also say a digital 3/8" is best for engine work and a flex head is a must. If you're slapping lug nuts or axel nuts only then I would recommend a split-beam torque wrench as it's not a spring constantly under tension if you forget to reset it after using it.