Triumphrat

RensFunHog · 10-10-2009, 01:33 AM

Any suggestions of a small -inexpensive torque wrench? Would it measure in inch/lbs.?

KitNYC · 10-11-2009, 02:29 AM

I would check the auto supply stores like Pep Boys, Strauss, Advance, whatever you have in the area. Torque wrench threads can be as bad as oil threads, but my experience has been that a torque wrench is pretty much a torque wrench. I would suggest staying away from the digital type if you don't use it frequently, though, just because they need batteries.

Cheers,
-Kit

RonL · 10-11-2009, 11:34 PM

We just got an inexpensive "clicker" type at the local O'Reilley's/Murrays Auto Parts place for around $25. Harbor Freight has them as cheap at $15 and Craftsman has them starting around $70.

The digital ones can be nice but as said, batteries can go. I've also seen one stop working after being knocked around a little.

KitNYC · 10-12-2009, 02:44 AM

FWIW, I got curious about 6 months ago and tested the 3 torque wrenches I have against a 55Nm bolt. I have a Craftsman 3/8" drive, a cheapo half metal/half plastic 3/8" drive from Pep Boys, and an all-metal cheapo 1/2" from eBay that looks exactly like the ones they sell at Walmart.

All 3 clicked at the same place. I was surprised, as the Pep Boys wrench lives in my saddlebag and I thought it was probably damaged by the vibration.

Utterly unscientific, but there it is.

Cheers,
-Kit

Beemie · 10-13-2009, 10:14 PM

I have a beam type, a clicker and a dial type.
I find the clicker to be the most worrisome and the dial the least.
I love the dial but it's a bit more money.

KitNYC · 10-13-2009, 10:50 PM

I use mine on too many bolts at weird angles to use anything but a clicker. I've been tempted by the beam-type before because they're much cheaper and potentially more accurate, but trying to read a scale is the last thing I want to do when I'm tightening some out of the way bolt.

Cheers,
-Kit