i need a torque wrench.

junior varsity · April 05, 2009, 06:21:09 PM

i don't have a need for one that can also make cappuccino, but I want one that works and is easy to use.

what's out there at the different price points? What do you use? What do you recommend me getting for working on the Duc?

I'm about to replace clutch & basket, so that's the first task this thing will be up against. (8 basket bolts, and one hub nut i believe).

ducpainter · April 05, 2009, 06:25:02 PM

This would do better in tech.

You can move it.

junior varsity · April 05, 2009, 06:27:06 PM

april fools was a few days ago, DP.

corey · April 05, 2009, 06:31:45 PM

chris at ca-cycleworks has a couple low-budget torque wrenches that are working PERFECTLY for me.
nice, loud, audible and tactile clicks when you hit the right torque setting.
engraved readings, etc.
not bad for $35.

junior varsity · April 05, 2009, 06:33:35 PM

Which one of the two do you recommend? 1/2 or 3/8" drive for work on the bike?

I figure I eventually would benefit from both, but I don't have that kinda scratch just now.

ducpainter · April 05, 2009, 06:35:36 PM

Quote from: ato memphis on April 05, 2009, 06:27:06 PM
april fools was a few days ago, DP.

...am I an idiot?

Sorry.

Bun-bun · April 05, 2009, 08:58:19 PM

I have a Husky 1/2" that I really like. It was fairly cheap, has proven accurate against my buddy's $200 Snap-on, and locks in place so you don't accidently change torque settings.
It came from Lowes and I think it was under $50.
I suggest a 1/2" rather than a 3/8". The 1/2" models are longer, handle a higher torque rating (Mostly), and you can use a 3/8" adaptor for the smaller sockets.

OwnyTony · April 05, 2009, 09:46:46 PM

Go to harbor freight on summer ave. I doubt that you will use it enough to want something like snap-on or mac, or maybe even craftsman. Got mine at the 24 hour autozone a block down from harbor freight. It is something like $15-20. The husky would be nice too but for me, my budget and the actual work i dont just dont justify me buying high quality tools at the moment. They (H F) also have some adapters and i would also recommend the 1/2 inch

By the way.....IM SO BUMMED. Your'e from Memphis, i think you know what i mean. I so wanted an announcement on April 1st to be a joke.

corndog67 · April 05, 2009, 09:59:04 PM

I used to use Snap-On or Mac or other high end stuff. Now it's Craftsman or if I need a killer one, one of the Snap-On or Matco from work (the shop was sponsored by both those guys at different times in the past few years), as for the Harbor Freight, I try to stay away from the Chinese stuff, the job you save might be your own. If that bugs some people, oh well, I try not to buy Chinese or Taiwan stuff, as a principal, their manufacturing habits are going to kill manufacturing in this country.

scott_araujo · April 05, 2009, 10:34:29 PM

I've got 1/4" and 3/8" from Harbor freight and they both work well. These are the click style and were both inexpensive. I also have a flex bar type 1/2" I've had for years. I only use it for a few things like axle nuts.

Scott

OwnyTony · April 05, 2009, 11:12:18 PM

Quote from: corndog67 on April 05, 2009, 09:59:04 PM
I used to use Snap-On or Mac or other high end stuff. Now it's Craftsman or if I need a killer one, one of the Snap-On or Matco from work (the shop was sponsored by both those guys at different times in the past few years), as for the Harbor Freight, I try to stay away from the Chinese stuff, the job you save might be your own. If that bugs some people, oh well, I try not to buy Chinese or Taiwan stuff, as a principal, their manufacturing habits are going to kill manufacturing in this country.

If i had the scratch, i would buy better specialty tools. Most of the time, if i need some sort of "specialty" tool, i most likely only need to use it that one time, or not much more after. also, most of the time, these "specialty" tools are not available at some place that sells mid quality stuff but available at harbor freight. hence me picking up a tool at HF every once in a while. So far, the cheep made in china stuff has got through the mods and maintenance work on my bike. I would love to have the whole snap on collection of tools but i have yet to win the lottery.

Langanobob · April 06, 2009, 05:05:28 AM

Quoteas for the Harbor Freight, I try to stay away from the Chinese stuff, the job you save might be your own. If that bugs some people, oh well, I try not to buy Chinese or Taiwan stuff, as a principal, their manufacturing habits are going to kill manufacturing in this country.

+1. It doesn't bug me at all, and I'm glad to see I have some company. Principles seem to be going by the wayside in this country. The price difference between say Sears and HF isn't all that much anyway, although Sears tools aren't what they used to be they're still better than HF and still mostly made in the USA.

junior varsity · April 06, 2009, 05:10:15 AM

My Tigers:

I'll run down to Autozone to peruse their "selection" later today, and see if I can find a nearby Sears.

Langanobob · April 06, 2009, 06:06:22 AM

I rarely need or use a torque wrench and I like the simple beam and pointer type. You can see the physics of how it works right in front of you and no hidden springs or other parts to adjust or get out of calibration. If I used one all day long every day I might feel different about having a convenient "click".

corey · April 06, 2009, 06:11:40 AM

get the 1/2 drive version, as the range is better suited for the stuff you'll want to use a torque wrench on. use an adapter for your 3/8 sockets. i know you're not supposed to, but it never gives me any problems.

i have both, and have found that i RARELY need the smaller wrench, as its range is 20-200 inch pounds, which is like 2-16 ft. lbs...

News:

i need a torque wrench.

corndog67