CrimeDadJul 28, 2023

What's a good torque wrench to get?

https://lemmy.one/post/1493690

What's a good torque wrench to get? - Lemmy.one

cross-posted from: https://jorts.horse/users/fathermcgruder/statuses/110789232582943740 [https://jorts.horse/users/fathermcgruder/statuses/110789232582943740] > What’s a good torque wrench to get? > > I want to replace the spark plugs in my car and I’m apparently going to have to torque them to 30Nm. #diy [https://jorts.horse/tags/diy] #tools [https://jorts.horse/tags/tools] > > @tools [https://lemmy.world/c/tools]

Show threadSeathruJul 28, 2023

Maybe an unpopular opinion; but if you want a budget torque wrench (less than $100usd), get a beam style. I’ve personally used this one to assemble dozens of engines. I’ve got a $400 Snap-On digital that is great for torque to yield fasteners where you have to tighten to a specific degree. But if it’s just something like spark plugs, I’ll grab the beam torque wrench every time. I wouldn’t recommend the caliper style for a novice. It’s too easy to get the setting off by a turn and unless you know what that amount of torque is supposed to fell like, you put your trust into listening for the click and end up causing much bigger problems for yourself.

Any questions, feel free to PM/DM. I’m having mechanic advice withdrawals after leaving reddit.

Amazon.com

Show threadsnowbell
What would be a good beam style wrench on the inch pound scale?
Jul 28, 2023 at 7:14pmWeb
Show threadSeathruJul 29, 2023

It really depends how precise you need to be. If 10-15% margin of error is acceptable*, then most of the budget brands (Presa, Titan, Neiko, ect) will be fine. If you need <5% margin of error, start looking at the major brands (snap-on, blue point, matco, mac, cornwell) that come with calibration certificates.

How many inch pounds you are working with will determine the size you need. 1-100in/lb - 1/4" torque wrench 100-1000in/lb - 3/8" torque wrench 1000+in/lb - We really should be using a different unit at this point, but 1/2" torque wrench.

*For most shadetree repairs 10-15% is more than sufficient.