Torque Wrenches

[paul888]

Can anyone recommend decent priced torque wrenches? I just took delivery of my LX and I need to get torque wrenches to cover the required ranges.

 

[OntheRidge]

I use an Icon (Harbor Freight), 40-250 ft-lbs.I think around $100.

 

[GrizBota]

Depends on how good is good enough for the end user. Anywhere from $500 plus snap on to $20 Harbor Freight will buy one that works fine. Most of mine are on the lower cost end. A 1/2 inch drive torque wrench that goes up to about 150 ft-lbs will do “most” routine maintenance you need on a CUT tractor. One that goes up to 250 ft-lbs would probably do nearly everything you need to rebuild a CUT. I think the rear wheel lug torque on my L is 160 ft-lbs, what’s that, 150 plus a little bit? The torque wrenches with the “clicker” are handy. Nothing against the beam wrenches, but you have to be able to see them.

 

[cthomas]

You forgot about the the Snap-On torque wrenches that beep and vibrate when the requested torque is reached.

 

[GrizBota]

You forgot about the the Snap-On torque wrenches that beep and vibrate when the requested torque is reached.

Lol. There’s probably a whole lot of things I didn’t mention.

 

[Fordtech86]

You forgot about the the Snap-On torque wrenches that beep and vibrate when the requested torque is reached.

this is the way

 

[paul888]

I just need something that is accurate and can do the job. It's only needed for the tractor so its use will be limited.

 

[lynnmor]

I just need something that is accurate and can do the job. It's only needed for the tractor so its use will be limited.

There has been Youtube videos comparing anything from real cheap Harbor Freight to over the top expensive ones, their results should convince you to buy the real cheap ones for tractor work.

 

[The Evil Twin]

I can't vouch for their torque wrenches, but HF feeler gauges are the worst thing ever.
Pretty much been using the Craftsman branded ones for ever. They have remained pretty accurate for their service life. I check them every so often.
Unless you are building engines or transmissions, the accuracy isn't as important as repeatability. A wheel doesn't care if it's nuts are 150 or 180 lb ft. It does care that they are all close to the same torque though.

 

[The Evil Twin]

There has been Youtube videos comparing anything from real cheap Harbor Freight to over the top expensive ones, their results should convince you to buy the real cheap ones for tractor work.

Eh, I don't put too much stock in what is shown on the tube. I know enough mechanics, and built enough bikes and Jeeps to know that you get questionable quality with cheap torque wrenches.

 

[Flintknapper]

this is the way

I like a digital for accurate automotive/engine use.

But for general use (lug nuts, fasteners on tractors) the various Proto (click or beam style) torque wrenches I have do a good job. Two of those are calibrated however.

 

[GeoHorn]

Do you know how aircraft shops certify clicker torque wrenches? They use calibration stations…OR….they use beam torque wrenches for comparison. So, …guess which type is more reliable for the long term…

 

[85Hokie]

bought this:

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-...e-10-150-ft-lb-click-torque-wrench-63882.html

cannot say it is "perfect" nor do I know the error while using it.

But have used it twice so far and no problems.

 

[GeoHorn]

bought this:

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-...e-10-150-ft-lb-click-torque-wrench-63882.html

cannot say it is "perfect" nor do I know the error while using it.

But have used it twice so far and no problems.

They claim the same accuracy as Snap-On….2%. I’ve checked my three HF torque wrenches…(1/4” in-lbs, 3/8” ft-lb and 1/2” ft-lb…and they are ALL within tolerance with my Thorsen beam torque-wrench.

(at least the HF tool-store keeps the American cashiers and distribution-network workers employed)

 

[Nicksacco]

I use my Craftsman beam type, HFT clicker type and this torque tool from HFT.

 

[lynnmor]

bought this:

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-...e-10-150-ft-lb-click-torque-wrench-63882.html

cannot say it is "perfect" nor do I know the error while using it.

But have used it twice so far and no problems.

I have one, when connected to others that I have the reading is spot on.

 

[MountainMeadows]

Don't forget the built in torque wrench we all have. Just tighten until your elbow clicks and you're all set.......

 

[Elliott in GA]

Tekton - nearly everything is built in Taiwan or the US, and the price/quality are right.

TEKTON Hand Tools | Shop Sockets, Wrenches, Screwdrivers, and Pliers

Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, our focus is on making the best hand tool systems for mechanical and assembly work. We're known for our complete tool sets that don't skip sizes, and our innovative USA-made wrench and screwdriver product lines.

www.tekton.com

 

[85Hokie]

Don't forget the built in torque wrench we all have. Just tighten until your elbow clicks and you're all set.......

I always liked the GRUNT and a HALF method too!

 

[Bmyers]

They have this Tekton one on sale.

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Torque-10-150-Lb-13-6-203-5-24335/dp/B00C5ZL0RU/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=torque%2Bwrench&qid=1689076437&s=hi&sprefix=torque%2Ctools%2C141&sr=1-8&th=1