Sears Torque wrench for wheels

Logansky · 12-22-2007, 05:24 PM

Anybody have one? Like it or not?

I want to buy a 1/2 inch drive torque wrench for my wheels but don't want to spend an arm and a leg for the best. I did a search and read what was posted, but there was no mention of the Sears for wheels model. Suggestions please that are ok, but won't break the bank.

Logasnsky

**Chatsworth 818 FJ** · 12-22-2007, 05:27 PM

Sears Craftsman is great and good price. If you get the mechanical one its a lot less then the digital one but the digi one is uber cool. Just make sure you get the one that foot lbs. not inch lbs., the look almost the same. Manual is also cheaper then the ones that auto stop at a setting.
Dont go cheep on a torque wrench! When some cheepo ones like form harbor freight the readings are off. I had a friend tighten his lugs to 75lbs and when rechecked they were actually under 50lbs.

eric1951 · 12-22-2007, 05:42 PM

I debated the same issue, finally deciding to buy the unit from Harbor Freight for less than $20. I likewise checked it against a expensive unit, it was very close. Had I needed a torque wrench for something other than lug nuts, no question, I would have purchased a Sears, SnapOn or something of quality.

ND40oz · 12-22-2007, 05:59 PM

I have the craftsman 1/2 and 3/8 drive torque wrenches, good stuff. Use them all the time.

**jorge** · 12-22-2007, 06:05 PM

$150+ versus the less than $20.

purchased a somewhat expensive torque wrench years ago to rebuild engines with. Also have the harbor freight under twenty wrench. Sometimes I double check with both, never any difference. When finished always reduce tension down to zero before storing. Go figure

**1911** · 12-22-2007, 06:26 PM

I've had several over the years and they all broke - some the cheap plastic handles, one the nut that tensions the spring backed all the way off. But I use mine a lot; I'm an ex-professional mechanic who works on a lot of stuff and I'm anal about correct torque. If you only use one every now and then they're OK; but for my money a better, all-metal one like Snap-on is way worth it. You can get good deals on Snap-on on Ebay.

**Woodsman** · 12-22-2007, 06:36 PM

I have the 1/2 mechanical Craftsman and it does a fine job. Agree with Chats though, the digital is uber-cool.

Catt22 · 12-23-2007, 12:26 AM

I have one from the "TIRE RACK" that I bought about four years ago. This clicker type torque wrench has served me well and it's relatively inexpensive at about $30.

Here's the link: Accessories - Adjustable Torque Wrench

I've checked it against higher quality wrenches and it has always been very close. It's 1/2" drive and comes with a 5" extension, a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter and a decent storage case.

I also bought the Gorilla extentable lug wrench and thin wall sockets to go with it. That was for another vehicle, but those are now in my FJ jack compartment. Good stuff:

Tools

Logansky · 12-23-2007, 04:56 AM

Thanks Guys,

I think I'll go with the one from The Tire Rack since for some reason I feel that they would not recommend a total piece of junk. I'll report back and let you know how it is.

Logansky

FJuice · 12-23-2007, 06:16 AM

Doesn't matter what Torque wrench you get. They'll only be as good as they are routinely calibrated by a certified shop.

I purchased a Craftsman DigiTorque wrench years ago that was total crap. This wrench wasn't electronic, it merely showed the set torque through a viewing window. Problem was that the rubber handler/viewing window tended to slip on the handle which meant that the reading would shift as well. Ended up overtorquing and subsequently damaging an expensive aluminum head.

Got my current calibrated Proto torque wrench off eBay for a song.