Torque Wrenches - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**COBALT** · 10-01-2002, 03:06 PM

I need a couple of good ones. The 1/2" drive I have sucks, and is totally inacurate. I need at least a 1/2" drive that goes up to 250 ft./lbs, and a 3/8" drive that goes as small as 30-50 in/lbs.

junkyardjohn · 10-01-2002, 03:33 PM

I'VE GOT A COUPLE OF SNAP-ON TORQUE WRENCHES THAT I'M REALLY HAPPY WITH. MY 1/2" DR. GOES FROM 50-250 FT LBS. & A 3/8" THAT GOES FROM 20-100 FT LBS. THEY'RE BOTH SWIVEL HEAD CLICK TYPE . I'D SURELY RECOMEND THEM.

**COBALT** · 10-01-2002, 03:35 PM

Oh, I'd go for them in a New York minute if they weren't upwards of $250+. They're top notch quality, but they're expensive as hell.

I did just score a Snap-on 30-200 in/lbs torque wrench on Ebay for $64 though! I think they retail around $230.

junkyardjohn · 10-01-2002, 03:51 PM

THE 3/8" ONE IS ABOUT $185 & THE 1/2" ONE IS ABOUT $230 OFF THE SNAPPY TRUCK, BUT YOU CAN PICK UP A GOOD USED ONE FOR ABOUT $100 ON EBAY, OR A LOCAL PAWN SHOP. (THERES ALOT OF PAWN SHOPS AROUND HERE, & IT'S PRETTY EASY TO TELL THE CONDITION OF A TORQUE WRENCH) I GOT BOTH OF MINE AT PAWN SHOPS, & THEY'RE LIKE NEW FOR AROUND $100 EACH.

Fred T · 10-01-2002, 06:36 PM

It's been a long time since I saw a used Snap-on torque wrench that big go for $100. I have seen a used Proto 250# go for $120 locally, and Lowes has a 3/8 10-100# (I think) for $100. They are made by the same outfit that makes Snap-On.

mikep · 10-01-2002, 08:37 PM

Clicker type torque wrenches are only accurate if they are calibrated on a regular basis. Ive got a few snap on torque wrenches that arent within 15 ft lbs of their readings. I dont bother having them calibrated because I dont use them. I use beam style and prefer them over clicker types. A good quality beam style torque wrench will last your lifetime and will retain its accuracy. Many companies waranty theirs for life but only have a limited waranty on their clicker type. Thats hould tell you something. Sears is one example. Like all torque wrenches and analog gauges of any time they are really only accurate in the middle of their ranges so you may need a few with different ranges. I think I have 8 torque wrenches.

TODDS 72 · 10-01-2002, 08:58 PM

SNAPON I think are the best,I have 4 of theres and one MAC.
I send them out once a year for calibration.
The secret to the clickers is to back them off to o when done.
just my 2 cents.
ps. only one has come back with a note saying it was out 3or4 lbs.

junkyardjohn · 10-01-2002, 09:37 PM

FREDT -- MAYBE THERES NOT MANY PAWN SHOPS IN KANAS?? BUT DO A SEARCH ON SNAP-ON ON EBAY. I THINK YOU'LL BE SURPRISED. LIKE I USED TO TELL MY 16 YEAR OLD "JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT DOESN'T MEAN IT DOESN'T EXIST"

Fred T · 10-01-2002, 11:47 PM

The pawn shops around here charge a premium. I've gone in and seen used tools priced for more than new, and the prices weren't negotiable. When I'm in Ark City, I have one that I like to frequent. Aisles are barely wide enough for this fat old man to fit through and stuff is piled from the floor to the ceiling. I haven't hit ebay for torque wrenches for about two years, at that time Snap-on was going high, usually about 75% of retail. With the economy in the toilet they are probably cheaper now, I'm just not sure that my job at Boeing will last, they're passing out layoff notices like hotcakes.

1967LWBstepside · 10-02-2002, 12:59 PM

My Craftsman costs a whole lot less and has a lifetime warranty . . .

Mike

**COBALT** · 10-02-2002, 02:54 PM

Well, I checked. The problem with Craftsman is they don't offer a torque wrench new that's over the 200 ft/lb mark...although the ones they have look pretty good.

useRc10 · 10-02-2002, 03:08 PM

my dad had an old rusty one that someone bought at a yard sale for like 2 bucks and snap on replaced it witha new one when they were at his work (in a power plant)...if they'll replace any like that then you could get a good deal

bigvinnie · 10-02-2002, 06:06 PM

I've used a couple of Sears beam-style torque wrenches to build a dozen motors over the years and have not had a single problem.... I think I paid around $20 each. Just lucky I guess...

tom hand · 10-02-2002, 09:00 PM

What are you building that you need a 250 ft lb torque wrench? I can tell you from experience that 1/2 drives won't hold up in that range for long not even almighty Snap-on. I worked in an electric motor shop that we used 1/2 drive Snap-on's set on 250 to tighten 1" 12 point bolts. Didn't use a 3/4 " drive because the sockets would not fit in the hole. The ratchet mechanism usually would last about two weeks.

**ThreeQuarter** · 10-02-2002, 10:16 PM

I can't think of anything on a 67-72 that requires that much torque, but there are a couple places on the front drivetrain on my '92 K1500 that takes over 150 ft-lbs. (which is where my torque wrench stops). It sure pays to be known by all the counter guys at Napa.

Lessee, two weeks' work in a shop is equal to about 10 years worth of 200+ torquing at my house.

RipMeyer · 10-02-2002, 11:16 PM

I Calibrate about 1 or 2 Hundred torque wrenches every week. The most accurate are beam deflecting and dial type. Snap action ones are ok but wont last the long haul. Torque wrenches are at the most accurate between 20 and 100% of full scale. The problem with beam deflecting and dial types is its hard to look straight down at the reading when you are tighting really firm.

Here is a list of some that should work just fine. All are accurate from 2-6% depending on the model you choose.

Snap-on
CDI
Proto
Sturdvandt

RipMeyer · 10-02-2002, 11:25 PM

BTW

If you want your snap actions to last and retain accuracy, ALWAYS return them to the LOWEST setting after use. And if you are REALLY concerened about accuracy have it CALD every 3 months, However its going to cost about $40 bucks every time.

Also it sould be exersized full scale 6 times before use to be the most accurate.

**ThreeQuarter** · 10-03-2002, 12:03 AM

Good info, Rip!

O'l Buck · 10-03-2002, 01:07 AM

I totally agree with Rip and mikep, I had a class on torque wrenches when I went to tech school. There we learned that the deflecting beam is the most accurate, the clickers all need calibrated regularly (the instructor was not fond of any type of clicker).....My snap-on clicker 1/2" drive was accurate when I bought it.......always returned to the lowest setting and the lock in the off position while stored......it's way off, like, when it says you have 120 lbs-ft, according to my deflecting beam, I have more like 90.......I need to visit the friendly snap on truck and have the clicker calibrated.

Ed ke6bnl · 10-03-2002, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 1967LWBstepside
My Craftsman costs a whole lot less and has a lifetime warranty . . .

Mike

I do believe that Sears does not cover the califbration of the torque wrench. E d ke6bnl So. Calif.

mikep · 10-03-2002, 07:28 AM

Sears waranties their beam style forever. If the calibration is off they'll give you a new one. Their clickers they waranty for 2 years.

I have a craftsman beam style torque wrench my uncle won at the 1962 NHRA winternationals in AA competition at Pomona CA and has a small tag on it marking as such. It was part of the first prize trophy package. Things were much simpler then. The guy he beat out to win that year was named Don Garlits.

6869704X4 · 10-03-2002, 10:39 AM

You can put an extension arm on your wrench to make 250. Ive seen them in aviation tool catalogs and I think I saw some in the sears industrial tools catalog. Here is the formula.

**ScottH** · 10-03-2002, 11:37 AM

Can anyone tell me where I can get a clicker Craftsmen calibrated? Thanks.

**COBALT** · 10-03-2002, 11:55 AM

tom hand: Moog recomends torquing the ball joint studs to 175 ft/lbs. Most wrenches I've seen either stop at 150 or 250, so...

I'm going to keep looking around. I've heard from dozens of people that the beam type is way better. I'm just worried about having difficulty reading it. The clicker comes in handy sometimes.

Thanks-

RipMeyer · 10-03-2002, 01:05 PM

The picture and formula above is not for increasing the range of the wrench. It is used to caculate the proper value if you are using an adapter such as a crow foot to fit in a spot where a normal head will not fit.

Here are some CDI part # for 200 ft lb wreches.

2003MFMH This is a rachet clicker type.

2003MFRPH Clicker Type

1753LDFN Dial Type 175 Ft Lb`s

2003BF Beam Type

Proto Part #

6112A Dial Type 175 FT LB`s

Check out this link for Torque Manufactures

Click Here

10-01-2002, 03:06 PM	#1
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Torque Wrenches I need a couple of good ones. The 1/2" drive I have sucks, and is totally inacurate. I need at least a 1/2" drive that goes up to 250 ft./lbs, and a 3/8" drive that goes as small as 30-50 in/lbs. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

10-01-2002, 03:33 PM	#2
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,427	I'VE GOT A COUPLE OF SNAP-ON TORQUE WRENCHES THAT I'M REALLY HAPPY WITH. MY 1/2" DR. GOES FROM 50-250 FT LBS. & A 3/8" THAT GOES FROM 20-100 FT LBS. THEY'RE BOTH SWIVEL HEAD CLICK TYPE . I'D SURELY RECOMEND THEM. __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

10-01-2002, 03:35 PM	#3
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Oh, I'd go for them in a New York minute if they weren't upwards of $250+. They're top notch quality, but they're expensive as hell. I did just score a Snap-on 30-200 in/lbs torque wrench on Ebay for $64 though! I think they retail around $230. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

10-01-2002, 03:51 PM	#4
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,427	THE 3/8" ONE IS ABOUT $185 & THE 1/2" ONE IS ABOUT $230 OFF THE SNAPPY TRUCK, BUT YOU CAN PICK UP A GOOD USED ONE FOR ABOUT $100 ON EBAY, OR A LOCAL PAWN SHOP. (THERES ALOT OF PAWN SHOPS AROUND HERE, & IT'S PRETTY EASY TO TELL THE CONDITION OF A TORQUE WRENCH) I GOT BOTH OF MINE AT PAWN SHOPS, & THEY'RE LIKE NEW FOR AROUND $100 EACH. __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

10-01-2002, 06:36 PM	#5
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	It's been a long time since I saw a used Snap-on torque wrench that big go for $100. I have seen a used Proto 250# go for $120 locally, and Lowes has a 3/8 10-100# (I think) for $100. They are made by the same outfit that makes Snap-On. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

10-01-2002, 08:37 PM	#6
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Clicker type torque wrenches are only accurate if they are calibrated on a regular basis. Ive got a few snap on torque wrenches that arent within 15 ft lbs of their readings. I dont bother having them calibrated because I dont use them. I use beam style and prefer them over clicker types. A good quality beam style torque wrench will last your lifetime and will retain its accuracy. Many companies waranty theirs for life but only have a limited waranty on their clicker type. Thats hould tell you something. Sears is one example. Like all torque wrenches and analog gauges of any time they are really only accurate in the middle of their ranges so you may need a few with different ranges. I think I have 8 torque wrenches. __________________ No truck :-(

10-01-2002, 08:58 PM	#7
TODDS 72 Not the nightly winner Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: CHARLEMONT MA.USA Posts: 763	SNAPON I think are the best,I have 4 of theres and one MAC. I send them out once a year for calibration. The secret to the clickers is to back them off to o when done. just my 2 cents. ps. only one has come back with a note saying it was out 3or4 lbs. __________________ 72C10SWB BLUE 350/350 86K10LWB BLUE 5.7 700r4 7.5' fisher plow 93S10XCAB4X4 BLUE 4.3 4L60e 69gmc c10 v8 3 on the tree yellow 72k10 swb 350 3 on the tree green 86k15 swb5.0L 4spd brown

10-01-2002, 09:37 PM	#8
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,427	FREDT -- MAYBE THERES NOT MANY PAWN SHOPS IN KANAS?? BUT DO A SEARCH ON SNAP-ON ON EBAY. I THINK YOU'LL BE SURPRISED. LIKE I USED TO TELL MY 16 YEAR OLD "JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT DOESN'T MEAN IT DOESN'T EXIST" __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

10-01-2002, 11:47 PM	#9
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	The pawn shops around here charge a premium. I've gone in and seen used tools priced for more than new, and the prices weren't negotiable. When I'm in Ark City, I have one that I like to frequent. Aisles are barely wide enough for this fat old man to fit through and stuff is piled from the floor to the ceiling. I haven't hit ebay for torque wrenches for about two years, at that time Snap-on was going high, usually about 75% of retail. With the economy in the toilet they are probably cheaper now, I'm just not sure that my job at Boeing will last, they're passing out layoff notices like hotcakes. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

10-02-2002, 12:59 PM	#10
1967LWBstepside 'Heavy Metal' Redefined. Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Starkville, MS, USA Posts: 107	My Craftsman costs a whole lot less and has a lifetime warranty . . . Mike __________________ 1967 C10 LWB stepside, 250 engine, GM HEI, aftermarket A/C., Clifford Performance intake, Stovebolt split headers, Carter AFB 500, X-pipe & Dynomax Super Turbos, 1 piece custom driveshaft, cyprus bed wood & stainless bed strips. Starkville, Mississippi \| My Truck Page

10-02-2002, 02:54 PM	#11
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Well, I checked. The problem with Craftsman is they don't offer a torque wrench new that's over the 200 ft/lb mark...although the ones they have look pretty good. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

10-02-2002, 03:08 PM	#12
useRc10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Mechanicsville, VA, 23111 Posts: 1,138	my dad had an old rusty one that someone bought at a yard sale for like 2 bucks and snap on replaced it witha new one when they were at his work (in a power plant)...if they'll replace any like that then you could get a good deal __________________ -'02 Chevy Avalanche, 5.3L, 4x4... needing a small lift and bigger tires -'72 Chevy C-10(350, bored 60 over)dual flowmasters, 3 on the tree -'85 K5 Blazer,305 NO MORE...350 is in,2" lift,33" Mickey Thompson Baja Claw Radials -dads '70 burb (red, 5-7 drop, 350...) www.geocities.com/userc10/truckhome.html AIM: Auntjoedadda

10-02-2002, 06:06 PM	#13
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	I've used a couple of Sears beam-style torque wrenches to build a dozen motors over the years and have not had a single problem.... I think I paid around $20 each. Just lucky I guess... __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project

10-02-2002, 09:00 PM	#14
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	What are you building that you need a 250 ft lb torque wrench? I can tell you from experience that 1/2 drives won't hold up in that range for long not even almighty Snap-on. I worked in an electric motor shop that we used 1/2 drive Snap-on's set on 250 to tighten 1" 12 point bolts. Didn't use a 3/4 " drive because the sockets would not fit in the hole. The ratchet mechanism usually would last about two weeks. __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

10-02-2002, 10:16 PM	#15
ThreeQuarter Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Texan in Iowa Posts: 2,522	I can't think of anything on a 67-72 that requires that much torque, but there are a couple places on the front drivetrain on my '92 K1500 that takes over 150 ft-lbs. (which is where my torque wrench stops). It sure pays to be known by all the counter guys at Napa. Lessee, two weeks' work in a shop is equal to about 10 years worth of 200+ torquing at my house. __________________ Ben '68 Chevy C10 Custom LWB 327/TH400 2nd owner '16 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Dblcab 4wd 5.3



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10-02-2002, 11:16 PM	#16
RipMeyer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Southern New Mexico Posts: 649	I Calibrate about 1 or 2 Hundred torque wrenches every week. The most accurate are beam deflecting and dial type. Snap action ones are ok but wont last the long haul. Torque wrenches are at the most accurate between 20 and 100% of full scale. The problem with beam deflecting and dial types is its hard to look straight down at the reading when you are tighting really firm. Here is a list of some that should work just fine. All are accurate from 2-6% depending on the model you choose. Snap-on CDI Proto Sturdvandt

10-02-2002, 11:25 PM	#17
RipMeyer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Southern New Mexico Posts: 649	BTW If you want your snap actions to last and retain accuracy, ALWAYS return them to the LOWEST setting after use. And if you are REALLY concerened about accuracy have it CALD every 3 months, However its going to cost about $40 bucks every time. Also it sould be exersized full scale 6 times before use to be the most accurate.

10-03-2002, 12:03 AM	#18
ThreeQuarter Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Texan in Iowa Posts: 2,522	Good info, Rip! __________________ Ben '68 Chevy C10 Custom LWB 327/TH400 2nd owner '16 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Dblcab 4wd 5.3

10-03-2002, 01:07 AM	#19
O'l Buck Recovering Truck Driver Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Orleans, NE USA Posts: 1,883	I totally agree with Rip and mikep, I had a class on torque wrenches when I went to tech school. There we learned that the deflecting beam is the most accurate, the clickers all need calibrated regularly (the instructor was not fond of any type of clicker).....My snap-on clicker 1/2" drive was accurate when I bought it.......always returned to the lowest setting and the lock in the off position while stored......it's way off, like, when it says you have 120 lbs-ft, according to my deflecting beam, I have more like 90.......I need to visit the friendly snap on truck and have the clicker calibrated. __________________ 67 K-20 350, SM465, Eaton rear, 4.56 no spin option 00 Dodge 2500 4x4, 24V cummins, 5 speed Chad South Central Nebraska

10-03-2002, 07:28 AM	#21
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Sears waranties their beam style forever. If the calibration is off they'll give you a new one. Their clickers they waranty for 2 years. I have a craftsman beam style torque wrench my uncle won at the 1962 NHRA winternationals in AA competition at Pomona CA and has a small tag on it marking as such. It was part of the first prize trophy package. Things were much simpler then. The guy he beat out to win that year was named Don Garlits. __________________ No truck :-(

10-03-2002, 10:39 AM	#22
6869704X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE NM Posts: 769	You can put an extension arm on your wrench to make 250. Ive seen them in aviation tool catalogs and I think I saw some in the sears industrial tools catalog. Here is the formula. Attached Images __________________ The more I learn about women, the more I love my truck.

10-03-2002, 11:37 AM	#23
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,187	Can anyone tell me where I can get a clicker Craftsmen calibrated? Thanks.

10-03-2002, 11:55 AM	#24
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	tom hand: Moog recomends torquing the ball joint studs to 175 ft/lbs. Most wrenches I've seen either stop at 150 or 250, so... I'm going to keep looking around. I've heard from dozens of people that the beam type is way better. I'm just worried about having difficulty reading it. The clicker comes in handy sometimes. Thanks- __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

10-03-2002, 01:05 PM	#25
RipMeyer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Southern New Mexico Posts: 649	The picture and formula above is not for increasing the range of the wrench. It is used to caculate the proper value if you are using an adapter such as a crow foot to fit in a spot where a normal head will not fit. Here are some CDI part # for 200 ft lb wreches. 2003MFMH This is a rachet clicker type. 2003MFRPH Clicker Type 1753LDFN Dial Type 175 Ft Lb`s 2003BF Beam Type Proto Part # 6112A Dial Type 175 FT LB`s Check out this link for Torque Manufactures Click Here

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