torque wrench
 

had a bad experience with having my wheel locks broken off and still need to drill the last one out but after i do will do the locks myself. need a torque wrench. any suggestions on which one to get?

Depends...
 

I have everything from a dial type Snap-on, a Craftsman digital, to cheap clicker types. I prefer the clicker types. Harbor Feight has some cheap clickers that should be good enough for wheels. It's probably more important to get all the lugs on the wheel an equal torque rather than hit an exact torque value. If you are planing on doing aluminum heads, I'd opt for a higher end one. Just my thoughts. Good luck!

I have several CDI and Snap-On torque wrenches with 1/4" to 1/2" drives from a dial inch-pound to a couple several-hundred foot-pound clicker types. I have a KD-Tools clicker that I use on the road for wheels that I carry in the vehicle. I periodically check them all on a standard. I have found the KD-Tools wrench to be plenty accurate for my "on the road" uses and bought it at a swap meet. The CDI and Snap-On wrenches I picked up used on eBay and in pawn shops. I have no other experience with other brands.

^ i've got an old Mac Tool clicker, then two newer snapon digitals (3/8 and 1/2"). ebay and pawn shops as well.

Cheap tools, they are the most expensive kind.
 

Unless you make a lot of money or have a big inheritance, stay away from cheap tools, you will be replacing them often. Skip the junk down at the Harbor, buy a Chraftsman 1/2" clicker. It will last you your lifetime.

Remember to relax the wrench before storing. It will be more accurate the next time you use it.

Safety first,
Dick

and don't forget your 17mm socket with protective sleeve so it doesn't ruin your wheels... works great.

Titan/1/2 in. drive 17 mm. non-marring lug nut socket 21101 at AutoZone.com

I just grabbed a Pittsburgh click-type wrench from Harbor Freight as I only use it to confirm/re-tighten after a shop's work. I've also used it after removing wheels to dip them. Maybe use it a couple times a year - no need to go nuts and the brand feels high-quality enough.

1. Ive never needed a protective sleeve, just wouldnt think of it. For me the trick is catching the lug so it doesnt fall and hit the wheel. Ive never run a socket against a wheel. It is kinda cool though. ;)

2. Have to agree on matching the tool $$$ to your needs. Personally I am a tool snob, but that's me. I wont force that obsession on others. OTOH, the price delta between really cheap, less than Chinese quality.. and decent mid market, stable, lifetime of service....is not that great.

I just bought a Kobalt "clicker" type (1/2" with a range of 50lbs to 250lbs) for $79 (Feb 2015). Not the cheapest, but it worked perfect, comes with a hard case, and feels like it will last forever (probably will, as infrequently it will be used). Got a smokin' deal on a 2.5T floor jack & stands at Lowe's so I didn't mind paying for the wrench.

Sorry, but I have had two craftsman's break and they don't warranty their torque wrenches lifetime...plastic ring on my 3/8's dial wrench snapped which always causes the dial to move the torque setting and my really nice 1/2 in. KD tools sears re-branded one broke internally which I have to take apart the head and reset the internals sometimes...honestly I shouldn't trust that one anymore but it's still pretty damn accurate when compared to my other torque wrenches...I have found the Titan ones from Northern Tool to be pretty good for the $.

Just got a tekton 1/2 50-150 bot foot pounds and Newton meter scale. Forgot my 17mm socket.