Torque Wrench(s)

[Shora]

Guys, I am sick of using my needle style torque wrench.

I went to Sears asking about the different wrenches that they offer (Craftsman) but none of the employees knew anything about them.

They didn't know how to set any of them, how to make sure they are calibrated correctly or anything else.

I am looking for a torque wrench that is reliable, good quality, and easy to use (maybe even a digital?).

Lastly, does anyone know of a formula that converts Ft. Ibs. to In. Ibs.?

For example, what would 90 In. Ibs be in Ft. Ibs?

So many of you do some much work on your cars, you must know your stuff about torque wrenches.

[Taemian]

Originally Posted by Shora

Guys, I am sick of using my needle style torque wrench.

I went to Sears asking about the different wrenches that they offer (Craftsman) but none of the employees knew anything about them.

They didn't know how to set any of them, how to make sure they are calibrated correctly or anything else.

I am looking for a torque wrench that is reliable, good quality, and easy to use (maybe even a digital?).

Lastly, does anyone know of a formula that converts Ft. Ibs. to In. Ibs.?

For example, what would 90 In. Ibs be in Ft. Ibs?

So many of you do some much work on your cars, you must know your stuff about torque wrenches.

I bought my TR from Mac Tools, dial indicator setting that "snaps" when you hit the desired torque. Cost about $200 waaay back when. They guarantee it accurate for a year, then you can always have it recalibrated if needed (ie aviation mechanics) for a minimal fee.

Check a measurement conversion site for all your formulas, there's hundreds of them. Google is your friend.

[Shora]

Originally Posted by Taemian

I bought my TR from Mac Tools, dial indicator setting that "snaps" when you hit the desired torque. Cost about $200 waaay back when. They guarantee it accurate for a year, then you can always have it recalibrated if needed (ie aviation mechanics) for a minimal fee.

Check a measurement conversion site for all your formulas, there's hundreds of them. Google is your friend.

Thanks for the info. Will check out Mac Tools.

So far the best one that I found is this sucker by K-Tool International

Cannot make a mistake setting it and it works in BOTH Ft. Ibs. and In. Ibs. WOW.

Please, if someone knows of a better one, do let me know. I want to buy a new one ASAP.

KTI:



Digital torque wrench eliminates the possibility of human error with a series of lights and alarms that immediately alert the user to torque readings that are "over or under" entered values. Easy to use, exceedingly accurate (plus/minus 1 percent CW, plus/minus 2 percent CCW) and featuring a high contrast, backlit LCD screen display, users press only four buttons to operate the tool: power on/off; unit of measurement (ft./lbs., in./lbs., N-m); torque target up; and torque target down. Technicians can quickly switch among three types of measurement, eliminating the need to have three separate tools.

[GetMeMyStogie]

Multiply ft·lb by 12 to get inch·lb.
Divide inch·lb by 12 to get ft·lb

Any torque wrench is going to be more accurate in the middle of it's range, than at it's extremes. So, trying to measure 1¼ ft·lb on a 0-250 ft·lb torque wrench will not work too well.

[Shora]

Originally Posted by GetMeMyStogie

Multiply ft·lb by 12 to get inch·lb.
Divide inch·lb by 12 to get ft·lb

Inch·lb is usually used to indicate small torque values. Any torque wrench is going to be more accurate in the middle of it's range, than at it's extremes. So, trying to measure 1¼ ft·lb on a 0-250 ft·lb torque wrench will not work too well.

Good info.

The one I have pictured above is rated from 10-100 Ft. Pounds. Does that mean that I should not use it for things like changing spark plugs which need to be torqued to 11 ft. ibs.?

[fastblackmerc]

Originally Posted by Shora

Good info.

The one I have pictured above is rated from 10-100 Ft. Pounds. Does that mean that I should not use it for things like changing spark plugs which need to be torqued to 11 ft. ibs.?

Yes, I'd get a 3/8 drive torque wrench in inch pounds for that.

Bigger wrench I'd get in a 1/2 drive.

[Paul T. Casey]

Originally Posted by GetMeMyStogie

Multiply ft·lb by 12 to get inch·lb.
Divide inch·lb by 12 to get ft·lb

Any torque wrench is going to be more accurate in the middle of it's range, than at it's extremes. So, trying to measure 1¼ ft·lb on a 0-250 ft·lb torque wrench will not work too well.

Sage advise.

[fastblackmerc]

Guys, I am sick of using my needle style torque wrench.

I went to Sears asking about the different wrenches that they offer (Craftsman) but none of the employees knew anything about them.

They didn't know how to set any of them, how to make sure they are calibrated correctly or anything else.

I am looking for a torque wrench that is reliable, good quality, and easy to use (maybe even a digital?).

I have a Craftsman click-type that I've had for years. As much as I use it (3 or 4 times a year) it's a good deal at less than $80.00.

Lastly, does anyone know of a formula that converts Ft. Ibs. to In. Ibs.?

http://www.onlineconversion.com/

For example, what would 90 In. Ibs be in Ft. Ibs?

90 pound inch = 7.499 999 999 8 pound foot

So many of you do some much work on your cars, you must know your stuff about torque wrenches.

[Shora]

Fastblackmerc,

Thanks for the info. You wouldn't have a link to that TR would you? Looking for one that easy to set. What range is yours in?

[fastblackmerc]

Originally Posted by Shora

Fastblackmerc,

Thanks for the info. You wouldn't have a link to that TR would you? Looking for one that easy to set. What range is yours in?

Foot pounds:
Craftsman Microtork® Torque Wrench, 20-150 ft. lbs., 1/2 in. Drive
Sears item# 00944595000

Inch pounds:
Wrench, 25-250 in. lbs., 3/8 in. Drive
Sears item# 00944593000

I'd also invest in a case for $8.00. Good protection.

[Shora]

Originally Posted by fastblackmerc

Foot pounds:
Craftsman Microtork® Torque Wrench, 20-150 ft. lbs., 1/2 in. Drive
Sears item# 00944595000

Inch pounds:
Wrench, 25-250 in. lbs., 3/8 in. Drive
Sears item# 00944593000

I'd also invest in a case for $8.00. Good protection.

Which would you use for spark plugs rated at 11 ft. ibs.?

[GordonB]

Shora,
I have 2 Sears Craftsmen Torque Wrenches -- one 1/2 drive and one 3/8. The big one is in a plastic Permatex case; the small one is in its orig. cardboard case. Should be able to buy BOTH for about $150 total or less.
GordonB

[FordNut]

I like the click-style torque wrenches.
I know it's not the best way to use one, but the minimum setting on mine is 10 ft-lb and I use it for spark plugs, intake manifold bolts, etc. You can BARELY feel the click at the low end of the range.

[justbob]

I bought a 1/2 Craftsman digitork in its own hard case ten years ago or more. I am really bad at getting it calibrated however. Check the one you buy for storage settings, most but not all need to be stored at 30 ft pds.

As much as i HATE craftsman, this has been a great unit!

[imorb1994]

If you really want an electronic torque wrench I would go with Snap-on. The prices on the website are high compared to what I bought mine from my local Snap-on dealer.
IMHO you can't beat the quality, and you get what you pay for.