Torque Wrench Ignorance / Questions (warning: Long post)

[the fan]

I have 3 clicker types, all from MAC tools and all calibrated every 2 years.

For small stuff I use the 1/4" drive in/lb torque wrench.
mid sized stuff the 3/8 drive
and the largest I ever need gets the 1/2" drive.

I sold Dads 3/4 and 1" drive torque wrenches to his former co-workers as well as the 1" drive torque multipliers.

Marsh, I can ship my in/lb wrench out to you. 8.7 ft/lbs is appx 104.4 in/lbs which falls right in the middle of the tools tested range.

[markmartin]

Marsh, I've got a very similar looking wrench to the one you've linked .  It's a 1/2" drive version, 10-150 ft/lbs.  I bought it at the local auto parts dealer, no brand name on it, just what looks like a serial number. I didn't pay very much for it--$40?--I think I may have overpaid now that I look at the harbor frieght link.  Anyway,  I can't attest to it's accuracy, but it works --'clicks' --every time and is set the way you describe it--just adjust the setting on the handle, and tighten the lock on the end.

Mark

[junkyardroad]

there is a printer type of sticker on it showing the re-calibration

Look for Snap On dial type wrenches. I bought two from a retiring airplane mechanic that were recently certified on Ebay.  One is 1/4 drive 0-30 in/lbs and one is 0-150 in/lbs. They were around $60 and I use them for setting up ring and pinion gears and m/c stuff (mostly). Occaisionally I'll do a 700r4 for a little extra self torture. There are conversion calculators on the internet - newton meters, in/lb, ft/lb etc.

Make the investment and use the torque specs for everything that has a spec.  I personally hate beam-type wrenches except for lug nuts and stuff but why? My 1/2 in clicker works great for that too. Luckily I was given a Utica 3/4 in unit that is handy for big number on pinion nuts etc.

I use them occaisionally, and I loan them out to trusted friends in exchange for time on their tools.  

[simi_ed]

Marsh, I have the Harbor Freight aka China Palace 1/4" drive clicker torque wrench. No FJ cam experience, but it has worker repeatedly on Honda & Toyota stuff w/o fail.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=2696
http://tinyurl.com/china-palace-tools

[FJSpringy]

I am happy to use a t/wrench on most things but ............


I will never use one on an FJ sump plug 

[Mark Olson]

Marsh, 

just tighten the bolts with a 1/4 drive ratchet , it will be close enough.

small wrench little torque.

personally , I have 1/4, 3/8,1/2 drive tw and find that hand tight with the 1/4 ratchet is close to 10 ft pds.

[andyb]

and find that hand tight with the 1/4 ratchet is close to 10 ft pds.

I break shit with 1/4 drive and one hand.  No sense of force at all.

A torque wrench has become one of my favorite tools.  And if it's a bolt that I'd be worried about even at proper torque, it gets safety wired too.  Absolute peace of mind, and after losing more than one caliper bolt, it's worth it.

[Mark Olson]

use your left hand , not your kung fu grip.

[Ned]

use your left hand , not your kung fu grip.

...but that's the hairy one...


Ned