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Which Torque wrench?

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torque wrench
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5.9K views 13 replies 11 participants last post by  nutcase  
#1 ·
As the car is out of extended warranty, I am about to start doing my own basic servicing and maintenance. I want to get a torque wrench, but having opened my Sealy catalogue and seen the plethora of different handle lengths and torque ranges, I would appreciate some advice. i am unlikely to be stripping the engine, just the basics of servicing and brake replacement. As my socket set has 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets I will go with either of those. Then the choice is a variety of handle lengths (275mm to 1070mm) and a huge number of overlapping torque ranges. My guess is 40Nm to 200Nm, but thats quite a range and therefore expensive. Would a narrower range be adequate or ultimately a false economy?
 
#2 ·
40nm to 200nm should be be fine, with 1/2" drive.

I don't know what you mean by expensive, but I would expect to pay around ÂŁ15-ÂŁ25 depending on quality.

Take a look in your local motor accessory shop or the Machine Mart catalogue.
 
#4 ·
I've got two- a 3/8" for the smaller stuff and a 1/2" for bigger.

The 3/8" has a range of 10-100Nm and this is the one that you will use most for basic servicing etc. I really only use the 1/2 one for the wheelbolts.

Handle lengths are about 300mm for the 3/8 and 600mm for the 1/2". I keep the 1/2" in the boot to use if I need to change a wheel...

Halfords tools are generally good quality.
 
#5 ·
Argos sell a 1/2 drive one that would be suitable for your needs,


Challenge Micrometer Torque Wrench.
701/3887


ÂŁ14.75


1/2in square drive with 1/2 x 3/8in square drive adaptor.

Complete with 5in extension bar and tough storage case.

Operating range 28 to 210 Newton metres.
 
#6 ·
Thanks guys,
You have saved me a small fortune. The Sealey wrench that I was looking at (30-210Nm) was on special offer of ÂŁ85 reduced from ÂŁ115
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. What a difference to ÂŁ10-ÂŁ15. They do cheaper ones, but with a much narrower torque range; must be Pro tools as they come with individual test certificates and guarantees as to calibration and accuracy.

KevBu
 The star socket and bit set (torx) 17465, will also be useful if your starting to work on saabs.  [/b]
I have a full range of long and short Torx bits, but no sockets I haven't noticed any fasteners of that type on her 9-5, is it worthwhile getting a set of sockets to go with the bits ?
 
#8 ·
Originally posted by carrera:
[qb]I don't know what you mean by expensive, but I would expect to pay around ÂŁ15-ÂŁ25 depending on quality.
[/qb][/b]
That little? After a tour of toolshops here, I'd expect anything in the region of 100-150 euro... You sure there's anything half decent available in the ÂŁ15-25 price range? If so, the purchase of one would be a more economical decision than I thought...
 
#9 ·
I can vouch for the Screwfix wrench. The only test of quality I need is that it hasn't broken in the time I've had it (and at ÂŁ10, I would happily think of it as annual rental if it had broken). I've looked at the Halfords one, and to my eyes, I'd say the only difference is the colour of the plastic box it comes in, and that the word 'Screwfix' has been crossed out, and 'Halfords' written in using blue crayon.

Carl
 
#10 ·
KevBu
   QUOTE
 The star socket and bit set (torx) 17465, will also be useful if your starting to work on saabs.  [/b]
I have a full range of long and short Torx bits, but no sockets I haven't noticed any fasteners of that type on her 9-5, is it worthwhile getting a set of sockets to go with the bits ?[/b][/quote]I think your right, Ive never come across a torx nut needing a socket on my '96 900, but as you know there are plenty of torx screws/bolts needing a torx bit (which you already have)
 
#12 ·
Originally posted by Eric van Spelde:
That little? After a tour of toolshops here, I'd expect anything in the region of 100-150 euro... You sure there's anything half decent available in the ÂŁ15-25 price range? If so, the purchase of one would be a more economical decision than I thought...[/b]
I've just been outside to the car, my torque wrench is about 10 years old I think, 1/2 inch drive, 40-210NM with the circular disc on top for tightening to a set figure plus x degrees. It's made by Tengtools & I think I paid around ÂŁ25 for it. I would expect the price to be about the same today.

Under the floor is my "spare" torque wrench, bought from Biltema. According to the winter 2001/02 catalogue I must have paid Kr198 for it ( €20/ £14). I just love Biltema, good quality tools at unbelievably competitive prices. I just checked out the website, go into teknik and search for momentnyckel.... the price is unchanged.

My 3/4" drive 22-50mm socket set with ratchet etc in metal case was Kr598/ÂŁ42 I think. There are times I'm very popular around the paddock

They now have branches in Denmark, as well as Sweden, Norway and Finland. If I was where you are Eric I would take a trip up this weekend & be prepared to travel back loaded with lots of new shiny tools
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#13 ·
I have three that range from 10lbs up to 250lbs(driveshaft hub nuts) Two, I have had for about 20 years and the last one I bought from Halfords for about ÂŁ35 specifically to do the CV joints on my old 9000 about 2/3 years ago.

Mike
 
#14 ·
I wouldn't touch Halford's torque wrenches. I've broken 3, each of a different design. Ok, so they have a lifetime warranty, but that's no use if you need it and they're closed.

Every other tool in their pro range seems ok, but their torque wrenches are rubbish. IMO.