I need to buy a torque wrench. What size do you all recommend? 3/8", 1/2" etc. I have sockets for both sizes of ratches so it doesn't matter, just wondering what works best. Are there opinions on digital or click-type? What about manufacturer? This is probably where I will shy away from Harbor Freight tools. Anybody with experience using Sears Craftsman torque wrenches?
Torque wrench
- Thread starter gearhead
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I'd say you'd find many more uses for a 3/8" over a 1/2", regardless of adapters. 1/2 is for pretty big jobs; I wouldn't say you'd need that much power for anything on your bike, or any car smaller than a full-size truck.
I've personally never been a fan of digital tools, but I'd say to each his own. My Dad has had all Craftsman for 35+ years and swears by it. That said, Husky, Dewalt, and a few others provide similar lifetime guarantees.
I've personally never been a fan of digital tools, but I'd say to each his own. My Dad has had all Craftsman for 35+ years and swears by it. That said, Husky, Dewalt, and a few others provide similar lifetime guarantees.
Yup, 3/8" will be the most useful size.
Most of my tools are Craftsman, but I have a Husky 3/8" clicker torque wrench. IIRC, it covers a broader torque range than the Craftsman equivalent.
Another factor is that Craftsman considers torque wrenches to be a "precision tool," rather than a "hand tool," so they're not covered by lifetime warranty.
Most of my tools are Craftsman, but I have a Husky 3/8" clicker torque wrench. IIRC, it covers a broader torque range than the Craftsman equivalent.
Another factor is that Craftsman considers torque wrenches to be a "precision tool," rather than a "hand tool," so they're not covered by lifetime warranty.
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Go with a 3/8", no need for 1/2".
Other than that, get whatever is available at your local auto store, don't bother buying a high dollar one, I think the one I bought was around $30, but that's all they had, harbor freight/northern tools/etc. may have others. Just make sure it covers the needed torque range.
Torque is a funny thing.... When I was in calibration in the military, I spent a couple of months on torque wrench calibrations. They are all horrible... move your hand one way or the other and it's off, push v. pull and it's off.
It's really more to make sure you don't break bolts than anything and most torque wrench brands/models are going to be accurate enough for that.
Other than that, get whatever is available at your local auto store, don't bother buying a high dollar one, I think the one I bought was around $30, but that's all they had, harbor freight/northern tools/etc. may have others. Just make sure it covers the needed torque range.
Torque is a funny thing.... When I was in calibration in the military, I spent a couple of months on torque wrench calibrations. They are all horrible... move your hand one way or the other and it's off, push v. pull and it's off.
It's really more to make sure you don't break bolts than anything and most torque wrench brands/models are going to be accurate enough for that.
When installing my center stand I went to Sears and bought a Craftsman Torque Wrench. The one I chose was the 3/8 drive 10-75 ft.lb . Most of the chassis bolts on our bike are located in that range. It was on sale, got it for $77 bucks. I already had a nice collection of hand and power tools but a torque wrench I did not have.
Craftsman Microtork® Torque Wrench, 10-75 ft. lbs., 3/8 in. Drive
xplodnstar
New Member
In my experience, you can never go wrong with a Craftsman hand tool.
The only problem I've ever had with one was a broken handle on a screwdriver (which I was not using properly) and Sears swapped it right out for me.
Torque wrench specific, try to find a click wrench. The standard ones work, but they are hard to read while your using it. I have trouble stopping at only 12 ft/lbs with those, or getting all the way up to 80 when needed. Of course, being this small, it may be an user issue.
The only problem I've ever had with one was a broken handle on a screwdriver (which I was not using properly) and Sears swapped it right out for me.
Torque wrench specific, try to find a click wrench. The standard ones work, but they are hard to read while your using it. I have trouble stopping at only 12 ft/lbs with those, or getting all the way up to 80 when needed. Of course, being this small, it may be an user issue.
I picked up a Click type 1/2 for 27.99 from my local discount auto store. Works great.
3/8 > 1/4
think you were looking at the 1/2" and yes, too big for most jobs on our bike.