Torque Wrench

I've purchased gear head, snap-on, and harbor freight torque wrenches. For my average uses, the harbor freight works just fine. I use the snap on and gear head though when I'm working under the hood. $10 is hard to beat for a torque wrench.

 

That's what I figured, I know HF isn't best quality... but for $10 I couldn't resist. Plus, they do have lifetime warranty so you just bring it in if it breaks.

 

I have both but for working on truck 1/2 is required

 

That is what I figured bro thanks

 

None of the 3/8s go high enough to torq an axle nut...

 

I actually have a torq wrench and sockets in each of my cars. Just helps me sleep at night

 

My 1/2" doesn't even go high enough for the front axle nuts.

 

I have Tekton 3/8", Craftsman 1/2" and Husky/CDI 1/2" torque wrenches. They all have their place and are used for different things. Other than drive size and capacity, one thing most people don't even think of is the length of the handle. My Husky torque wrench is great for axle nuts and suspension bolts because it goes up to 250 ft/lbs and has a 24" handle for leverage, but it's a pain to use in tighter spots where you don't have a lot of room to swing the handle. I just used my smaller Tekton 3/8" torque wrench yesterday for fill/drain plugs because even though those are 24mm (and my 24mm socket is 1/2" drive), they only need 27 ft/lbs and the smaller wrench was so much easier to use in tight places.

 

This is spot on. What makes me cringe is when I see individuals in a garage using the torque wrench as a substitute for a ratchet.

 

Home Depot used to carry Husky torque wrenches which were made in USA (by CDI or Armstrong I believe) although they've switched to China for their more recent ones. You may be able to still find a USA-made one at a local Home Depot like I did last month.

 

Don't know if you already purchased a wrench Rick, but check out this article from the fine folks over at HotRod magazine:
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/additional-how-to/ccrp-1304-torque-wrench-testing/

Turns out the Harbor Freight 1/2" wrench is the best bang for your buck. I have one and it hasn't failed (lifetime warranty if it ever does though). My dad has a combination of Craftsman, Matco, Snap-On, and a few no name ones that he's had since the '70s. He likes my HB wrench because it just works- no bells n whistles. I bought him two as extras.

 

Nice. Well everyone run to HF and get this killer deal for $10! I just picked up mine but might pick up another after work for the hell of it.

 

They're on sale right now... If you read any sort of car magazine (Hot Rod, CarCraft, Rod & Custom, etc.), you'll usually find a coupon in there that makes the torque wrench $9.99.

 

Thanks I guess I'm off to Harbor Freight

 

anybody know the torque specs for UCAs, coilovers, and other suspension components? i there away all my instruction under my house along with my stock suspension, and I'm too lazy to go under and look for them... thank you

 

I have this one, or maybe a nearly identical predecessor (bought it over a year ago): http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-2-in-Click-Torque-Wrench-H2DTW/202916180

I also have a couple smaller cheap ones...can't remember the brand. But I rarely use them. Generally, I need it for the truck and for that I use the Husky.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-torque-spec-guide.318116/

 

beat me to it.

 

thanks

 

If you're checking the rear suspension too, the u-bolt spec is listed at 37 ft-lbs which can't possibly be right. Most think they meant to say 73, but I think even that is a little low. Mine are at 85.