Torque wrench recommendation needed
 

My torque wrench was liberated from my garage and that puts me in the market. I need a 1/2 in drive. I prefer a long handle but I guess that is just habit.

I’ve been looking on line and see prices from under $20 to over $200. Some have accuracy specs, and +/- 4% seems too high (100 ft-lbs could actually be 96-104). Maybe I’m overthinking that; torque sticks used at tire shops are pretty inaccurate.

Would also like it to hold accuracy for some time so I don’t have to recalibrate very often. Primary use is wheel lugs on BMWs.

Thoughts?

I've used a Kobalt (Lowe's house brand I think) with good results for awhile now. Cost was reasonable @ $70 IIRC. Used one from Harbor Freight once... threw it away after that. Was garbage. Had to re-do a head gasket.

I used to have all kinds of torque wrenches:
- Dial type (The $15 type).
- The "Click" type: the problem is you have to make sure it is properly maintained and not locking up.
Some people destroy their nuts/bolts simply bc the torque wrench does not "click" when reaching the torque. This is a good tool but requires some maintenance, which we tend to forget.
- The electronic type (it beeps when at the torque). Just like the above but instead of "clicking noise", it beeps.

I already got rid of other types and keep ONLY the dial type.
If you want to keep your life simple, then get the dial type, it is $15-$20 at hardware store.


PS: For lug nut...I usually tighten snug by hand then go another 45 degrees (such as from 1:30 o'clock ---> 3 o'clock. I did this 45-degree experiment years ago and this amounts to about 80 ft*lb. Do your own experiment and you will see the beauty of this 45-degree thingy.

I like the Craftsman Digi-Click 1/2" 25lbs-250lbs torue wrench. $100 off right now. $69.99

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-1-2-...000P?rrec=true

Thanks - appreciate the recommendations so far. The one that disappeared was a Mountain, kept in its plastic case. Had it for about 12 years without issue, click type. I never had it recalibrated but always stored it properly and used it properly.

Couldn’t find accuracy spec on this. How long do the batteries last?

Great tip in the PS!

I can’t find a dial type for under $100 on line (including ACE and True Value); do you have anything you can point me to?

I have multiples but the one that gets the most usage is the 1/2 drive sears unit 20-150 ft pounds with metric settings
https://www.sears.com/craftsman-micr...1&blockType=G1

Lugnut torque is not overly critical, so most anything that is close to accurate will suffice. For one of the better value wrenches, take a look at Tektron. Decent quality tools with excellent warranties and reasonable prices. Regardless what you buy, I'd check it for reasonableness against either a known calibrated wrench, or at least using the string/weight test (google) to make sure it's in the ballpark. If you buy a "click" type, be sure to back off the spring tension after each use.

AM.

- Sorry I said "Dial type". I meant "beam style"...

- I am a minimalist, so I am getting rid of stuff I don't find essential to my life...For < $20, you can get a beam style as shown...


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