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Re: torque wrench Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Tue, 1 Jan 2002 21:44:07
In Reply to: torque wrench, muskie, Tue, 1 Jan 2002 17:51:43 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
You will probably want to get two torque wrenches - one for the 20-150 ft-lb range, and one for the 0-20 ft-lb range.
For the big range wrench, you can try some discount autoparts stores (Pep boys, Autozone) or Sears. I recommend you stick with the good old 'click type." In the click type, you dial up the torque you want on the handle, and when you get to the right torque, the head gives a loud 'click'. The head also rachets, just like a big ratchet. They're relatively cheap ($50-$70) and reliable. The other kind are the digital electronic. They cost more, are more fragile, and I don't think they work as well for the casual mechanic. They're great if you use a torque wrench 30 times a day, or you must have the best of everything.
For lower torque settings (example - valve cover bolts), you need something that reliably measures below 20 ft-lbs. For this, I like the 'beam' type. These have a handle and a wide scale marked usually in inch-pounds. Typically you can get one that goes up to 300 or so inch-pounds (which is over 20 ft-lbs). These work by actually bending a beam. You need to read the scale when you use them, and usually the head doesn't ratchet. The advantage of the beam type is they're VERY cheap (usually under $20) and very rugged. For the few times you need to measure the low torques, the beam type is best, in my opinion. Pep Boys or Autozone are fine for them.
Ideally, you want to have your torque wrenches calibrated yearly. This is something I've never done, but Sears will do it (for a fee).
ALWAYS use a torque wrench when a torque is specified (you should use one on the lug bolts!). Doing it 'by feel' is a great way to either put it in too loose, or overtighten and either bung up the bolt or warp the underlying part.
posted by 12.79.3...
, Tue, 1 Jan 2002 21:44:07 <-- Viewing This Message
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