Torque wrench recommendation

What torque wrench would you recommend for preventative maintenance -- spark plugs, oil change, etc and perhaps down the line to change out suspension parts? I don't need something super fancy and expensive, but am willing to pay for basic quality that will last.

 

I've had THIS one for about four years now. No issues so far. Used it on my Jeep and I use it on my Taco.

 

Nice thanks! Stupid question but,
Can you use the torque wrench to remove bolts as well?

 

I wouldn't. It'll lower the life cycle of the torque wrench. Breaker bars are fairly inexpensive. Each tool has a purpose.

 

I’ll take that advice, thanks.

 

Youre not supposed to break tq using a tq wrench. Harbor freight tq wrenches are just fine. I use tq wrenches for a living on Army helicopters and thats a different league

 

Consider that eventually you may need two. The range of the wrench is important as well as the drive size.

Some (few) torque ratings are in inch lbs, not foot lbs. It's important to know that to avoid snapping bolts off.

 

heres a coupon for a good breaker bar. Youtube search for comparison videos between this and name brand videos . i used a 3' cheater bar on it with a 1-7-16" socket with both arms pulling and it survived. theyre torque wrences are decent if u are just going to use it for very basic tasks.

 

Thanks!!!

 

I’ve got a craftsman in-lbs wrench I’ve used for years on small race engine stuff and a harbor freight ft-lbs wrench that are both dead nuts compared to our snap on wrenches at work that are calibrated every 6 months

 

Jet has a nice line of torque wrenches. I've had the 1/2" 25-150lbft model about 6 years now, works great. Was $120CAD back then.

 

Whoa. I need to keep this under $50.

 

For breaker bars, big sockets, etc, don't overlook pawn shops, garage sales, C list ads, local newspaper classifieds (if you live in an urban area) and even eBay (sometimes)

Calibrated tools like torque wrenches can be bought used and work fine, IF you know what you are doing or have a comparative calibration source you can rely on to help you test.

But there is nothing wrong with scoring reasonable hand tools used. The average shade tree does just fine with Craftsman and Husky, we don't often need Snap On and MAC grade stuff. But when you can find the high end stuff used for less than the budget stuff new, your tool box loves you.

 

I have a 1/2” drive torque wrench ($10 Harbor Freight special) that I use solely as my ratcheting breaker bar. That torque wrench doesn’t get used to torque bolts back in place . . . got other ones for that.

 

I bought this one about 3 weeks ago but haven't used it yet. 18" long and seems to be a good range (10-150) for what I plan on doing. I'm sure eventually I'll need less than 10 and more than 150 but for right now this one will torque everything I need. Hope it works well and lasts. Surely 2200+ reviews can't be wrong can they?? Just noticed the price...it was 28.50 less than 3 weeks ago.

 

Nice thanks! Same one that the original reply recommended, appreciate it.

 

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-8-in-dr-beam-style-torque-wrench/p-00932999000P will last a lifetime

 

Sure enough... and I didn't even look.

 

Good point about differently sized torque wrenches I have an HF that goes up to 80 ft/lbs and a larger one that goes into the 100's of ft/lbs, which is used for torquing my wheel studs.

Whichever one you choose, make sure to take tension off the spring by setting the torque to 0 ft/lbs when storing and to prolong its life.

 

good price