torquewrenchtorture

L

lakeside

Senior Member
I need to buy a torque wrench. 3/8'' drive flex/split-beam,click style,20-100 lb.ft.. Snap-on has one for $339.00. Precision Instruments for $112.00-$185.00. The only difference I see is that the P.I. wrench has increments of 2 lb.ft. rather than straight increments on the Snap-on.
Question. Is that significant for a Model A? Does it matter, for example, if the head nuts are torqued at 56 lb. ft. rather than 55 lb. ft.? Are there other applications on an A where this difference would seriously matter and it would be better to buy the Snap-on? Thank you.
 
I am certainly no expert mechanic, but I have gotten along just fine for years with an old Sears Craftsman beam torque wrench. But I do believe in spending for the best quality tools. From what I've read here & on other forums, the PI wrench would probably be more than adequate for use on an A, and still leave you with money for other tools...or beer.
 
I bought the Craftsman 3/8 drive and it works for "most" things. It only goes up to 85# or so. I have a 1/2" drive that goes up to 150# for those other things. I also have a 1/4" drive "INCH #" for the small stuff.

You do pay extra for the Snap-On logo. But they are super nice tools.
 
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Y-Blockhead said:
Here's a couple of articles that may help;

http://www.bestcovery.com/best-torque-wrench-overall#163534

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/additional-how-to/ccrp-1304-torque-wrench-testing/

I have a 3/8" drive Proto that I use most of the time and a 1/2" Harbor Freight that I use 'on the BIG stuff'.

Remember after using always turn it back to "0" to keep it accurate
Click to expand...

When i read the post the first thing I though of was that hotrod.com article and the harbor freight review.
 
I think we have 2 very old beam style, needle swing style, and a husky click drive.

BUT remember these cars have been worked on behind the house/barn/shed/on the street for 80 years and id assume more than half of the backyard mechanics didnt have a torque wrench and did just fine.
 
i think advance and autozoo have them in the loan a tool program. free just need a credit card/debit card number as a deposit.
 
Reply. Bill W. #10. I also looked on ebay for used but the problem is, I've heard, you should have the torque wrench recalibrated and that runs about $100.00 in these parts. Thanks.
 
Both ends of the spectrum, Bill and Mitch. I do think Snap On tools are works of art, though. FWIW, I have an ancient Craftsman beam type that seems to work okay. I think it's 1/2 in drive, but I would need to look to be sure. I had not used it for many years until I bought my Model A!
 
Mixture of Craftsman & HF . I've trusted the HF 3/8 to keep my butt safe in the air torquing Rotax engines for yrs .
 
NO, there is no aplication on an A where 1 lb will make or brake it. The biggest thing is if the wrench is acurate in the first place. Find a freind/mechanic with one and test yours against his at several different torques and compare. A ten dollar one from a pawn shop may be better than a $200 Snap on. If any torque wrench is dropped it should be re-calibrated/checked and as posted above, if you have a "torque setting" where you screw the handle in to a specific torque, ALWAYS release it back to 0 when done. Enjoy whatever wrench you choose, I myself always love adding chrome to my tool box :)
 
Y-Blockhead - Sounds as though you worked in the AF on airplanes because that was what was beat into our heads when using a torque wrench, "Remember after using always turn it back to "0" to keep it accurate".

I bought a 3/8" drive Craftsman digital. Sure works good for me
 
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