As the Fall approaches I am starting to think about the change over to winter wheels/tires. I have searched for jack recommendations and saw a great thread on DIY change overs (great tip on the Suncoast wheel mounting guide). What I can't find are any threads recommeding a good torque wrench. So, any thoughts would be welcome.

I found this on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Brown-Line-BLD...pr_product_top

Was wondering what anyone else thought.

Thanks!

 

I've been happy with my Craftsman branded wrenches. There are a bunch of types. I have no affiliation though with any wrench company.

 

I have a craftsman and have been happy with it. Sure there are lot of other good ones, but for me the Sears store is close by.

 

I have had two Craftsman click type wrenches for years and they still work great.
I had my machinist check out my oldest one after 15 years of ownership and use
and he said it is still accurate.
One goes up to 75# for light jobs and the other up to 150# for wheels etc. IIRC.

 

When in doubt find your local Snap-On dealer. I've been using the same #250 click style wrench for 25 years and it was still accurate when it was calibrated last year. Snap-On also warranties their Torque Wrenches which most of the other suppliers will only support them for 6 months.

 

Do they really warranty their tools for personal use or just for professionals? We use their tools at work for spacecraft assembly and they are fantastic. I remember looking to replace my old personal tool set with Snap-On a few years back but I skipped because the personal use warranty wasn't as good. I can't remember the details, but I just looked on their sight and they say to write them a letter to find out if your tool is under warranty. That's pretty lame customer service if you ask me.

 

These guys make them for Snap-On and I have had one for several years with no problems.

http://www.torqwrench.com/tools/C.php

 

curious which one you end up getting...

 

I got the one-way split-beam 3/8" model. I might get the 1/2" today. You should use your wrench near the middle of its range, and that requires a 1/2" model on a Porsche wheel. The 3/8" works well for a BMW in the 75# range, but the 1/2" is better for Porsche wheels at 95#, particularly since you only need to buy one socket for it. You can call the company and they will advise you, and you can get a real person on the phone.

 

One thing to keep in mind is the quality of the tool is reflected in the cost. If you don't intend to use it for engine builds but just for torquing lug nuts and such, the Home Depot branded are also of decent quality and prices are competetive.

 

Guys - thanks for all the feed back.

Gary

 

is the precision 1/2" split beam compatible with the 19mm Booth design Soft Socket?

http://www.boothedesign.com/miscellaneous.html

i assume i can just grab any 19mm soft socket for the lugbolts?

thanks in advance

 

is this deal for real? I feel like they missed a decimal point... just placed my order. no indication that this is a used or refurbished item...

http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-16250...pr_product_top

 

ok that was strange. i refreshed the page, and it's back to the $54.23 price. this is what i saw...

 

I'm glad you verified that. Did the same thing to me. Thought I was losing it.