Torque Wrench Recommendation

Sears brand has served me well for many years and it is the "click" type..

 

I too have a 1/2" Craftman Digitork for many years and am happy with it, it's as accurate as my other 1/2" MacTools torque wrench. Craftman has a new digital version but it looks a little clunky so I don't like.

I only use torque wrench for torqueing (not as long extended regular wrench), also avoid dropping it, clean it up after use, and unscrew it back after usage, this way I was told it lasts much longer.

 

autozone will let you borrow theirs at no charge

 

For $150, Craftsman.

For $200, the new electronic strain gauge craftsman is very nice, but I would go for the 3/8 version because it is much more useful in range.

 

I like the simple basic torque wrench with just a lever and a scale because it stays in calibration much longer. I have a click type for higher torques. I've never used a digital.

 

Take a look at 2 Ebay auctions # 360153165673 and # 170330019393. That type are all built by the same company (I do not recall it) and are sold under different names. It is the best design out there for a standard torque wrench. Thay have no adjustable spring so they will not change calibration for as long as we are alive. The adjustment only changes the fulcrum against which the srpring mechanisim acts. It makes no difference if it is left at its highest setting forever.
It is an outstanding piece of equipment. I have a few of them up to 1000 lb rating. Look for all available on ebay and pick the one with the range that most suits your needs.

 

And its worth every penny.

 

+1 for the Craftsman

 

+2 for Craftsman. I like the click type, as I get the feedback when torquing. I hear/feel the click and know that I'm there. I assume the digital has some sort of audio or physical indicator when you get to the right setting, but the old manual click one I can just leave on the workbench, don't have to worry about battery life, and it's been dependable for over 10 years with just keeping it clean.

 

+1 on all of the above. The manufacturer is Precision Instruments, and this design is called a "Split Beam" torque wrench. Absolutely the most reliable, most consistent, and easiest to use of the various types available. FWIW, the Craftsman torque wrenches used to be pretty good products, but changes have been made in the last few years...not for the better.

 

Snap On clicker.

 

I love the Stahlwille torque wrenches - nothing else comes close in my experience:
http://www.stahlwille-online.de/index.php?amac=03030002000e&sid=d00b831a7f5af48e8d60b83edca42aea&lid=2&mid=2&shid=&scmd=rlist&pcid=4893

Price is definitely over $150 new, but you can find these on German ebay (www.ebay.de) used and they almost never go out of calibration. Even when left set at a high torque value, there is no force applied to the measuring device (only when actually measuring torque) - very handy to never need to reset to zero when storing.

 

What is most impressive about the Stahlwille is that their error percent is a constant regardless of setting. Most wrenches say something like 2 percent but it is at full tension. It can be 10 or 20 percent off at the lower torque values. For example, the 3/8 in drive Stahlwille (my best recollectionish) is 2 percent at 150 ftlbs or at 15 ftlbs.

 

Hey guys,
If you had to pick a torque range that fits most of the Ferrari parts specifications for general engine tasks (clutch, valve covers, etc), what would you say? 40-250lb-ft okay? what about 20-100 lb-ft?

Thanks,
Pete

 

20-100 is a better choice. If you can afford 2 get a 3/8 drive wrench for an even lower range. There are a number of common things I torque in the 60-240 inch pound range.

 

I've got the Precision 3/8" drive that goes to 600in/lb or 50ft/lb. It's very accurate and you don't have to worry about releasing the spring when done. I have a 1/4" 1/2" and 3/4" torque wrenches also, but not Precision brands.

 

Here is my preference in torque wrenches.

http://www.mactools.com/Product/tabid/120/productid/320474/variantid/311233/Default.aspx

The main reason i prefer them is they are more accurate than a click type and they can give you an indication that your reading might be off due to thread damage or dirt on the threads as the needle will spike on you. With a click wrench it might click yet your fastener is not at the proper torque level.

 

Armstrong Tool Company, proudly made in Chicago for over 100 years.

 

Best torque wrench I have ever seen are the Gearwrench ones (the digital ones). I own the 3/8 and also the 1/2 inch version. I also have an older "break/click" type from Sears that is about 25 years old (although I recently took it down to sears because the lens cracked and demanded they replace it). They tried to give me the run around, but I pointed out that 25 years ago all hand tools had a lifetime warranty (not their 1 year on some tools BS they have now). Finally after getting the manager down to the counter, they folded and I walked out with a brand new wrench. I also have one of those very old type with the needle that moves.

Anyway, for exacting stuff on the R1 or the 360 I always use the Gearwrench digital torque wrenches - set to Nm usually.

Ray