Thinking of buying a torque wrench, what drive?
#1
Thinking of buying a torque wrench, what drive?
I have had my eyes on these Mastercraft dial torque wrench for some time at CT. 1/2" drive for 99.99, and 3/8" drive for 89.99. Last week, I was there again and they were on sale, 30 dollars off for both. Unfortunately, 1/2" were sold out and there are planety 3/8" left.
So I went to another location, but they weren't on sale. That's when I learned store sale is different from location to location. And they said once the 1/2" are back in stock, they won't be on sale...
So, which brings to my question, you guys think 3/8" is good enough for most automobile applications? I mean, dispite the handle bar being shorter, and the drive size, any disadvantages?
For now, I am gonna use it for wheel lugs, and other 12,14,17mm applications, like regular Honda stuff. (suspension and whatnot)
Thanks
So I went to another location, but they weren't on sale. That's when I learned store sale is different from location to location. And they said once the 1/2" are back in stock, they won't be on sale...
So, which brings to my question, you guys think 3/8" is good enough for most automobile applications? I mean, dispite the handle bar being shorter, and the drive size, any disadvantages?
For now, I am gonna use it for wheel lugs, and other 12,14,17mm applications, like regular Honda stuff. (suspension and whatnot)
Thanks
#4
I'd still invest in a 1/2" drive model but not a Mastercraft one, I've never trusted their accuracy or calibration.
Getting over 100ft/lbs of torque on the short 3/8" drive model is possible but the extra leverage provided by the longer 1/2" drive model will make torquing your wheels and other large fasteners much easier/quicker.
The 1/2" drive torquewrench will prove to be more durable than the 3/8" drive model as it will have a heavier gauge/longer spring which will retain its spring tension and not sag. Same effect seen in automotive springs when the vehicle's ride height is reduced over time.
Getting over 100ft/lbs of torque on the short 3/8" drive model is possible but the extra leverage provided by the longer 1/2" drive model will make torquing your wheels and other large fasteners much easier/quicker.
The 1/2" drive torquewrench will prove to be more durable than the 3/8" drive model as it will have a heavier gauge/longer spring which will retain its spring tension and not sag. Same effect seen in automotive springs when the vehicle's ride height is reduced over time.
#8
Snap-on or MAC, but then you'd be spending roughly $400CDN. I'd only spend that if I used it day in, day -out
Check this site out: www.bosstoolsupply.com
This model:
http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/index.asp?
PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4312
Also check www.thetoolwarehouse.net
"KD tools" seems to have a few of decent quality.
I myself am not a fan of dials and prefer micrometer-type adjustments.
Check this site out: www.bosstoolsupply.com
This model:
http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/index.asp?
PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4312
Also check www.thetoolwarehouse.net
"KD tools" seems to have a few of decent quality.
I myself am not a fan of dials and prefer micrometer-type adjustments.
#18
I bought a mastercraft 1/2 inch 3 years ago. Still works like a charm. Just make sure you wind the torque setting back down to 0 after you use it. ..unloads the spring. Pretty much everthing made by mastercraft is good enough for a weekend mechanic.
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