Torque Wrenches

[Heather Poe]

I need a couple of torque wrenches for my build. I am getting many opinions. If I look at the trusty Sears Craftsman website for the Craftsman Torque Wrench, 3/8 in. Drive Sears item #00944593000 Mfr. model #44593,
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Mechanics+Tools&pid=00944593000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Torque+Wrenches&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes
half of the reviewers think that the unit is a piece of junk. Other websites have so many different opinions that I think I am trying to research snake oil. Any further recommendations?

[RHGraham]

My entire tool set is craftsman, including my torque wrenches, and I like them very much. i DON'T like craftsman powertools, just FWI, but It's been a lot of years since I've been happy with anything besides my craftsman handtools.

MAC tools and Snap-on tools are standby's in this country as well. Idon't think you'd go wrong with any of them.

[Jazzenjohn]

In my experience all the "clicker" type torque wrenches are pretty much the same. You'll need to look at the torque range you require as well. Stuff like the head bolts on my Rotax and my prop bolts are in the range of a 1/4 in drive so I have both. You also must be careful to stop turning the wrench as soon as it clicks, otherwise there is no accuracy. I often give them a quick test before I use them the first time just to make sure they are OK.

[scottessex]

Get a good PROTO, MAC or SNAP-ON, That way you will have a chance on getting it calibrated, I know, I know, But The clicker torque wrenches do go out of calibration and the springs do wear out, especially if not stored correctly, (always back it off to the bottom 15% of the scale when done using it) Using a torque wrench that is not calibrated is worse than not using one at all.
One good drop on the floor can ruin a torque wrench. Here at work where we have to get the wrenches calibrated every 6 months, they will only calibrate the above mentioned brands, nothing else, as everything else either cannot be calibrated, (too far off) or won't hold calibration. Just a FYI since you asked.

[RHGraham]

Really? I've never had any problem with my craftsman torque wrenches, although, all three are pretty old too, perhaps they aren't as good as they used to be... ?

Only issue I've had with snap-on is not a very good record of customer service. That might be just my expirience too though.

[StanFoster]

Heather: I was told the click off torque wrenches are the best...and to get a good one like Mac...or Snap on. I talked to a guy in a Mac truck one day...and he had a new one for $250 bucks...or a recalibrated used one for $110. I bought the used one and it works nice. You should release the tension on the torque setting to 0 when storing it to keep its accuracy.


Stan

[scottessex]

Do any of you guys ever have them calibrated? They will still work, I.E. "click" but that doesn't mean they are accurate. Not such a big deal in lbft, but when you are dealing with lbin it can be critical.

[getut]

Do any of you guys ever have them calibrated? They will still work, I.E. "click" but that doesn't mean they are accurate. Not such a big deal in lbft, but when you are dealing with lbin it can be critical.

You're scaring me Scott. I'm going to have to bring the Soma to you to change plugs for me the first time since I don't have a good lbin torque wrench yet heheh.

[kc0iv]

Really? I've never had any problem with my craftsman torque wrenches, although, all three are pretty old too, perhaps they aren't as good as they used to be... ?

Only issue I've had with snap-on is not a very good record of customer service. That might be just my expirience too though.

It must be your Snap-on dealer. I've never had a problem with the guy I have. All I do is take it in and he gives me a new one.

You do know that each Snap-on franchise is owned by the dealer. To my knowledge Snap-on doesn't have any company owned dealerships.

Leon

(kc0iv)

[scottessex]

Here are two that will cover most of the needs for small aircraft.
Right out of the www.grainger.com catalog.

I think that Lockwood sells a small torque wrench also. The most critical thing is the engine parts. Like spark plugs and such.

Getut, just bring the gyro and new plugs to ROC and I'll torque 'em for free! :)





4YA75
Micrometer Torque Wrench, Ratcheting Low Profile, Drive Size 3/8 In, Primary Scale Range 100-1000 in lb, Primary Scale Increments 5.0 in/lb PROTO
J6065CXCERT 1 From mfr. w/in 7 bus. days $180.00 731



4YA73
Micrometer Torque Wrench, Ratcheting Low Profile, Drive Size 1/4 In, Primary Scale Range 40-200 in lb, Primary Scale Increments 1.0 in/lb PROTO
J6061CXCERT 1 From mfr. w/in 7 bus. days $168.25 731

[RHGraham]

I try to have mine calibrated evey year, I think only once I needed a spring replaced. I'm kinda anal about looking after my tools though.
Hmm, that's all interesting info, thanks guys.