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  #1  
Old 11-20-2016, 09:21 AM
Mark Jackson Mark Jackson is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Houston
Posts: 65
Default Torque wrench recommendations

I have a couple of torque wrenches I bought for like $50 apiece. They are okay but now that I'm getting to important things like fastening tank attach bolts, I'd like a decent, reliable torque wrench. Being cheap (I own a Mooney after all), I'm reluctant to pop $400 for a Snap-On. Is there anything between the low end and the high end?
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Old 11-20-2016, 09:45 AM
dhc2jeep1 dhc2jeep1 is offline
 
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Location: USA
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There are many quality torque wrenches out there for around $200. Gear Wrench has torque wrenches that are good quality. I have several brands, including Gear Wrench, Snapon, S&K, and Craftsman. Stay away from the Harbor Freight stuff. Also, remember that clicker type wrenches need to be stored with the torque setting to the lowest setting, in order to avoid changing the set in the internal spring and affecting the torque value. A lot of experts use the beam style wench for accuracy/repeat ability, but I find their scales difficult to read easily in confined spaces.
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Old 11-20-2016, 10:01 AM
rapid_ascent rapid_ascent is offline
 
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Location: Dublin, CA
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I have a couple of torque wrenches. One larger one that I use when I'm doing car repairs, it's a craftsman. Watch for sales on these. The other one which I bought for the kit assembly is a cdi 1/4" drive. I can't remember where I bought it from but they are sold on amazon. Check your table of torque values that you will need to make sure you get the right one. For AN3 bolts this value is pretty small. I also have a 1/4" to 3/8" adapter that I use for sockets. If they make the same torque wrench in a 3/8" drive that may be a better choice but I guess it depends on your set of sockets which is more convenient. The cdi wrench is a quality tool but you'll need to spend a few bucks.
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  #4  
Old 11-20-2016, 11:09 AM
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skylor skylor is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Southern California
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rapid_ascent View Post
I have a couple of torque wrenches. One larger one that I use when I'm doing car repairs, it's a craftsman. Watch for sales on these. The other one which I bought for the kit assembly is a cdi 1/4" drive. I can't remember where I bought it from but they are sold on amazon. Check your table of torque values that you will need to make sure you get the right one. For AN3 bolts this value is pretty small. I also have a 1/4" to 3/8" adapter that I use for sockets. If they make the same torque wrench in a 3/8" drive that may be a better choice but I guess it depends on your set of sockets which is more convenient. The cdi wrench is a quality tool but you'll need to spend a few bucks.
For lighter torque applications (95% of everything on our RV's) I much prefer a dial type torque wrench over the clicker type.

Here's and example of one that Spruce sells:



Skylor
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  #5  
Old 11-20-2016, 12:21 PM
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wirejock wirejock is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Estes Park, CO
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Default CDI

CDI make some quality torque wrenches. I have 1/4 & 3/8.
I was told CDI makes them for Snap On.
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  #6  
Old 11-20-2016, 01:03 PM
RVDan RVDan is offline
 
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Location: Frederick, MD
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Some things can be had as good deals on ebay, and torque wrenches seems to be one of them.
I got Snap-On torque wrenches for about .50 on the dollar or less and if you buy carefully you can get ones that are practically new. After buying 3, I got them calibrated and none required adjustment.

IMO, Snap On makes some of the best whether you like the click type or the dial type.
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Old 11-20-2016, 04:25 PM
sblack sblack is offline
 
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Are the digital torque adapters any good?
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  #8  
Old 11-20-2016, 05:10 PM
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N941WR N941WR is offline
 
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I have a KD Tools 1/4" drive 5-50 inch-pound torque wrench that I LOVE! I also have a large Sears Craftsman that is just OK.

The KD Tools torque wrench is very small, so it fits where my other torque wrenches won't.

I do remember paying well over $100 for it 15 years ago, probably around $180. While expensive, it was money well spent!
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  #9  
Old 11-20-2016, 06:27 PM
jibby212 jibby212 is offline
 
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CDI, 75$ on ebay, very happy with it.
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  #10  
Old 11-20-2016, 09:03 PM
Evolution10 Evolution10 is offline
 
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Location: oregon
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CDI is a great tool for the $$.
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