Torque Wrench Recommendations

Having read so many posts on this forum about getting the torque correct on seating nuts and bolts on the Tacoma, I started thinking about my old (30 years, maybe) beam style Craftsman torque wrench (3/8") that was probably at the bottom of their line of torque wrenches when I bought it way back when.

While I don't plan to do much mechanical work on my TRD Sport (lack of interest, patience, and ability), I can see a time when I might want to check the tightness of various nuts and bolts. I also will do some occasional and minor mechanical work on my motorcycle.

Without anything to compare it to, I wonder if my old Craftsman is reliable enough for getting the torque settings correct? Should I compare my Craftsman with someone's better quality torque wrench? Should I just buy a better one? I don't want to spend a lot of money on this, given the relative lightness of use it will receive.

Thanks.

 

Deflection beam torque wrenches are the most accurate you can buy. They are not the most maneuverable in tight spaces though. I use the ratchet type for lug nuts and suspension components, among other things. I used my deflection beams for engine rebuilds. I own two Craftsman ratchet types and I really do not like them. I would go with a Snap On/Blue Point or something comparable. Get your wallet ready $$$.

Edit: To add to this, I don't like the Craftsman's because they have plastic parts.

 

Also remember that you may need more than one torque wrench with such small fasteners used.

Most torque wrench are listed accurate to 20% of Max (Full Scale). So if you get a 5-100 ft lb wrench, its only accurate between 20-100 ft lbs.

I have Stahlwille and like the versatility to be able to use a crows foot or ratchet head. I wouldn't personally spend that much cash on them, I got mine for pennies on the dollar during a business close out auction.

Other good brands are Proto and Armstrong, I have access to a torque meter and they all tested within their stated accuracy range.

 

Yeah... I bought my 1/2" in the early 1970's. It was next to useless this morning trying to check the torque on my differential.

 

I like to use an Inch Pound Torque Wrench for some low torque fasteners, example 120 in/lb equal 10 ft/lbs.

 

Get a 3/8 inch Craftsman twist collar click style for the small stuff. And a 1/2 inch for the bigger stuff.

That's my set up. Only a auto shop needs snap on torques wrenches so avoid that.

Don't get harbor freight torque wrenches.

 

picked up a snap-on 30-200ft lb clicker-style torque wrench from a thrift store for 80 bucks. Checked it at my work with some very precise test calibration software and it was dead nuts. Plus minus 1 foot lb pretty much across the spectrum. I now have a ton of confidence in their torque wrenches, as this one appears 10+ years old.

Picked up a CDI (Snap-on industrial) 30-250 in.lb recently off Amazon for like $110.

 

Harbor Freight sells Pittsburgh wrenches for $20ea and they go on sale for $9.99ea every 3 months or so. these are +/- 4% accurate. you won't find a better deal. when the sale comes up get 3 wrenches, all drive sizes (1/2", 3/8", 1/4") for $30. can't beat it.

 

Not to be a huge downer, but the whole point of buying a torque wrench is that it's accurate. An inaccurate torque wrench is just a wrench. I only say this because literally yesterday my buddy stripped a spark plug in his BMW using his harbor freight torque wrench. They might work straight out of the box, but who knows after a few years.