Torque Wrench Question?

Hey guys, first post here. Been a longtime reader of the site and I'm a huge fan. I've learned a lot. I have a 2011 prerunner v6 with 70,000 miles and havent changed the spark plugs yet. I'm going to do it this weekend.

I'm looking for a 3/8 torque wrench to torque the plugs to 15ft lbs. Do you guys have any suggestions for a weekend warrior amateur mechanic. Looking at Harbor Freight for 9.99 or a craftsman micro-clicker for 39.99 or something else.

Any suggestions are appreciated. I'm going to buy some thing in the next few days regardless.

Thank you!
-Matt

 

I bought one from Walmart a while back. Works good for high torque bolts like lugs nuts and such. But I don't trust it to do spark plugs. I lost all faith in it when I stripped my trans drain bolt out. I'd just hand tighten. Iv changed the plugs on my 07, my old 08 and fj cruiser and never had any problems.

 

But I'm sure if you had a high dollar name brand you would have nothing to worry about

 

thanks for the response

I keep hearing the lower end ft lbs are pretty inaccurate. I keep running into spark plug horror stories on google. How many turns would you hand turn it once the plugs threaded in?

 

I was hoping someone had some experience with the craftsman. All the reviews are crazy people ranting about "made in china"

 

I tighten down till the crush type washer meets the aluminum cover then tighten with socket Maby like 1/4 turn?? I just snug them down. But you don't wNt then over tight and strip the threads. It's only aluminum. Once you get in there you will feel it when they get tight enough.

 

Thanks for the input, maybe I don't need a torque wrench after all.

 

Good to know, thanks!

 

I Also have the Craftsman, 3/8 and 1/2. No problems at all, i trust em!