I need a torque wrench

teng tools ones arnt bad, 3/8" is usually big enough, or you could get a 1/2" with an adaptor, this will alow you to get more leverage.

yep...or autozone...got mine for $30 and its very accurate...i did a side by side comparison with my dads snap on torque wrench...same thing.
from what i have read, after a while the accuracy isnt as accurate on a cheaper torque wrench...but thats after years of use and improper use...dropping it...using it to take out bolts...etc etc....i think this is were the more expensive torque wrench benifit...there accuracy probably will last longer.

so if your job isnt fixing cars for a living...stick with a cheaper wrench

Originally Posted by n2Bimmer

pepboys. 20 dollars.

Originally Posted by n2Bimmer

pepboys. 20 dollars.

don't they have loaners? even autozone and advanced auto...ask...pretty sure you just put a deposit on it.

I think the $100 one from bimmer tools looks decent. anyone have it? It doenst look like theyre in stock.

Our SK wrenches are very reliable, and the new designs come with a traceable certificate of calibration. The SK torque wrenches shown on our site are the previous generation. Our supplier has been switching over to the new design, but stock seems to be thin for some reason. I hope that these will be more readily available very soon, at which time I plan on doing more promotion.

I apologize for the inconvenience.

Money spent on a torque wrench is money well spent. Not only look for accuracy but reliability and repeatability. It makes zero sense to guy a 20 precision measuring tool.
I own a 1/2" drive 50-250 lb, and a 3/8" 20-100lb Snap-On torque wrenches. I payed $199 for the 1/2" drive and $150 for the 3/8" drive. And make sure to get them calibrated every 3 or 4 years. I have had mine for about 8 years and I use the crap out of the 1/2" drive, and I could sell as new (lug nuts).Last time I had the 1/2" calibrated, it was still dead nuts on after 4 years. Keep in mind torque wrenches are the most accurate on a certain percentage of their rating. Usually within the middle 50%. Say on my 50-250, it would most accurate from around 70-175 or close to that. That's why I have a 3/8" drive that overlaps the 1/2" drive. Personally, I would get a SK from Ken. Harbor Freight tools are good to use once and then put in the trash. I have bought air body saws there and it lasts 2 years ($50) that one took a crap, and got another ($50) and it lasted a month. I then got a Snap-On $275 and have had this one 4 years no issues. You can buy a Harbor Freight tool one day, go buy the same tool a week later, and have two different quality of tools. And I prefer the micrometer click type of torque wrench.

Originally Posted by BodyMan

Money spent on a torque wrench is money well spent. Not only look for accuracy but reliability and repeatability.

Originally Posted by Born Again

+1. Even on the sears website; worst reviews ever.

Do they carry the tool u got at home depot?

Ah, the Husky? Funny story. I was looking at them online a few months ago, and then when I went to buy one, poof! I guess they stopped selling them? Though I can't imagine why...I went on ebay and bought one that was still new in its packaging (for a nice discount, too!) Easily the best money I've spent on a tool, all in all...besides maybe that $15 harbor freight wrench

Originally Posted by ken@bimmertools

Our SK wrenches are very reliable, and the new designs come with a traceable certificate of calibration. The SK torque wrenches shown on our site are the previous generation. Our supplier has been switching over to the new design, but stock seems to be thin for some reason. I hope that these will be more readily available very soon, at which time I plan on doing more promotion.

I apologize for the inconvenience.

Ken

Are the SK torque wrenches on your site now the latest generation? How do they differ from what you sold in the past? Any specials on new generation wrenches?

This type are inexpensive on eBay. The dial is good, but there is a version with a second needle that shows max torque.

Originally Posted by xi_ter

This type are inexpensive on eBay. The dial is good, but there is a version with a second needle that shows max torque.

Cheap torque wrenches are dime a dozen at Harbor Freight too. What I'm looking for is a quality wrench at a reasonable price.

Originally Posted by lkstaack

Cheap torque wrenches are dime a dozen at Harbor Freight too. What I'm looking for is a quality wrench at a reasonable price.

I wouldn't buy a cheap one either. These are industrial quality made in the US in the 50s 60s and 70s. Totally non destructible, accurate and no electronic gadgetry.
To see what I mean check this listing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Catep...motiveQ5fTools

Originally Posted by lkstaack

Ken

Are the SK torque wrenches on your site now the latest generation? How do they differ from what you sold in the past? Any specials on new generation wrenches?

The tools now listed on our site are the latest versions. There are a couple primary differences:

1. Ergonomic nylon handle
2. Easier to read dial for torque settings
3. Includes a traceable certificate of calibration

Also, though not a document-able trait, they just feel nicer! I have the previous generation, and I'm having a hard time not keeping one for myself.

As for specials, I'm afraid that our margins are so unbelievably thin that there is no way we can discount them at the moment. Demand was ridiculously high for SK, and they only recently came out of a nation-wide back order. As a result, our supplier is not discounting them nearly as much as we'd like. In fact, I came very close to not listing these tools due to the razor thin profit margin. However, I've promised many patient Fanatics and customers that these were on the way, so they're listed... for now! I really hope pricing settles down as supply builds up across the country.

Ken

You guys are too anal about your torque settings. When was the last time you seen even a mechanic use one on your car at a Professional shop. The only time I've seen them use it is on the engine internal or at a Ferrari repair shop.

But for newbies I can understand why you would use one. They are not familar with what torque values are by feel and can be assure that they are doing it correctly.

Just get a cheap torque wrench. Your not doing it for a living.

Get one 3/8" drive and one 1/2" drive. A 1/4" is pretty useless.

The tolerances for these nuts are bolts are not +/_ 0.01 Nm. They are much higher than that.

i got a gear wrench one from my matco dealer came with a 3/8 mini ratchet and a pair ag gloves(i had him switch them for matco nitril ones) and the 1/2in torque wrench for $150. H how do you calibrate them? is there a precision gauge i can buy to test *** accurate the dial is?

Originally Posted by vsyucla

The only time I've seen them use it is on the engine internal or at a Ferrari repair shop.

You should try taking your bimmer to other shops besides Pep Boys. All respectable mechanics use torque wrenches.

Originally Posted by vsyucla

Just get a cheap torque wrench. Your not doing it for a living.

What kind of awesome experience do you have to make such a recommendation?

Originally Posted by vsyucla

But for newbies I can understand why you would use one. They are not familar with what torque values are by feel and can be assure that they are doing it correctly.

I've probably been turning wrenches before you were born

Originally Posted by lkstaack

You should try taking your bimmer to other shops besides Pep Boys. All respectable mechanics use torque wrenches.

Do you really think your BMW dealer looks up every torque value, set the values for the torque wrench, switch sockets, put down their air wrench, and torque each bolt/nut accordingly? Do you realize how much time this would take for each bolt/nut.

I have several friends that own repair shops and works on very high end cars. Many of them have worked at dealerships before.

I had this concern when I first started working on my own cars and asked them about it.

What kind of awesome experience do you have to make such a recommendation?

None. Just a weekend mechanic.

I've probably been turning wrenches before you were born

I'm sure you have. But fixing covered wagons and Model T's might have different tolerances than todays cars.

i just wish i had a garage to work on my car!

Originally Posted by vsyucla

Do you really think your BMW dealer looks up every torque value, set the values for the torque wrench, switch sockets, put down their air wrench, and torque each bolt/nut accordingly? Do you realize how much time this would take for each bolt/nut.

I have several friends that own repair shops and works on very high end cars. Many of them have worked at dealerships before.

I had this concern when I first started working on my own cars and asked them about it.

None. Just a weekend mechanic.

I'm sure you have. But fixing covered wagons and Model T's might have different tolerances than todays cars.

Good mechanics will use air tools to remove fasteners and to start them; they will, however, use a torque wrench to finish tightening key fasteners. I'm under no illusions that many mechanics don't do this; even factory mechanics (though I don't consider them the pinnicle of automotive excellence). The fact that many mechanics cut corners is a significant reason that I work on my own cars (for non-warranty issues).

I understand the temptation to use cheaper tools; I've been using a Harbor Freight torque wrench for years. Many people, including my wife, will not understand why I've purchased a new torque wrench when I already have a perfectly good one. However, after reading different threads here and internet posts concerning torque wrenchs, I've come to the conclusion that Bimmertools solution is a good compromise for piece of mind.

Oh, and by the way; torque specs were important when I learned how to turn a wrench in shop class, and probably even more important now. I remember torqueing the hub retainer on the 'ol Conestoga with a gaigantic dial wrench. I'd hook up a team of eight horses and that baby would fly.

Originally Posted by deadpass

I got mine in 1/2" because I find that the best size for wheel lugs and getting the oil filter housing cap off, however 3/8" is going to be more universal I'd guess.

Whoa whoa whoa, please tell me you're not using your torque wrench to REMOVE fasteners...

OP: Look into CDI and Precision Instruments. They are the manufacturers for Snap-On click and split-beam type wrenches respectively. I have a Precision Instruments split-beam 3/8" thats accurate from 10-50ftlbs and a CDI ring type clicker in 1/2" thats accurate from 25-250ftlbs. The reason I got two and not one is because I dont trust the low end accuracy of wrenches that go from say 0 or 10ftlbs to 100, because if you read the details, they say the wrench is only accurate from 20%-100% of the rating. So basically if you buy a 10-100 wrench and want to tighten a bolt to 11 or 14ftlbs, the wrench will only measure accurately down to 20.

I got the PI new for $150 from an online store and the CDI for $40 in like-new condition on ebay.