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Torque wrench
I thought about purchasing a torque wrench. After Looking at previous posts, using the search “torque wrench,” a lot of information was provided, but I could not find a recommended manufacturer or brand to purchase. Any recommendations?
Sam

Re: Torque wrench
Reply #1
Hi Sam;  A lot depends on what you plan to use it for. A heavy duty 100-300 foot pounds, accurate and used daily for a critical assembly, say assembling engines, is a lot different than for a once or twice a year 50ish pound feet assembly of something not very critical.  Wheel  lug nuts is about all I would want to measure.  I have a Harbor Freight 'Pittsburg' brand wrench (half inch drive). I use it for consistency more than accuracy.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Torque wrench
Reply #2
Some years ago a couple of people from this LDO neighborhood recommended Tekton.  I have 2 of them and they have worked very well.  The smaller goes to 80 ft. lbs. and the larger to 250 ft. lbs. Hope this helps.

Re: Torque wrench
Reply #3
I use two torque wrenches to maintain our LD. The first is a long 1/2" torque wrench used primarily for tightening the lug nuts. It is also used for internal engine work. The other is a small bicycle torque wrench.

1/2" drive  50-250 lbs
I have no recommended brand but do recommend a longer version for the lug nuts, set at 140 ft/lbs.
https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-50-250-ft-lb-click-torque-wrench-58995.html?_br_psugg_q=1%2F2+inch+torque+wrench

A small, beam-type bicycle torque wrench is used for adjusting the preload on the front and rear wheel bearings or the differential bearings. Larger torque wrenches are too big to accurately measure the low preloads used for adjusting the axles' tapered roller bearings.
Parks 1/4"  0–14 NM
TW-1.2 Beam-Type Torque Wrench — 0–14 Nm | Park Tool

Larry
 
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Torque wrench
Reply #4
Quote
I use two torque wrenches to maintain our LD
Ahhhh... the ole beam wrench. I used one of those for many years. Then I went to the click type like your 1/2" drive for both 1/2" and 1/4". If I were buying one now though, I think I'd go for the electronic type with the digital display and the nice little beep.
jor
09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester

Re: Torque wrench
Reply #5
Ahhhh... the ole beam wrench. I used one of those for many years. Then I went to the click type like your 1/2" drive for both 1/2" and 1/4". If I were buying one now though, I think I'd go for the electronic type with the digital display and the nice little beep.

Clicker-type torque wrenches can be used when setting preloads on tapered-roller bearings, the type used in wheel bearings but the settings are more accurate and easier to determine with the old-fashioned beam type. The beam type maintains its accuracy better too, as long as the pointer is on zero when not under load.

Clicker types should be recalibrated periodically, the internal springs can weaken. I miss having access to a calibrated torque tester, a job benefit.
An electronic torque wrench is great..until when you need it and its oddball battery is dead.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Torque wrench
Reply #6
I have two that I used for years, both click type and both are Proto. One 3/8 and the other 1/2 with the long handle. I have always stored them in the zero position and never mistreated them and to my knowledge, they are still close enough for what I need. They should be recalibrated but since I retired they'll be just fine. Like Ron says it all depends on their use.

Jon
1994 MB

Re: Torque wrench
Reply #7
Here's another vote for Tekton. I have two of their torque wrenches, and a number of their sockets, flat wrenches, etc. I've found them to offer good quality at affordable prices.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"