Torque Wrench Advice

[gumby6371]

Hi all, got a couple of jobes to tackle where a torque wrench would be very handy so I might just invest in my own. I'm looking at the 40 to 200 nm halfords pro, can't imagine I'd need anything with higher torque on a car but will it go low enough??

[ally406]

Hi Gumby, generally speaking Halfords tools are of very good quality. You want a wrench that can torque with reasonable accuracy. When I was shopping about a couple of years ago, I read a torque wrench round up in Auto Express. Draper got the best buy as it turned out to be one of the most accurate at any price range, but was also very cheap. It's build quality is not bad and it's taken a lot of abuse from me and is still going, so it gets my recommendation.

[FarmerPug]

I havent got one but i used my uncles draper torque wrench when i put my jeeps flywheel and clutch on, it worked very well, i had to read the instructions because id never used a torque wrench before but they were easy to follow and the draper just did everything correctly, and it feels as well made as teng tools stuff.

heres a cool looking device, although im not sure how strong it would be held in a plastic casing like that.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-STW290 ... 640wt_1141

[steve_earwig]

Perhaps a better range would be 20 to 150? I've just been having a quick squint through the Haynes and there's not very much over 100Nm but there's plenty below 40.

Just having a squint at Halford's

8 to 60
40 to 200
60 to 300 (still not high enough for a hub nut)

I have 2 Norbars myself...

[Doggy]

I've got an ancient Halfrauds that goes from rugger ball to about 120 Nm
Anything bigger, I borrow one from work - mostly Norbars, (but we have got a 12,000 Nm pneumatic Christie and a 25,000 Nm hydraulic Hytorc, just in case.....)

[gumby6371]

Thanks for all the responses, I can't justify just going out and buying 2 torque wrenches straight away as I may need them at some point. Looking at the reviews the Halfords pro came out best in my price range, more money than the draper but I like the idea of a lifetime garuntee. Will probably get the 40 to 200 as the jobs I need to do sit in that range and buy the smaller one when I need it.
I'm also looking at the Halfords pro 150 piece socket set, I think I need to get some garage quotes for the work my car needs then I can show them to my financial advisor/mrs and explain that I can buy the parts and tools for less than a garage will charge

[FarmerPug]

its hard to beat the feeling when you fix the problem yourself and then you also have got the tools if you ever need them again

i never knew halfords gave a lifetime guarentee, the guarentee is why i was buying teng sockets recently

[ally406]

I know everyone loves to knock Halfrauds, and their pimply staff are often clueless. However their tools are actually very good quality. They often have half price promos on certain kits making them very worth while. The lifetime guarantee is also very good. I did once manage to break a hex bit after 18 months, and it was a sunday. I just went down to the shop and they swapped it for a new one without hesitation or receipt, and I could get back to work.

[FarmerPug]

that sounds quite good if you break something like teng or snap on youd have to post it off and wait for the replacement at least halford stores are handy to get to.