Torque wrench opinions

ZMan8 · 02-24-2012, 10:28 PM

Hi all,
this summer I plan to do a few DIY projects (exhaust install, spacers, springs). Additionally, I plan to change the transmission and diff. fluids.

I have basic tools in my garage but am in the process of getting some of the more advanced things, which brings me to torque wrenches. I realize that sometimes you "get what you pay for" but at the same time I don't want to spend a lot (around $150 max). Also, should i get both 3/8 and 1/2 or start with just one of those.

Snap on seems like the best brand so I found this one online is it any good? Amazon.com: Snap-on Industrial Brand CDI Torque 1503MFRMH 1/2-Inch Drive Metal Handle Click Type Torque Wrench, Torque Range 20 to 150-Foot Pounds: Home Improvement

I would like some recommendations please.

Let me know your experiences with what you use. Thanks!

pedZ · 02-24-2012, 10:36 PM

I use this Brown Line torque wrench and really like it.

Amazon.com: Brown Line Metal Works BLD0212 Digital Torque Wrench: Home Improvement

pedZ · 02-24-2012, 10:39 PM

I'd also recommend this socket set to help protect your wheels from scratches.

Protective Socket Set - Specialty Tools - Tools - Griot's Garage

TreeSemdyZee · 02-25-2012, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pedZ

I use this Brown Line torque wrench and really like it.

Amazon.com: Brown Line Metal Works BLD0212 Digital Torque Wrench: Home Improvement

I bought the same one when they were sponsors on here a few months ago. I really like it also.

It even came with a nice case at the same price Amazon sells just the wrench for.

ZMan8 · 02-25-2012, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pedZ

I use this Brown Line torque wrench and really like it.

Amazon.com: Brown Line Metal Works BLD0212 Digital Torque Wrench: Home Improvement

Yeah I saw it when i search for torque wrenches. How is the battery life?

pedZ · 02-25-2012, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZMan8

Yeah I saw it when i search for torque wrenches. How is the battery life?

I've used it several times in the last 6 months and haven't had to worry about batteries. I've read that it should last 40 hours with it continuously being turned on.

ZMan8 · 02-26-2012, 02:09 PM

bump for some more opinions

azn370z · 02-26-2012, 03:06 PM

I have craftman. I have the 1/2 and 1/4. You only need to get the 1/2. Mines lasted so far did bolt ons, cbe, suspensions.

ZMan8 · 02-26-2012, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azn370z

I have craftman. I have the 1/2 and 1/4. You only need to get the 1/2. Mines lasted so far did bolt ons, cbe, suspensions.

Have you done any recalibrations on it to see if its accuracy lasted?

kenchan · 02-26-2012, 04:26 PM

i use snap-on torque wrenches. i have several different drive sizes and capacities.

i choose the wrench where the rated torque is about 40% to 60% of the wrench's range.

Rusty · 02-27-2012, 06:41 AM

I use the Snap-On digital torque wrenches. 3/8's and 1/2' drive. With these, I can go from ft./lbs to inch/lbs, to metric with a push of a button. When they hit the torque setting. They buzz and vibrate. They will also show the highest torque reading, when torquing. They cost $$$. Well worth it tho.

kenchan · 02-27-2012, 10:18 AM

^^ show off!

hey, your floor needs repair.

ZMan8 · 02-27-2012, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

^^ show off!

hey, your floor needs repair.

Those two are not cheap!

m4a1mustang · 02-27-2012, 10:22 AM

I have a Kobalt 100lb-ft wrench and another Craftsman long arm 250 lb-ft wrench. I need to get some more.

kenchan · 02-27-2012, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

I have a Kobalt 100lb-ft wrench and another Craftsman long arm 250 lb-ft wrench. I need to get real ones.

fixed.

02-24-2012, 10:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
ZMan8 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 5,844 Drives: 10 370z 40th M6 Rep Power: 658	Torque wrench opinions Hi all, this summer I plan to do a few DIY projects (exhaust install, spacers, springs). Additionally, I plan to change the transmission and diff. fluids. I have basic tools in my garage but am in the process of getting some of the more advanced things, which brings me to torque wrenches. I realize that sometimes you "get what you pay for" but at the same time I don't want to spend a lot (around $150 max). Also, should i get both 3/8 and 1/2 or start with just one of those. Snap on seems like the best brand so I found this one online is it any good? Amazon.com: Snap-on Industrial Brand CDI Torque 1503MFRMH 1/2-Inch Drive Metal Handle Click Type Torque Wrench, Torque Range 20 to 150-Foot Pounds: Home Improvement I would like some recommendations please. Let me know your experiences with what you use. Thanks! __________________ 2010 370Z 40 Anniv., 6 MT \| Fast Intentions \| Swift Springs \| SPC \| Z1Motorsports \| JWM \| Redline Oils \| 35% Window Tint 2015 Mazda6 \| 370ZChicago: Chicago Area Cars & Coffee

02-24-2012, 10:36 PM	#2 (permalink)
pedZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,366 Drives: 11 Tour/Spt/Nav/6MT Rep Power: 27	I use this Brown Line torque wrench and really like it. Amazon.com: Brown Line Metal Works BLD0212 Digital Torque Wrench: Home Improvement __________________ 2011 Brilliant Silver Touring/Sport/Nav/6MT --- Build Journal F.I. SS 18" CBE \| Takeda CAI \| Z1 25-Row Oil Cooler \| Swift Springs \| Hotchkis Sway Bars \| H&R 15mm DRS Spacers F&R \| RJM Clutch Pedal \| UpRev Tune

02-24-2012, 10:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
pedZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,366 Drives: 11 Tour/Spt/Nav/6MT Rep Power: 27	I'd also recommend this socket set to help protect your wheels from scratches. Protective Socket Set - Specialty Tools - Tools - Griot's Garage __________________ 2011 Brilliant Silver Touring/Sport/Nav/6MT --- Build Journal F.I. SS 18" CBE \| Takeda CAI \| Z1 25-Row Oil Cooler \| Swift Springs \| Hotchkis Sway Bars \| H&R 15mm DRS Spacers F&R \| RJM Clutch Pedal \| UpRev Tune Last edited by pedZ; 02-24-2012 at 10:54 PM.

02-26-2012, 02:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
ZMan8 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 5,844 Drives: 10 370z 40th M6 Rep Power: 658	bump for some more opinions __________________ 2010 370Z 40 Anniv., 6 MT \| Fast Intentions \| Swift Springs \| SPC \| Z1Motorsports \| JWM \| Redline Oils \| 35% Window Tint 2015 Mazda6 \| 370ZChicago: Chicago Area Cars & Coffee

02-26-2012, 03:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
azn370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,722 Drives: z34 - R1 Rep Power: 489	I have craftman. I have the 1/2 and 1/4. You only need to get the 1/2. Mines lasted so far did bolt ons, cbe, suspensions. __________________ 2010 k23 H&R sport springs / Spc rear camber arms / SSR SP1 / Berk cbe / Varis cf lip / Nismo S-Tune side skirts

02-26-2012, 04:26 PM	#10 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	i use snap-on torque wrenches. i have several different drive sizes and capacities. i choose the wrench where the rated torque is about 40% to 60% of the wrench's range.

02-27-2012, 10:18 AM	#12 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	^^ show off! hey, your floor needs repair.

02-27-2012, 10:22 AM	#14 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6962	I have a Kobalt 100lb-ft wrench and another Craftsman long arm 250 lb-ft wrench. I need to get some more. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

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