Torque wrench

[drglinski]

While filling out my Christmas list it occurred to me that I do not have a torque wrench. I'd be using it on my cub (head bolts, rear end bolts, etc) and I'd like it to be a craftsman. What should I be looking for? From an owner that has never owned one....thanks.

[Jeff in Pa]

If you get a "click" type, make sure you back it off to the lowest setting when not in use.

I have both a click type in 1/2" drive and a beam type in 3/8" drive.

[gmbadgley]

I would go for a 3/8 click type first, that will cover 90% of what you need. You will never justify the expense of an electronic type, (I'm a pro heavy equipment mechanic and I cant). I doubt that you will use a 1/2" much, not a lot of bolts that require accurate torque of 200 ft/lb on a cub.

The theory on torque is simple. tight's tight, too tight's broke!

[cubby102]

I have both the half inch and 3/8ths inch click type. As well as a "beam" type 3/8ths and honestly I don't think I've ever had to use my half inch on a cub. But I work on bigger things as well. As with any tool you get what you pay for also

[J-Mech]

I have all types of torque wrenches. From a 1/4" 10inlbs min, to a 3/4" 600ftlbs max. I have both digital, and "click" type. Craftsman makes a 3/8" click type that will suit you well, and the price is moderate. I agree, you don't need a 1/2" drive, or a digital. Honestly, a beam type is pretty accurate, and they never need calibrated.

[gmbadgley]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

I have all types of torque wrenches. From a 1/4" 10inlbs min, to a 3/4" 600ftlbs max. I have both digital, and "click" type. Craftsman makes a 3/8" click type that will suit you well, and the price is moderate. I agree, you don't need a 1/2" drive, or a digital. Honestly, a beam type is pretty accurate, and they never need calibrated.

Beam types are accurate, but you have to be able to see them, there are times when you are working out of position and just can't see the wrench. That is when a click type is handy.

Digital w/preset beep tones are cheap, I've seen them on the truck for around $600.00, Now how often do you use one?

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by gmbadgley

Digital w/preset beep tones are cheap, I've seen them on the truck for around $600.00, Now how often do you use one?

I didn't think the $600 price tag on mine was cheap!
I use my digital all the time. But it also has the option of doing degrees, inlbs, ftlbs. I have the 1/2" drive Snap-On digital. Beeps, vibrates, and shows the torque and degrees as you are using it. It's a pretty cool tool!

[JLM78]

I got one from sears for $39.00 for black Friday

[4SPEED]

I have the bigger ones that are in foot lbs. but I like the 3/8 drive I picked up thats reads in inch lbs most torqu specks i see are in inch lbs.

[drglinski]

Thanks guys. A backyard mechanic who doesn't work on things for a living the advice helps. Now don't get me wrong I'm mechanical in nature, been tearing into stuff since I was little, but not much experience with a torque wrench. Knew they were needed on CC heads however. I "ordered" both the 3/8" click Craftsman type in foot and inch pounds.