torque wrench suggestions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ryans69chevy · 01-24-2011, 12:21 AM

I'am going to rebuild an engine this spring and need a good torque wrench. What do you guys suggest I get? I want something that will last along time.
Thanks for any suggestions.

Lee H · 01-24-2011, 01:39 PM

I use Craftsman. They are relatively inexpensive and can be re-calibrated.

treveiger · 01-24-2011, 03:17 PM

intersted also, broke the tip of mine off after barely using it... will defentally spend more money on the next one...

ryans69chevy · 01-24-2011, 04:53 PM

I have two both from northern tool. One is a 3/8" drive, the other is a 1/2" drive. They totalled $70. I figured they would be good enough to use, but they seem pretty sketchy. I'd rather spend a bit more now then mess up torqueing specs on my engine and ruin expensive parts.

I was also thinking of craftsman, but I don't know which one I'd get: microtork or digitork.

What's the process of re-calibrating? and how do you know if it's out of calibration or isn't "true"

Indian113 · 01-24-2011, 06:51 PM

I have snap-on and craftsman,up to about 45ftlbs I trust the craftsman. I wouldn't trust a motor to a HBF wrench. Just my OP.

crushermechanic · 01-24-2011, 10:34 PM

you get what you pay for in torque wrenches. i have 2 matco and 1 mac. i have had all for years and see regular use. they will all still hold 5% of the setting. the new snap on one are also really good.

treveiger · 01-25-2011, 12:48 AM

How much should you look at spending for a decent one?

vin63 · 01-25-2011, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treveiger

How much should you look at spending for a decent one?

I've had my Snap-On torque wrenches for 20+ years, and I think they are between $200-300 these days.

ERASER5 · 01-25-2011, 07:33 PM

You could try this bad boy! Sockets? Who needs'm? Just lock on to the bolt! Stripped bolt head? Who care! Just lock on!

Having trouble knowing how much torque to use? No problem! the new torque calibrations are easy to use and understand. Just look!

Get one TODAY!

**Tim Christian** · 01-26-2011, 12:09 PM

I have a couple of nice ones if interested?

LooseCannon · 01-26-2011, 05:46 PM

Good torque wrenches aren't cheap. I did a lot of research on the subject about a year ago and decided on Precision Instruments.

65Gregg · 01-26-2011, 10:50 PM

How do you have the calibration checked?

BIGBLU 72 · 01-26-2011, 11:15 PM

id like to know how to get the Craftsman ones recalibrated bc its off

treveiger · 01-26-2011, 11:39 PM

Up here theres a guy that goes to shops and checks them out.
Maybe try going to a tool store and ask them because thats where i found out.

dan76 · 01-27-2011, 06:41 PM

There are folks whom provide torque wrench calibration....just ask a FAA AP mechanic.

I'm not pleased with the latest torque wrench offerings from Craftsman. Not only have they reduced the warranty to 90 days, but I have two with the plastic locking ring broken......with minimal usage.

Frankly I'm using a HF 3/8" drive with success. I've checked its calibration twice and it's holding true after 3 engine builds. I've looked at Precision, Matco and even Snap-on but haven't convinced myself to get a spendy new one especially with the demonstrated reliability of the HF unit.

andyh1956 · 01-29-2011, 02:10 AM

my 1/2" wrench is a snap on. but what's cool about it is it has a flex head. i would not have been able to do some of the work i have done with a straight wrench. it is 32 years old & only broke one set of gears in the head.
andy

ryans69chevy · 01-29-2011, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERASER5

You could try this bad boy! Sockets? Who needs'm? Just lock on to the bolt! Stripped bolt head? Who care! Just lock on!

Having trouble knowing how much torque to use? No problem! the new torque calibrations are easy to use and understand. Just look!

Get one TODAY!

Where would I buy one of these? It looks like it's pretty user friendly! haha thats hilarious.

ryans69chevy · 01-29-2011, 04:25 PM

I just decided to go with snap-on. I'd rather spend a couple hundred dollars more now than spend it on ruined parts in my engine...

Indian113 · 01-29-2011, 04:48 PM

Smart move!

**truckdude239** · 01-29-2011, 10:41 PM

snap-on only way to go

Sicklajoie · 01-29-2011, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan76

I'm not pleased with the latest torque wrench offerings from Craftsman. Not only have they reduced the warranty to 90 days, but I have two with the plastic locking ring broken......with minimal usage.

Seems like everyone's got that same problem with the locking ring.

treveiger · 01-30-2011, 12:37 AM

Ya i might just break down and buy a good one or borrow one from someone i know

piecesparts · 01-30-2011, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee H

I use Craftsman. They are relatively inexpensive and can be re-calibrated.

Agree, totally! I have a couple different Crafstman torque wrenches and I have them checked regularily at my work place. They are a of good quality and stand up real well.

PatrickGMC70 · 04-24-2011, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sicklajoie

Seems like everyone's got that same problem with the locking ring.

YEah, mine broke just sitting in the case.

bighaas79 · 04-24-2011, 07:35 PM

I've got the 3/8 and 1/2 inch digital torque wrenches with the angle meter built in from snap on. I think i have just over $1000 in the 2 torque wrenches. But they are dead accurate, don't have a spring in em to be stretched out, and can be recalibrated, but have yet to need it done to either of them. And with the angle meter in it, it is way faster than setting up a mickey mouse angle finder seperate from the wrench. And with the push of the same button goes from inch/lbs to ft/lbs to n/m to angle. I make a living with them however and probably wouldn't be suited for the hobbiest.

01-24-2011, 12:21 AM	#1
ryans69chevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Casselton, North Dakota 58012 Posts: 1,082	torque wrench suggestions I'am going to rebuild an engine this spring and need a good torque wrench. What do you guys suggest I get? I want something that will last along time. Thanks for any suggestions.

01-24-2011, 01:39 PM	#2
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: torque wrench suggestions I use Craftsman. They are relatively inexpensive and can be re-calibrated. __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

01-24-2011, 03:17 PM	#3
treveiger Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: South Dakota Posts: 4,093	Re: torque wrench suggestions intersted also, broke the tip of mine off after barely using it... will defentally spend more money on the next one... __________________ 1969 Chevy c20(Miss Hackjob)

01-24-2011, 04:53 PM	#4
ryans69chevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Casselton, North Dakota 58012 Posts: 1,082	Re: torque wrench suggestions I have two both from northern tool. One is a 3/8" drive, the other is a 1/2" drive. They totalled $70. I figured they would be good enough to use, but they seem pretty sketchy. I'd rather spend a bit more now then mess up torqueing specs on my engine and ruin expensive parts. I was also thinking of craftsman, but I don't know which one I'd get: microtork or digitork. What's the process of re-calibrating? and how do you know if it's out of calibration or isn't "true"

01-24-2011, 06:51 PM	#5
Indian113 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Monroe,Iowa Posts: 4,370	Re: torque wrench suggestions I have snap-on and craftsman,up to about 45ftlbs I trust the craftsman. I wouldn't trust a motor to a HBF wrench. Just my OP. Last edited by Indian113; 01-24-2011 at 06:51 PM. Reason: spelling edit

01-24-2011, 10:34 PM	#6
crushermechanic Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fort Walton Beach, Fl Posts: 361	Re: torque wrench suggestions you get what you pay for in torque wrenches. i have 2 matco and 1 mac. i have had all for years and see regular use. they will all still hold 5% of the setting. the new snap on one are also really good.

01-25-2011, 12:48 AM	#7
treveiger Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: South Dakota Posts: 4,093	Re: torque wrench suggestions How much should you look at spending for a decent one? __________________ 1969 Chevy c20(Miss Hackjob)

01-25-2011, 07:33 PM	#9
ERASER5 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,859	Re: torque wrench suggestions You could try this bad boy! Sockets? Who needs'm? Just lock on to the bolt! Stripped bolt head? Who care! Just lock on! Having trouble knowing how much torque to use? No problem! the new torque calibrations are easy to use and understand. Just look! Get one TODAY! __________________ '70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60

01-26-2011, 12:09 PM	#10
Tim Christian Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TN/VA Posts: 6,388	Re: torque wrench suggestions I have a couple of nice ones if interested?

01-26-2011, 05:46 PM	#11
LooseCannon Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Boiling Springs, PA Posts: 391	Re: torque wrench suggestions Good torque wrenches aren't cheap. I did a lot of research on the subject about a year ago and decided on Precision Instruments. __________________ Bagged 05 Suburban Bagged Baby Blue 68

01-26-2011, 10:50 PM	#12
65Gregg Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Willis, Texas Posts: 754	Re: torque wrench suggestions How do you have the calibration checked? __________________ 65Gregg Blue long bed White TBSS 61 Impala “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Mark Twain

01-26-2011, 11:15 PM	#13
BIGBLU 72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ashland, KY Posts: 700	Re: torque wrench suggestions id like to know how to get the Craftsman ones recalibrated bc its off __________________ 68 C10 LWB 2/4 drop 406/th400/3.73posi 04 Silverado SS LQ9 6.0/4L65e/4.11posi AWD

01-26-2011, 11:39 PM	#14
treveiger Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: South Dakota Posts: 4,093	Re: torque wrench suggestions Up here theres a guy that goes to shops and checks them out. Maybe try going to a tool store and ask them because thats where i found out. __________________ 1969 Chevy c20(Miss Hackjob)

01-27-2011, 06:41 PM	#15
dan76 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Salt Lake City UT Posts: 441	Re: torque wrench suggestions There are folks whom provide torque wrench calibration....just ask a FAA AP mechanic. I'm not pleased with the latest torque wrench offerings from Craftsman. Not only have they reduced the warranty to 90 days, but I have two with the plastic locking ring broken......with minimal usage. Frankly I'm using a HF 3/8" drive with success. I've checked its calibration twice and it's holding true after 3 engine builds. I've looked at Precision, Matco and even Snap-on but haven't convinced myself to get a spendy new one especially with the demonstrated reliability of the HF unit.

01-29-2011, 02:10 AM	#16
andyh1956 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: thomastown mississippi Posts: 1,261	Re: torque wrench suggestions my 1/2" wrench is a snap on. but what's cool about it is it has a flex head. i would not have been able to do some of the work i have done with a straight wrench. it is 32 years old & only broke one set of gears in the head. andy



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01-29-2011, 04:25 PM	#18
ryans69chevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Casselton, North Dakota 58012 Posts: 1,082	Re: torque wrench suggestions I just decided to go with snap-on. I'd rather spend a couple hundred dollars more now than spend it on ruined parts in my engine...

01-29-2011, 04:48 PM	#19
Indian113 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Monroe,Iowa Posts: 4,370	Re: torque wrench suggestions Smart move!

01-29-2011, 10:41 PM	#20
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,238	Re: torque wrench suggestions snap-on only way to go __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

01-30-2011, 12:37 AM	#22
treveiger Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: South Dakota Posts: 4,093	Re: torque wrench suggestions Ya i might just break down and buy a good one or borrow one from someone i know __________________ 1969 Chevy c20(Miss Hackjob)

04-24-2011, 07:35 PM	#25
bighaas79 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: manly iowa Posts: 390	Re: torque wrench suggestions I've got the 3/8 and 1/2 inch digital torque wrenches with the angle meter built in from snap on. I think i have just over $1000 in the 2 torque wrenches. But they are dead accurate, don't have a spring in em to be stretched out, and can be recalibrated, but have yet to need it done to either of them. And with the angle meter in it, it is way faster than setting up a mickey mouse angle finder seperate from the wrench. And with the push of the same button goes from inch/lbs to ft/lbs to n/m to angle. I make a living with them however and probably wouldn't be suited for the hobbiest.

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