Torque wrench

[Smallblock454]

I think as an DIY hobbiiest it's a good idea to not buy the cheapest tools, because you for shure buy them twice. That is ny personal experience.

When i was young and startet working on my cars i only had very cheap tools. Allways had broken tools and bloody tools. Especially on old, rusty bikes and cars.

Then there came a time where i was able to afford tools in a mid price range. And to buy them was a good decision. Because it is more fun to work with tools that do not brake or ruin anything if you use them with mind. Also it's about your own safety.

I have 3 torque wrenches i own 20 years now. Bougth them used, but in very good condition. They work in different torque ranges and they work good for me. I know they should be calibrated from year to year. Maybe that is also an aspect.

If i need special torque wrenches - for example for the central wheel nut (460 Nm) i lend one.

Personally i would prefer to go with an used good quality torque wrench that has an actual calibration instead of buying a new 20 USD no name torque wrench.

I would recommend to always buy the maximum quality you can afford. I know that not everybody can afford high quality tools. And that is absolutely OK. But if you like to work on stuff yourself it will be worth it. Also i would recommend to look for used tools in good condition.

Regards from Germany
Markus

[Frodo]

I have HF torque wrenches and they work fine. Can they break? I suppose so, but I think I'll know it if they do. As our friend Pedro has said, most of this stuff is common sense: with a little experience and knowing the size of the nut and the length of the lever arm (wrench) you're working with should pretty much tell you how hard to crank on the thing. I get the distinct impression he hardly ever uses a torque wrench. IIRC, he's even said as much.

[DWBOX2000]

Yeah, my buddy thinks I am nuts worrying about torquing the spark plugs. I'll probably get the craftsman and be done with it though. Middle ground. They were 80, on sale for 40 so the price seems doable. Won't take care of my water pump issue, but reading Pedro last night, seems like changing it might be a waste of money at this point.
Thanks again everyone, always interesting.
David